"Rudy" Jose Rudolfo Martinez

Rudy Martinez was called home on March 18, 2023 after a battle with cancer.

He left behind his son Lucas, daughter in law Monette, grandkids Ignacio, DeAnza, and Lexy; Son Jason, wife Karen, Granddaughter Chellsie; Daughter Stephanie, grandkids Claudine, Benito, Cassandra and Santana; Grandkids Andrew and Andrea; Brothers Chris and Oliver, sister in law Eloida, Sisters Alice, Clorinda and Katie, And Cindy, a close companion who became more like family.

Rudy had tons of family whom he kept in contact with regularly. He grew close bonds with all his grandkids and great grandkids, cousins, friends and friends of friends. His heart was huge and his passion to teach was part of his life. His conversations would have you hanging off of your seat, and his advice would have you thinking hard about the decisions you made moving forward. He knew what to say when you needed to hear it. He will be greatly missed by everyone he knew.

He was preceded in death by his Wife Irene, father Enrique, mother Louisa, Brothers Joe, Fermin and Gerald; Sisters Gloria, Lorraine, and Eva. I’m sure he’s happy to be reunited with his family in heaven.

He would often tell me “Life is like river fishing. Whenever you don’t see the rocks, don’t take that step. The rocks let you know where to walk. If life gets hard to see, look for the rocks. Allow the cloudy waters to settle if needed, but continue when you know where the rocks are.“

Rosary will be recited at 10:30 am on Friday, March 31, 2023, at the San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh, NM, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 am.  A reception to follow after burial at the San Juan Bautista Hall.

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