Modesto S. Martinez

Modesto Martinez, 99, a resident of Riverside, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 19, 2025. 

Modesto was born in Vallecitos, NM on April 23, 1926, to Salustriano and Juanita Martinez.

Modesto worked with various lumber companies throughout his career. Retiring from Arroyo Seco Builder Supply Company. His jobs ranged from hauling logs out of the mountain to the sawmills, milling those logs at the sawmill and delivering finished lumber and building materials to various communities making lifelong friends.

As a young man of 18 years old he came into Espanola looking for employment and met the love of his life, Marina Montano. It was apparent love at first sight. They married after just a month of courting. Their union began their family tree, blessing them with 12 children, 9 sons and 3 daughters.

Modesto was preceded in death by the love of his life Marina, their sons: Juan (Tano), Modie, George and Joe Howard; daughters-in-law, Veronica, JoAnn and Lorraine, son-in-law Jake Sandoval, grandchildren: Joe Howard Jr., Christopher, Antoinette, Robert, Jessica, James and Alejandro. His sisters Martina Gurule and Lucinda Lopez and their spouses and brother Espiddy Martinez and his parents.

Modesto is survived by his children: Mary Frances Martinez-Sandoval (Jake dec.) their children, Joan (Lolo), their children, AnaMaria (Andres) and their family; and Marisol; Inez Valencia (Edward) and their children Michelle and her children Justine (Justina) and Khiana and Rachel and her children, Amber (Diego), Korina and Martin; Angela Trujillo (Jerry); David (Pauline) and their children David Jr.(Rosalba) and their children, Scott, David, Daniel and their families; Michael (Karen) and their children Elicka and her children, Cameron, Kiera and Haley; Julian (Nicole) and their children, Jason, Nathan, Dylan, Aiden, Joaquin; Daniel (Amanda) and their daughter, Aliyanna; Jerry (Darby) and their children, Nathaniel; Timothy (Lesley) and their children Keanu, Kiah, Kenny and Kaleb; Joshua (Crystal) and their children Makayla, Jamesen, Armando, Esperanza and Crusito; Leonard (Denise) and their children Leonard Jr.,(Veronica) and their children Danielle, Latisha, Heaven and Lucas and their families, Tanya and Antonique (Jake); Melvin (Jean) and their families; Lily and Daisy and their families Melissa, Janice, Matthew, Gene and their families Amanda (J.J) and their families; his beloved cat, "Gata" "Mama" who watched over him and shadowed his every move for the past 13 years; his daughter-in-law, Diane and her family; Sisters-in-law, Anita Martinez, Lari Armijo and Stella Martinez, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, Godchildren, cousins, and close family friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Amber Care staff, Anna Trujillo, Cindy Martinez and Andrew Espinoza for their compassionate care, keeping him company and safe at home and Presbyterian Hospice for their care and support.

Mr. Martinez a humble man, will be remembered for his warm smile, kindness and his faithfulness to God. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A Public Viewing will take place on Monday, January 5, 2026, at DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM, at 5:30 pm and Rosary at 6:00 pm. 

A Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Santa Cruz, NM, on January 6, 2026, at 11:00 am and burial to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Santa Cruz, NM.

Serving as Pallbearers: David, Michael, Jerry M, Leonard, Melvin, Jerry T, Edward and Lolo.

Honorary Pallbearers: Grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren

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