Mateo Martinez

Mateo Martinez “The Munchie Man” of Ault, CO died Saturday, January 16, 2016 at his home in Ault surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Durango, Mexico on September 21, 1960 to Rafaela Gutierrez Martinez and Guerrero Arciniega. He was known as, “The Munchie Man” for 20 years, making homemade burritos and salsa in the Ault Community.

Mateo lived life to the fullest. He would help anyone that he could. He wasn’t a stranger to the community of Ault. He was well known for his sense of humor, and making you feel like you had no worries. He was known to go to the elementary school and read story books with the kids and join them for lunch. He sponsored T-Ball and Baseball teams for HRA. You might have even seen him around town with his bright red 1977 Ford Pick-up with the “Muchie Wagon” in tow.

Mateo came to the United States in the late 70’s. He worked in the oil fields throughout Texas and New Mexico before settling in the Greeley area. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1996.

He is survived by his wife Maria; his daughter Rafaela Martinez her spouse Kelsey Giboney of Greeley; daughter Anabelle Martinez; step daughters, Litzia Aguirre, Olivia Aguirre, all of Ault; step daughter Nadia Holmberg (Jonathan) of Johnstown; step son Michael Muransky (Erin) of Centennial; his only grandchild Damian Giboney of Greeley; his brothers, Alfonso Arciniega (Yesenia) of Texas, Otoniel Martinez Goldman (Rosa) of Greeley, Rafael Martinez (Sara) of Mexico, Rodolfo Martinez (Edith) of Mexico, Armando Martinez of Mexico; sisters, Pola Arciniega of Mexico, Morayma Martinez, and Erika Martinez of Greeley. He is also survived by his former wife and close friend Becky Martinez Knighton of Greeley, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday January 22, 2016 at Cornerstone Community Church of Greeley. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 7:00-10:00 P.M. at the Allnutt Macy Chapel. He will be taken to his final resting place in his red pickup to the Ault Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mateo Martinez Memorial Fund set up for the family at Public Service Credit Union, 3532 W. 10th Street Greeley, CO 80634. Friends may view the online obituary and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.