Justine Carol Martz Busch

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Justine (Tina) Carol Martz Busch, who passed away on August 1, 2026, at the age of 64, in Chandler, Arizona.

Born on June 5, 1962, in Buffalo, New York, Tina lived a life centered on faith, family, kindness, and love. A devoted Catholic, her close relationship with God was a constant source of strength and guidance throughout her life. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel welcomed, remembered, and cared for, and she gave of herself generously without ever expecting anything in return.

On July 17, 1982, Justine married the love of her life and best friend, Keith E. Busch. They had the joy of celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary just weeks before her passing, a testament to a marriage built on love, faith, friendship, and unwavering commitment. After making the cross-country move to Arizona in 1986, together they built a beautiful life and raised their two sons, Keith Robert and Clayton John, creating a home where family always came first, holidays became treasured traditions, laughter was abundant, and everyone who walked through the door felt welcomed and loved. Above every accomplishment, every promotion, and every title she ever held, Justine was most proud of being Keith’s wife and the mother of their two sons. Those were not simply roles to her; they were the greatest privileges of her life.

Family was always Tina’s highest priority. No matter how busy life became, she found time for the people she loved most. She worked tirelessly, often through the night and into the early morning, yet still had the energy to volunteer at the church, in her community, at her sons’ schools, help with homework, prepare family dinners, drive them to practices and games, cheer them on from the sidelines, and create a home filled with love and encouragement. She had a special gift for making holidays memorable, especially Christmas, when every ornament on the tree carried a story or treasured memory.

Justine had an incredible memory that amazed everyone who knew her. She never forgot a birthday, an anniversary, a special milestone, or even the smallest childhood story from years before. She believed in keeping traditions alive and letting people know they mattered. Long after handwritten cards became uncommon, Tina continued sending birthday cards, holiday cards, anniversary cards, and thoughtful notes simply to remind family and friends that they were loved. It was one of the many ways she made people feel remembered.

Those who knew Justine also knew her wonderful sense of humor and playful spirit. She loved joking with her family, had a quick wit and a healthy dose of sarcasm, and could always bring a smile to those around her. She had a calming presence and a remarkable ability to make even difficult moments feel a little lighter. Family and friends found comfort in her steady heart, thoughtful advice, and quiet way of making everything seem okay. Whether she was offering guidance, sending a handwritten card, or simply sitting beside someone who needed her, Tina made people feel loved, valued, and never forgotten.

Justine earned her associate’s degree and continued her education throughout her career. She began her career as a dental assistant before joining UPS, where she dedicated twenty years of service. Through hard work and determination, she advanced from a package loader into Human Resources, ultimately serving as an HR Specialist and Supervisor. She took great pride in helping others and supporting those she worked alongside.

In September 2014, Justine suffered a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors worked urgently to stabilize her and relieve the pressure on her brain. What followed was a long and uncertain medical journey that included multiple brain surgeries, a stroke, approximately six months of hospitalization, and years of continued rehabilitation and therapy. There were critical moments when her family feared they might lose her. Still, Justine fought through each challenge with remarkable strength, courage, and an unwavering will to keep going.

During that time, Tina shared a deeply meaningful experience in which she saw her mother-in-law, Eugenia Busch, and grandmother-in-law, Eugenia Gardner, both of whom had passed away years earlier. She believed they had come to comfort her and let her know that her journey was not yet over; Tina still had more life to live. The story brought peace to the Busch family and was especially meaningful because of the close and loving bonds Tina had shared with them during their lives.

After miraculously surviving the AVM rupture, brain surgeries, and stroke, Tina faced the overwhelming task of learning how to do everything again. She had to learn how to breathe, eat, drink, speak, walk, and perform the most basic functions of daily life. Through intensive physical, speech, occupational, and other therapies, she worked tirelessly to regain her abilities and independence. The road was long and difficult, but her spirit never faded. Her remarkable memory remained sharp, and in time, the enthusiastic, loving, joking, and wonderfully sarcastic Tina her family knew began to shine through once again. The nearly twelve years that followed were a profound blessing to her family, filled with time and memories they will forever cherish.

Tina shared an especially close bond with her sister, Michelle, who was not only her sister, but also her lifelong confidante and partner in crime. Their relationship was filled with love, trust, laughter, shared adventures, memorable vacations, and more than a few stories of getting lost along the way. Through every season of life, they remained deeply connected, creating a lifetime of cherished memories and a sisterhood that meant more to Tina than words could ever fully express.

Justine is survived by her devoted husband, Keith E. Busch; her loving sons, Keith Robert and Clayton John; her loving parents, John and Kathy Martz; her beloved sister and brother, Michelle and John, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She leaves behind many dear friends, former coworkers, and neighbors whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Justine’s legacy lives on in the love she gave so freely, the traditions she created, the memories she preserved, and the countless people she made feel remembered and deeply loved. Though we will miss her beyond words, her strength, kindness, faith, and the example she set will remain with us always.

A memorial in remembrance of Justine’s life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Lakeshore Mortuary. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather, share memories, celebrate her remarkable life, and honor the extraordinary woman she was.