Maria C. Paden, 67, went home to our heavenly Father early Monday morning July 27, 2008. Maria was born on November 22, 1941 in El Salvador Central America. At the age of 17, she came to the United States and met her soon to be husband, Art Paden Sr. in San Francisco. In 1968, they made their home in Muskogee, Oklahoma where they spent 41 wonderful years together. Maria was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Maria will forever be remembered for her upbeat personality and her ability to make anyone smile. She never met a stranger and anyone who came in contact with her fell in love with her. She never missed a chance to make a friend wherever she was. She was a small lady with an enormous heart for others. She loved growing plants and vegetables, and having her pets around, especially Chico, which she had for nearly 17 years. Maria is survived by her son Art Paden Jr. and his wife Lorrie Paden; her grandchildren Filisha VanBrunt, Meagan VanBrunt and Art Paden III; her great grandchildren Hailey Church and Abigail Church, and a very special person she considered as close as a daughter, Angie Byrd of Ft. Gibson. Memorial funeral services will be held 1:00 pm July 30, 2009 at Fort Gibson National Cemetery.