An effervescent free spirit, Martha had many talents. Most prominently, she was an artist, enjoying painting, drawing, sculpting, digital arts and photography. Her career included providing compassionate care to grieving families as a family services counselor in the funeral industry, as well as an advocate for victims of family violence. In her younger years, she kicked up her heels as a prize-winning competitive ballroom dancer and dance instructor.
Martha was born on March 24, 1950, to Emilio C. Ramirez and Mary Alice De La Paz.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Joe Ramirez.
Martha is survived by her son Christopher Smith (Cheri), sister Clara Durkin (Brian), and brother Ben Ramirez (Cheryl), along with granddaughters Kalei and Ashley, and two nieces, in addition to her partner Jim Hocker.
The family arranged for a private interment ceremony.
