Martha Jean Velarde

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary Chapel, with the Rosary said at 7 p.m. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the mortuary.

Mrs. Velarde was a homemaker.

She is survived by her husband, Joe H.; two sons, Benny of Durango and Joe of Clifton; one daughter, Cynthia Jean Velarde of Grand Junction; two sisters, Dora Johnson of Fremont, California, and Cecila Garcia of Clifton; 16 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions to Gray Gourmet, 2635 N. Seventh St., Grand Junction 81501.

Martha Velarde passed away peacefully September 26, 2015, with her family by her side at the age of 76.

Martha was born July 29, 1938, in Durango, CO, from the union of Ross and Ruby Archuleta. She married the love of her life, Joe H. Velarde, on March 2, 1957. From that day on they were inseparable. They were married for 58 years.

Martha enjoyed fishing and watching novellas on television. She also loved receiving visits from her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other family members, and close friends. She will be dearly missed.

Martha leaves behind her beloved husband, Joe H. Velarde; her three children, Benny Velarde of Durango, Joe Velarde of Clifton, and Cynthia Velarde of Grant Junction; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and her two very much loved sisters, Cecelia Garcia of Clifton and Dora Johnson of California.

Martha was preceded in death by her two sons, Steven A. Velarde and Ronald E. Velarde; her parents, Ross and Ruby Archuleta; sisters, Carmen Valles and Lena Martinez; and brothers, Bill and Michael Archuleta.

A public visitation will be held at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary on Thursday, October 1, 2015, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with Rosary following. Services will be Friday, October 2, 2015, at 2:00 p.m.