Josephine Reyna Martinez

Our beloved Mom and Mimi, Josephine “Josie” Reyna Martinez, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024, surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. Though she lived in Utah her whole life, she spent her final weeks residing with her daughter, Kim, and her family in Henderson, Nevada. She left this earth to join our dad, Thomas Martinez, in Heaven.

Josie was born on July 1, 1954, in Ogden, Utah. She was born into one of the first Hispanic families to settle in Clinton, Utah. She was one of 14 children and was the daughter of Pedro and Dora Reyna.

She was raised in Clinton, Utah, and graduated from Clearfield High School in 1972.

Josie married her soulmate, Thomas Martinez, in 1973. He preceded her in death in 2007. They were married for 34 years.

Josie worked most of her career in elderly care. She cherished her time working and took great pride in providing a loving and caring environment. She had a tremendous passion for service to others. Many will remember her generosity.

Mama was the heart of our family. She was headstrong and was known for her spicy and bossy attitude, and her ability to tell it like it is. She always spoke freely with no filter and often said things you didn't want to hear (but we would not want it any other way).

Josie was a collector of all things. She loved frogs, dolls, candy, jewelry, and anything she could get a good deal on. She left us with so many knickknacks and things that she cherished.

She took pride in everything she did. She loved her treasured peach tree, crocheting, diamond painting, catching up with friends and family on Facebook, and sending us dozens of recipes. She also had a love for her daytime soap operas and enjoyed watching true crime documentaries and horror movies.

Josie is leaving behind so many fun and loving memories with her four kids. Ben (Alicia) Martinez, Kim (Mike) Bartholow, Reyna Martinez and fiancé Keven Bambrough and Esai Victorino. She especially loved her role as Mimi to her grandkids, Isaac and Brody Bergstrom, Kayden and Kamryn Kawaguchi, Thomas and Ryleigh Bartholow, Xantara, Esai, Xandylii, Xantiana, Angelo and Ecco Victorino.

Mimi had a special bond with each of her grandchildren. She loved watching them sing, act, and play sports. She also really enjoyed spending time with and getting to know her older grandkids on a new level.

Josie was the loving sister of Ben Reyna, Marylou Lobato, Madeline Reyna, Manuel Reyna, Margaret Bravo, Delilah Walker and Nina Reyna.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Tom Martinez, her parents, Pedro and Dora Reyna, along with her sisters Bessie Mortensen, Annie Fraga, Eleanor Prater and brothers Joseph Reyna, Frank Reyna, and Franklin Reyna and her cherished dogs Salty Star and Masayo.

Special thank you to her daughter Reyna, grandson Kayden, and niece Kristin, who took her to her chemo appointments and spent countless hours sitting with her during her treatments. We talked, we cried and most importantly we were able to spend quality time together. We also want to thank her closest sister, Nina Reyna, for spending time with her during her last few weeks of life. We know Mom’s departure leaves an unfillable void, but we hope you find comfort in the memories and everlasting love and bond you shared as sisters.

Thank you to Dr. Cassel and Dr. Lloyd at McKay Dee Hospital and their Oncology team, the many nurses at the infusion center, and her oncology social worker, Val Leavitt.

While she lived in Las Vegas, she had the best care from local hospitals, St Rose Dignity and Henderson Hospital. Southwest Medical Hospice also gave her the care and respect she deserved in her final days.

Finally, we would like to express appreciation and a heartfelt thank you to her daughter and our sister Kim, her husband Mike, and their kids for opening their home and providing 24-hour care for Mimi in her final weeks of life. The love and dedication you gave her will never be forgotten. Kim said, “Taking care of mom was the greatest honor of my life.”

Mama will be missed more than we could ever put into words. Until we see you again Mama, To the Moon…we will see you in our dreams and the beauty of the hummingbirds. We will love you forever Mimi, in this life and the next. You are our sunshine when skies are gray.

A small dedication ceremony will be held on Friday, October 11th, 2024, at 9:30 am at the Columbarium at the Clinton City Cemetery, 813 N. 750 W. Clinton, Utah, where we will join our mom and dad’s ashes together and place them in their final resting place.

A celebration of life will follow at 11:00 am at The Grand View Reception and Event Center 339 E. 2250 S St#103 Ogden, Utah. Thank you to the family of Sherry Swallow for your hospitality. Your generosity will always be remembered. For any flower deliveries please send them to the Reception Center with a delivery date of October 11th between 10 am and 11 am.

If you would like to participate in a memory wall, please bring printed pictures (4x6) of you and Mom or a picture you have of Mom with a memory or message written on the back to her. We will be displaying them to share how much she meant to us all.

A quote from Mom’s favorite movie, The Wizard of Oz.

The Wizard of Oz: “As for you, my galvanized friend, you want a heart? You don't know how lucky you are not to have one! Hearts will never be practical until they can be made unbreakable!”

The Tin Man: “But I... I still want one.”