Otila Martinez, 81, of Abilene, TX passed away on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 in Abilene. She was born on June 3, 1945 in Pharr, TX to the late Eulogio Mancha Gonzalez and Otila Lopez Gonzalez. On November 7, 1965 she married Rick Martinez. He preceded her in death 2024.
She was a Loving mother and caretaker. Powerful prayer warrior, and faithful member of Sacred Heart and many of the ministries there. She taught CCD, was a Eucharist minister, member of WOSH, and helped work festival booths for many years. She was loving, forgiving, and there for anyone who needed her. She believed hope was the anchor of the soul, and there was always hope. She will be greatly missed by her many nieces, nephews, and numerous friends.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Edna San Juanita Martinez Melendrez; a brother, Bonny Lopez; a sister, Santa Salinas.
Olita is survived by a son, Rick Martinez and wife Molly; daughter, Christa Marie Martinez; son-in-law, Ruben Melendrez; grandchildren, Alexa Smart and spouse Lucas and Lane Martinez and wife Sadie; great grandchildren, Ezra Diaz, Ellie Mae Martinez and Evie Diaz; brothers, Pete Gonzales, Speedy Gonzalez and wife Santos, Blackie Gonzalez, Frank Gonzalez and wife Cynthia, Lolo Gonzalez and wife Lola, Macario Gonzalez and wife Rita, Reuben Gonzalez and wife Socorro; sisters, Chavela Gonzalez, Mary Lou Villanueva and Lupe Dela Torre; numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 837 Jeanette St, Abilene, TX 79602 with Rev. Albert Ezeanya officiating. Interment will follow at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories. Visitation will be held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home on Friday evening from 6-7:00 PM. A Rosary will begin at 7:00 PM.
