Bertha Carranza

Bertha Saldivar Carranza passed away in the presence of family on June 6, 2020. A pillar of her family and church, Bertha leaves behind a community of relatives and friends who grieve her passing and celebrate her amazing life.

Bertha was born in El Paso on August 23, 1933 to Genaro and Francisca (Escarcega) Saldivar. She grew up here, attending El Paso High School and marrying fellow EPHS grad Hector Carranza. Bertha, Hector, and their son Hector Jr. lived a full and adventurous life in service to their country as a military family with assignments in Germany, Thailand, the Dominican Republic, New York, and Georgia. Bertha and Hector moved back to El Paso after his retirement, where they remained and flourished for the rest of their lives. They were married 68 years.

A dynamic mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Bertha was a central member of her family, church, and community. In her younger days she played tennis avidly wherever Hector’s transfers took them. Once re-settled in El Paso, she played in the Retirees’ Bowling League at Fort Bliss and the Dirty Dozen Canasta Club with her sisters Rose and Julie and sister-in-law Betsy; she could often be seen out having lunch with family and Camille Raymond, her best friend since elementary school. Bertha was active at St. Raphael Catholic Church, where she served as sacristan, eucharistic minister, and money counter.

Bertha is preceded in death by her son Hector Jr., husband Hector, sisters Julie Thomas and Rose Kalbfleish, and brother John Saldivar. She is survived by daughter-in-law Nancy, grandson Kevin (Jillian), great-grandson Jonah, sister-in-law Blasa Saldivar, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on Wednesday June 16, 2021 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm with a Rosary at 2:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home East, 1460 George Dieter Dr.. Funeral Mass will be on Thursday June 17, 2021 at 9:00 am at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar Rd. followed by a Graveside at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 10:30 am.