Ercilia Maria Martinez

With deep sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Sister, loving companion, and Grandmother, Ercilia “Ercie” Maria Martinez, after several years of declining health and a brave battle with Renal Cell Carcinoma. She will be dearly missed. She was called home to our Lord on August 13, 2025, surrounded by her family. Ercilia was preceded in death by her son Teddy Jr., her parents Tribino and Clara Martinez, brother Marshall Martinez, granddaughter Veronica Trujillo, father and mother-in-law Willie and Stella Archuleta, brothers-in-law Dennis “Chicago” Chavez, Pat Archuleta (Elsie), sister-in-law Laura Lucero (Henry).

Ercilia is survived by her daughters Debbie (Lucas) Trujillo, Jennifer (Roy Williams Jr.) Archuleta, loving companion, J.D. Regansburg, sisters Evie Chavez, Gloria Martinez, Lollie Martinez, brother Dennis (Loretta) Martinez, and father of her children Theodore (Ted) Archuleta, grandchildren Jonathan Trujillo, Elicia Trujillo, Janae Chacon, Amelia Trujillo, great-granddaughter Estrella Trujillo, Godchildren, Dennis (DJ) Martinez, Anthony Romero, Juanita Lucero, and many nephews and nieces and friends. She is also survived by her faithful fur-babies Oreo, Foxy, and Pattycake.

Ercilia was born on July 25th, 1949, to the late Trivinio and Clara Martinez. Ercilia was born and raised in Chimayo, NM. She graduated as an Espanola High School Hornet in 1968. She met Ted Archuleta while cruising Espanola with her high school best friend, Irene. They married in June of 1969, had their first child, Teddy Jr. but tragically lost him at birth. Soon after, they were blessed with daughters, Debbie and Jennifer. They made their home in Espanola’s “West Side,” where she resided until her death. They divorced in 2006, and she later met her current honey, J.D. Regansburg. He was by her side until she took her final breath alongside her family.

Ercilia loved to cook and bake for her family, especially during the holidays, making tamales and biscochitos. She was an amazing cook and shared her talent when she worked for the Rio Arriba County Senior Center in Espanola, Chimayo, and El Rito and also catering for family events along with her mother and sister’s. Ercie also enjoyed sewing for her family and friends, making a little money to ensure her girls never did without. She had a great sense of humor, always joking and laughing, and a big, beautiful smile to match. Ercie was a strong and independent woman. She worked many jobs throughout her life: she worked at Santa Fe Leather; she did sew for displays at TG&Y in the fabric department. Ercie even dove into car upholstery for a short time. She did demos in many stores in Santa Fe and Espanola. The most amazing job was driving a large tandem mail truck from Espanola to Los Alamos and White Rock for the USPS. She also served as a Custodian.

Ercie enjoyed her time working as a “Grandma” within the Espanola Public Schools for a while and even got to be in Millie’s class one year. But perhaps the one job she is most remembered and endeared for is her time as a babysitter. Ercie cared for many children of working parents over the years, and she loved and considered them all as her own. 

Ercie’s presence will surely be missed by all who knew her. Her memory and loving nature will live in our hearts forever. We love you, Mamacita; it’s not goodbye but until we meet again. We want to thank Susan, Laura, Tierney, Sarah, Jonathan, Yvette, and Esperanza for the wonderful care you provided to her and our family the last 3 years. 

A Rosary will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 6:00p.m. and a second Rosary will take place on September 5, 2025, at Holy Cross Church at 10:30 a.m. and a Mass at 11:00a.m.

The family of Ercilia Maria Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory. www.devargasfh.com. 505-747-7477.