Maria de Jesus Martinez

Maria de Jesus G. Martinez, 93, of Greeley. The sun set on her life February 16, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family. The sun rose on her life June 29, 1921 in Laredo, Texas, to Ruperto and Refuego (Beltran) Gutierrez. The third oldest of 12 children, Maria went to school and was raised in Laredo, Texas. In March of 1947 she married Jose E. Martinez. They had 10 children. Jose and Maria were migrant workers and in 1961 they moved to Greeley where Maria’s mother lived at the Spanish Colony.

Maria was a homemaker and she loved the time she spent babysitting her grandchildren. She loved her children and taught them that family comes first, to be hard workers, and shared her faith in the Catholic Church. She enjoyed working in her garden. Three years ago due to health issues, Maria moved in with her daughter Mary and family who have been her care providers.

Maria is survived by her children, Janie Vasquez (Frank) of Greeley, Mary Martinez (Jerry) of Greeley, Jose Jr. Martinez (Georgia) of Aurora, Carmen Hawkins (John) of Longmont, Raymond Martinez (Jeanine) of Evans, Jose Luis Martinez (Rachel) of San Antonio, Texas, Pedro Martinez of Greeley, Valentin Martinez (Linda) of Greeley, Ignacio Martinez of Greeley, Lupita Sanchez (Jorge) of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; 30 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren plus 3 more due this spring, and 1 great-great granddaughter; sisters Luisa Ramos, Carmen Rodriguez and Mary Serna (Lonnie) all of Greeley. She was preceded in death by her parents, 6 brothers and 2 sisters.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19 followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. both at Stoddard Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 20, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Please visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign an online guestbook.