Benigna was born on February 13, 1943, in Parras de la Fuente, Coahuila, in Mexico, to the late Jose Amador and Juana Martinez. She was the 6th of 12 children. In her early years, she worked as a schoolteacher in Lucero, Chihuahua, Mexico, and San Ignacio, Districto Bravo. Benigna married Santos Ortiz in 1962 and had 3 children and 4 grandchildren.
After giving her life to Christ in the late 1970s, Benigna first served as a Sunday School teacher. She then dedicated her life to the servitude of others and the Lord, achieving a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry, Master of Psychology and Counseling, and a Doctorate of Theology in Pastoral Ministry. Benigna served as the pastor of Iglesia Cristiana Agape in El Paso, diligently sharing the Gospel with her congregation, as well as on a greater scale through radio and television ministries.
Benigna was a dear mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her joyful and adventurous spirit is remembered fondly by her loved ones. She found joy in reading and learning more about the Word of God, spending time outdoors swimming and playing volleyball, and gathering with family and friends. Benigna’s memory will continue to live on through her children, Joe Ortiz, Victor Ortiz, and Nancy Zimmerly, grandchildren, and loved ones.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the caring hands of Angelica Luevano, Cristina Puentes Martinez, Eva Orrantia, and Maria Concepcion Parker.
Benigna is survived by her son Jose S. Ortiz (Maryanne); her son Victor H. Ortiz (Leticia); and her daughter Nancy Zimmerly (John); her brother Mario Martinez, her brother Armando Martinez (Patricia), her brother Javier Martinez, her sister Agripina Martinez and her sister Alicia Rodriguez (Eusebio); her grandson John J. Zimmerly II, her granddaughter Kristen M. Zimmerly, her granddaughter Jaclyn A. Zimmerly and her grandson Adam T. Gladu.
Benigna was preceded in death by her husband Santos Ortiz; her grandson Jose S. Ortiz II.
She is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and close friends.
Visitation for Benigna will be from 3:00 to 9:00 PM on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at Evergreen East Funeral Home, 12400 E. Montana Avenue, with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 6:00 PM. A Prayer Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 10, 2023 in the Evergreen East Angel Chapel followed by the 11:00 AM Committal Service being held graveside at Evergreen Cemetery East.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.evergreenfheast.com for the Martinez family.
