Juanita V Martinez

Juanita V. Martinez, 91, a resident of Ranchitos, NM, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Roman Martinez, Jr., son, Eldon Martinez; parents, Quintin and Florentina Valencia; Nina Doloritas Fresquez, siblings, Basilires and Tomasito Valencia; Lela Valdez (Leo) and Angelina Baros; sisters-in-law Florence Manchester, Carolina Owens, Delia Guynn (Norman), and Esther Martinez; and parents-in-law, Roman Sr. and Donelia Martinez.

Juanita was a loving parent, grandparent, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was a beautiful person inside and out who loved to dance, going on long drives, listening to music, watching football and spending time with family. She was hard-working, kind and her presence was cherished by all.

Juanita always expressed the importance of education and hard work. She started working at the young age of eleven at a small movie theater in Ranchitos. She sold popcorn and other goodies for 0.75 cents a night, earning enough money to buy shoes and clothes from National Bellas Hess and Montgomery Ward catalogs. She worked at The Rainbow Café during her high school years. She enjoyed working as a waitress because she met a lot of people and the tips were great. Juanita graduated from Espanola High School in 1952. She started working part-time at Southern Union Gas company while still attending high school. Upon graduation, she was hired full-time.

In 1952 she met the love of her life, Roman aka Romeo, while attending a baseball game with some friends. This was one of her favorite stories to tell family. She and Roman were married on September 13, 1958. A few years later she decided to be a stay-at-home mom with her two eldest children. She re-entered the work force in 1965 what was then First National Bank of Rio Arriba and retiring, after several name changes, from Bank of America in 1995. Juanita loved talking to her customers.

Juanita is survived by her children Eric Martinez (Fiancé, Bernadette Gallegos), Elaine Trujillo (Paul), and Jeff Martinez; sister, Rita Martinez (J.D.); brothers-in-law Benjamin Baros, Josue Martinez (Victoria), Bond Martinez (Peggy), Matthew Martinez, and sister-in-law Deborah Babb (Bret); grandchildren, Jasmine Martinez whom she raised as a daughter, Andrea Trujillo (Andrew), Gabriella and Joshua Trujillo (Fiancé, Mai Truong), Eric Joseph, Derek and Liahni Martinez; great-grandchildren; Jaydn, Malakai, and Maddox Martinez, Landon and Noah Gallegos, and Aivryn Trujillo; and former daughter-in-law, Christine Romero and cousin Consuelo “Connie” Townsend, whom held a special place in her heart; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A rosary will take place at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh, NM, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.

The family of Juanita Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Espanola Valley 505-747-7477.