Rosemary Martinez

After living a beautiful life, filled with many travels, lasting friendships, and a loving family, Rosemary lost her battle with cancer and entered into eternal life on April 26th, 2025. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

Rosemary was born on January 30, 1936 in Memphis Tennessee. She moved with her parents, Rosa Lea and Lieutenant Colonel Theodore Wardlow and her sister, Billie, to Houston, Texas, where she attended San Jacinto High School. After graduating high school, she was soon married and spent the next years raising her children, Jerry, Kellie, and Pilar. Rosemary had a distinguished career, working as a bookkeeper for different oil firms, including Baroid Oil, and Kukui Oil. After retiring, she briefly returned to work as an assistant for a local attorney.

Rosemary loved to travel. Her passport is stamped with many different countries: Japan, Singapore, Mexico. One of her favorite trips was a corporate trip sponsored by Kukui Oil. All employees were able to bring one guest, so she traveled with her daughter, Pilar, and created life-long memories for the two of them. Rosemary also took cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico with her longtime bridge club, who have been steadfast in their friendship.

Her later years were spent enjoying her grandchildren and great-children and volunteering at her church, St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Houston. Rosemary was resilient, always finding the positive in any situation. She was strong. She was thoughtful, She was giving.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Kellie Lea Martinez; her parents, Rosa Lea Catlett and Colonel Theodore G. Wardlow; her sister, Billie Jane Wardlow Ranke; two nephews, Theodore (Teddy) Renke and Joseph Warner; and one niece, Cheryl Renke.

She leaves behind a large loving family. Her 2 children and their spouses: Jerry J. (Mandy) Martinez and Pilar Anne (Kevin) Gwinn. Her 8 grandchildren and their spouses: Carson (Ty) Martinez , Carmen Martinez, Addison Martinez (Justin) Posthuma, Mallory (Caidon Campbell, fiance) Martinez, Cameron Martinez, Gabriella (Gabby) Gwinn, Graison Gwinn, and Margaret (Maggie) Martinez. Her 3 great-grandchildren: Sterling Martinez, Amelia Martinez, and Drew Posthuma. Her 2 nieces: Shannon (Ben) Warner Guinther and Debbie (Bill) Renke Hamil. Her 4 nephews: Kenneth (Delfina) Renke, Jr., Darren Renke, Tony Renke, and Freddy (Laura) Warner.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 12th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday May 13th at 11:00 am at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home followed by interment at Forest Park East in Webster, Texas.