Rosa Ruiz Martinez

Rosa was born February 2, 1935, in San Bernardino, California. She had four brothers (Mario, Leo, Marcos, and John) and four sisters (Consuelo, Esperanza, Frances, and Gloria). She married Gregory George Martinez, another lifetime resident of San Bernardino, in 1956, and had four children — Louie, Kenneth, Karen, and Karl.

Rosa loved to exercise, and in her free time could often be found walking, lifting weights, hiking, camping, bike riding, and swimming. She also played softball and enjoyed all sports. She especially enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports and watching women's sports.

Rosa was an important part of the lives of everyone she knew. She was a loving, generous, and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved her family unconditionally, and her zest for life inspired others. She demonstrated selfless dedication through volunteering in her children's and grandchildren's extracurricular activities and hobbies and in babysitting her grandchildren.

Rosa was predeceased by her husband, Gregory Martinez, and her siblings Consuelo Ruiz Lopez, Mario Lopez, Esperanza Ruiz Marques, Leo Ruiz, and Marcos Ruiz. She is survived by her siblings John Ruiz, Frances Ruiz Benton, and Gloria Ruiz Moyeda; her son Louie Martinez and his wife Margo; her son Kenneth Martinez and his wife Keri; her daughter Karen Gerber and her husband AJ; and her son Karl Martinez. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren (Robert Martinez and wife Kenya, Corey Martinez, Michelle Martinez, Autumn Gerber, Andrew Martinez, Ryan Martinez, Justin Martinez, Olivia Gerber, Devin Martinez, Adam Martinez, Kimberly Martinez, and Addison Martinez) and 3 great-grandchildren (Natalie, Andrew and Damien Martinez).

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Cypress Chapel at Montecito in Loma Linda, CA. Family and friends are invited to attend and to share a memory of Rosa through the link below. 



To Those I Love

When I am gone, release me, let me go.


You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears.


Just be happy that we had so many years.


I gave you my love, you can only guess


how much you gave to me in happiness.


I thank you for the love you each have shown,


but now it’s time I traveled alone.


So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must,


then let your grief be comforted by trust.


It’s only for a while that we must part,


so bless the memories within your heart.


I won’t be far away, for life goes on,


so if you need me, call, and I will come.


Though you can’t see, or touch, I’ll be near.


And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear


all of my love around you, soft and clear.


And then, when you must come this way alone,


I’ll greet you with a smile, and say,

"Welcome Home.”