Ascension Martinez

Ascension Jaramillo Martinez of Chimayo passed away on March 4^th, 2024, to join his wife Jane, his daughter Flora Ann, his parents Apolonio and Selestina Martinez, his son-in-law Jerry Byrd, grandsons Abad Chavez and Adam Montoya, great grandson Joshua Pell-Montoya and his other Martinez siblings.

Ascension was born on May 16, 1926, and lived a long and fulfilling life.  He was a proud WWII Veteran who saw combat duty in the Philippines as a first scout.  After his honorable discharge, he was hired to work at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory where he met his wife, Jane Madril.   They married on February 11, 1950.

Ascension and Jane were blessed with five children; Elizabeth, Flora Ann, Victoria (Anthony), Alex (Beth), and Byron (Felicia).   Ascension loved growing fresh produce on his family farm while tending to his large apple orchard.  He also took an active role in his church and led the local Boy Scout Troop to many regional awards.

Ascension and Jane traveled to many locations, including Mexico City, Hawaii, Jerusalem, Rome and Medjugorje.  They were further blessed with their grandchildren, Abad, Nicholas, Nicole, Adam, Casey, Natalie, Christopher and Amanda and welcomed Carlos, Derrick and Bryan into the family.  

In his later years, Ascension spent time reading his Bible and learning about Southwest history, tracing his familial roots to the Iberian Peninsula.  He also authored two books, one on his father, Apolonio, and one chronicling his life.  In 2019, Ascension received the “Tesoro de Chimayo” award in recognition of his life-long devotion to the village of Chimayo. He was fortunate to have Byron and Felicia become his full-time caretakers, and they cherished time with him, as did his other children.  At the time of his passing, Ascension had twenty- three great-grandchildren who all loved visiting with him, especially on Good Friday.

A rosary will be recited on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Holy Family Church in Chimayo, NM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 pm.  Interment will be on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.

His grandchildren will serve as pallbearers: Nicole McMains, Nicholas Montoya, Casey Byrd, Natalie Montoya, Christopher Martinez and Amanda Trujillo.  Honorary Pallbearers: Carlos Voight, Derrick Voight, Bryan Voight and Joe Vasquez.  Special thanks to his close friend Della Vigil and his nurses, Sarita Trujillo and Yvette Pacheco.

The family of Ascension J. Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the beautiful Espanola Valley.   505-747-7477   www.devargasfuneral.com