Martha RoseEllen Martinez

Martha (Marty) RoseEllen Martinez, age 89, of El Guache, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026. Martha was born November 17, 1937 to Ramon and Librada Martinez in a small mining town of Terrero, NM (located Northeast of Pecos, NM). The family moved back to El Guache, New Mexico in 1939 where she lived the rest of her life. 

Martha was 7th in the line of 11 children and was preceded in death by her parents Ramon and Librada, her two sisters Elisa and Clorinda and her five brothers, Ramon, Alfonso, Robert, Mike and Ben. She is survived by her sisters Lillian Romero, Julia Ortiz, and Lucille Maestas and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marty lived a simple life, one that was filled with many happy childhood memories. Life took a turn for Marty when she began having epileptic seizures at the age of 15 years old. Consequently, Marty was unable to work and along with her sister Clorie helped the family with the household chores and caring for the younger siblings. Marty never married and never had any children of her own but treated her nephews and nieces like her own. Later, when all the siblings had married and started their own families, Marty and Clorie dedicated themselves to caring for their mom and dad. The loss of their mother Librada in 1985 and later their father Ramon in 1989, made Marty and Clorie even closer companions. The loss of her sister Clorie in October 2024, was very difficult for Marty in that she was very lonely after that, as she missed her sister Clorie tremendously.

The family would like to thank all her caregivers who helped care for Marty along with family members who gave of their time to make her as comfortable as possible. Marty has now joined in jubilation with her mom and dad, Clorie, and her brothers and sisters who have gone before her. Marty will be missed by all who knew her and especially by her family and friends who loved her very much.

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM,  a Public Viewing at 5:00 pm, followed by a Rosary at 6:00 pm. 

The Funeral Mass will be held at the San Jose Catholic Church in Hernandez< NM, at 10:00 am Friday, October 16, 2026, with the Burial to follow.

The Pallbearers for Marty’s Services are Robert Romero, Ben Dale Lucero, Jim Ostic, Kenneth Romero, Rod Romero, and Delano Martinez, 

The Honorary Pallbearers are Randy Martinez and Leroy Martinez.

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