On Saturday April 25th, Rudy R. Badilla, of Miami, AZ, loving husband and father of three, passed away at age 75 in Phoenix, AZ. His loving family was by his side. He was born to Ramon and Mary (Madril) Badilla November 1st, 1944 in Jerome AZ. He was the youngest of three children. He spent some of his younger years growing up on a ranch around the Santa Maria River near Congress, AZ. There he learned to ride horses and tend to ranching needs. After his high school years in Globe, Rudy spent several years in the Army National Guard obtaining the rank of Sergeant. During his early adult life, he spent time working construction and later turned to mining at Inspiration/Cyprus/Phelps Dodge/Freeport as an overhead crane man and retired in 2011 after 43 years.

In 1967 Rudy married the love of his life, Sylvia Amado of Miami, AZ. They went on to have three children. Known as "Pops" within the family, Rudy was a devout father, a loving husband and superb great-grandfather. While raising his children, he spent his free time away from work attending his children's extra-curricular activities without fail. He even found time to help or coach different sports during that time. He loved catfishing out at the river and would do so for days at a time with family and friends. He also loved hunting and would attend "deer camp" every year even if he wasn't hunting. Either for the thrill if it was successful or just to be out in the fresh air and enjoy the company. In his later years, he would help out at the ranch with Chaca running water for all the cattle.

Rudy was a kind and gentle soul with a huge and generous heart. His door was always open. He had a great laugh and a welcoming smile for anyone at any time. His friends were many and his love for his family was unmeasurable. Most people would be hard pressed to say they ever saw him mad. He rarely talked about himself in a conversation with you, but instead would always take the time to ask you how things were going in your life. Talking to him was easy and sometimes relaxing, whether it was his soothing blue eyes or his calming voice we could never tell. His patience was absolutely remarkable and truly a person who lived and led by example.

Rudy is preceded in death by his Parents, Miguel and Mary Trujillo, his father, Ramon Badilla, brother, Raymond (Lupe) Badilla of Miami, AZ and sister, Rose Wilke of Casa Grande, AZ. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sylvia, daughter, Rena (Joe) Gamboa of Miami, AZ, sons, Chris (Debbie) Badilla of Mesa, AZ and Jeff (Gloria) Badilla of Miami, AZ. Rudy had 8 grandchildren, Jaron (Danielle) of Miami, AZ, Vanessa of Gilbert, AZ, Christina, Desirèe, Dezarae, Nathan, Noah and Dallas and three great- grandchildren, Destinee, Braydon and Baylee. He also leaves behind countless nephews, nieces, cousins, god children, brother's/sister's in law and many, many good friends.

Tap er light Pops! You will be sorely missed.