Rita Martinez

Rita L. Martinez, 66 a resident of Espanola passed away on June 21, 2022, surrounded by close relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, Candido Gallegos, and Ernestina Martinez. Grandparents Bernardita and Simon Martinez. Aunts' and Uncles, Arsenio, and Ruby Martinez, Federico Martinez, Ignacia Martinez, Ignacio Maestas, Estella Martinez, and Nephew Lorenzo Graham. Rita was a kind and caring woman who loved her family and was always trying to do something fun for the holidays. She was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed attending UNM sporting events with friends and family and was always up for an adventure. Rita worked for 31 years at the Santa Fe Magistrate court. Rita was also a devote Catholic, working for a number of years at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church after she retired, doing a multitude of things including Secretarial work, member of the AX society, eucharistic minister, usher, and president of the Alter Society. She is survived by her nephew who was like a son Derrick Martinez who she raised for many years. Brothers and sisters, Orlando Martinez (Minnie), Toni Nelson (Red), Leroy Martinez (Debbie), and Carmen Gonzales. Half-sister, Rosina Montoya. Aunts Helen Maestas, and Higinia Martinez. Neice's and nephews, Shirley Martinez, Judy Graham (Larry), Victoria Gonzales (Pete), Rudolfo Gonzales, Paul Martinez (Tracy), Danielle Martinez, Chantel King, and Erika DeSantiago, Larryll Graham, and Leticia Graham, and many more nieces and nephews.

Public visitation will be held on Wednesday July 6th from 4:00-6:00 PM at the Sangre de Cristo Chapel at DeVargas Funeral home. Rosary will be held on Friday July 8th at 12 noon, with a Christian Mass and burial to follow at 1pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Espanola.

Serving the Family as Honorary Pallbearers are Walter (Goosey) Rodriquez, Thomas Cruz, Larryll Graham, Simon Posey, Ronny Posey, and Paul Martinez.

The Family of Rita L. Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one with DeVargas Funeral Home and Crematory of the Espanola Valley.