Nancy Ruddy Martinez

Nancy Ruddy Martinez, age 93, of Riverside, California passed away on Friday, June 16, 2023. Nancy was born in Alejandra, Santa Fe, Argentina in 1930. She was an only child. Her Father was a Police Officer in Campo Largo, Chaco Province and her Mother was a Seamstress. Nancy married Jorge Martinez when she was 19 years old. Her Children Ana Maria, Jorge Luis and Osvaldo were born in Campo Largo.

In 1963, Nancy, Jorge and Osvaldo emigrated to the United States in time to witness the assassination of JFK, which was a shocking event for eight year old, Osvaldo (or Ozzie, as he became known in the US). The following year Ana Maria and Jorge Luis joined the family. William (Billy) was born in California in 1966.

Nancy and her husband embraced the American dream wholeheartedly and became US citizens as soon as the 5 years rolled around. Nancy was entrepreneurial by nature and she saw every idea she had as a possibility to grow a business. A few of them succeeded and others did not but she found her niche in 1986 when the Amnesty program for undocumented persons came into being.

She was a natural for this role. She had many clients who were referred by others because she didn't take advantage of people, helped them navigate the maze of the program that would usher them to legal status. Her clients loved her because she was a Mother figure to them, kind, patient and positive.

Nancy and Jorge eventually moved to Lake Havasu where they spent a number of years also pursuing this business. Health issues brought them back to California in 2011. Nancy passed away in Riverside 11 days after turning 93 years of age.

Nancy lost her beloved husband in 2011 and Ozzie in 2012. She mourned their loss every day of her life.

She leaves a legacy of tenacity, integrity, determination, won't give up attitude. Her work ethic and caring nature lives on in all of us.

Nancy is survived y her Children, Ana Maria (Martinez) Craven, George Martinez, William Martinez; Grandchildren, Forest McKinney Martinez, Anthony Martinez, Scott Sawyer, Morgan Golden, Stephanie Chapman, Guinevere Davis; Great Grandchildren, Lillith Neal-Melendez, Leviathan Neal-Melendez, Emma James Golden, Beau Reavis Golden and Heaven Safae Davis

A memorial service for Nancy will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, Valley View Chapel, 3520 E. Washington Street, Colton, CA 92324, followed by a reception from 2:30pm to 4:30pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montecitomemorialparkandmortuary.com for the Martinez family.