Rodolfo Martinez Arroyo

Rudy Martinez was born on June 10, 1955 in Churintzio, Michoacan, Mexico, to Carlos Martinez Zapien and Celia Martinez Arroyo. He was the fifth of eight children; Alicia Martinez, Lupe Martinez Perez (preceded in death), Samuel Martinez, Chela Martinez, Emilia Martinez, Lucy Martinez (preceded in death), and Carlos Jr. Martinez.

At the tender age of 3, Rudy and his family made the journey to the United States, where he spent the rest of his life in Livingston, California. He attended Selma Herndon Elementary, Livingston JUnior High, and Livingston High School, later continuing his education at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, graduating in 1973.

At 19, Rudy met Celia Garcia, who would become his wife and life partner. Together, they built a family and were blessed with four children; Moses Martinez, Lorena Martinez, Angel Martinez and Efren Martinez. They resided in Denair, California, for many years and Rudy's legacy continues through his children and beloved grandchildren.

Rudy began his career in trucking at Valley Fresh, hauling turkeys. It was during this time he also discovered a deep passion for beekeeping-something that came naturally to him, like so many other things he put his hands and heart into. Eventually, he became a dedicated truck driver for Roadstar Trucking, where he worked locally for 30 years until his retirement in 2021.

In retirement, Rudy found joy in the simple things. He loved gardening, working on home improvement projects, and staying busy with the kind of hand-on tasks that always fulfilled him. He especially loved spending his days with his cats, including his loyal companion "Little Buddy", and cherished time with his daughter Lorena and grandson Anthony Martinez.

In his final days, Rudy was surrounded by the deepest kind of love- a rare and selfless devotion from his daughter Lorena, grandson Anthony, and his former wife Celia. It was a sacred love, the kind few are blessed to witness in a lifetime.

Rudy will be remembered for his gentle strength, quiet wisdom, hardworking spirit, and the love he poured into his family and passions.

A Visitation for Rodolfo will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced, California.

A Funeral Service will be on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced, California.

Following the next day on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Rodolfo will be placed to rest at Winton Cemetery District, 7651 Almond Avenue, Winton, California.

A Reception is following the Graveside at Stratford Evans Reception Hall on 1490 B Street, Merced, California.