March 15, 1930 - April 18, 2019
Sally Lopez was born to Benigno and Lupe Lopez on March 15, 1930 in Wichita, Kansas. Sally would later become Sally Martinez. She was a beloved Daughter, Wife, Mother and Grandmother. She was very articulate and charismatic. She befriended many a stranger. Her smile would light up a room. Her strong faith in Jesus carried her through life. Through Him she served and extended grace to many throughout her life on earth.
Her paternal Grandparents were Salvador and Juliana Lopez. Her maternal Grandparents were Francisco and Flora Espinoza. Sally had an older brother whom she always referred to as her baby brother. This was because Salvador lived only 4 months on earth. His name was Salvador Lopez, named after their paternal Grandfather. Salvador was born on April 7, 1927 and passed away on August 11, 1927.
A Grandson interviewed our Mom to capture the legacy of our family. We are thankful to have these memories to pass on to future generations. Some of these memories are as follows penned in Mom’s words.
Sally described her childhood as very exciting and very good. She had a lot of love at home. She had a very good life and a very good home. Her parents always celebrated her birthday. They wouldn’t do much but her Mom would bake her a birthday cake. What they would do a lot was go to the movies every Saturday and eat out afterwards. Then for Christmas they would get together with her Grandparents. Christmas time was a big tradition in her house. She always looked forward to that time of year, because she always got a new doll. One year in particular, she fondly recalled when she received a Shirley Temple doll. Her eyes always lit up when she talked about that doll. She held it near and dear in her heart. Sadly though, that doll was ruined in the big flood of 1941. Sally was a big fan of Shirley Temple movies as an adult and always tuned in to watch them on TV. Family relationships and interactions were very important in her household.
When asked about how she met her future husband, Fermin Martinez, her eyes lit up. Joy was all over her as she shared their encounter. They met in 1949 at a church picnic and afterwards a dance. It was at a park on Arkansas street called Haller’s Grove. They served Mexican food and held dances there on a regular basis. Sally caught Fermin’s eye from across the room. He came over and asked her to dance. And they danced all night long. Afterwards he asked her for her phone number and she gave it to him. Her Mother had to talk to her Dad about letting her date Fermin. Her Dad didn’t want her dating but her Mother talked him into letting her date. Fermin proposed to her on Christmas Eve. She was very excited as she shared this information! She said he already had the ring and she said YES!!! She said she didn’t know he was going to propose to her that night, but she thinks they had previously discussed marriage. They married on April 26, 1952 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help on north Market street. Sally said the wedding was BEAUTIFUL!! They danced the whole night!! Sally and Fermin had five children: Maria, Jimmy, Rosa, Anita and Monica. They took vacations every summer to Mexico where Fermin’s sister lived. Something about those trips that Sally enjoyed was being able to watch the scenery of the country pass by as they drove. In 1966 they moved from east Wichita to west Wichita. They had a new home built. Sadly they wouldn’t be together in the house very long. Fermin became ill a few years later. He needed a kidney transplant. She went to Kansas City KS to be by his side as he underwent a kidney transplant at KU Med Center. The transplant went well but sadly Fermin developed pneumonia and passed away on June 28, 1973. When asked how did she think that event, losing her husband, when very young, shaped her life, this was her answer. “The only thing I can say…the only thing… and I know…the Lord helped me through all of it. He gave me the strength. He really did. And to this day I still miss him, especially when spring comes along then summer. I love those, I love that season, but every time I look out and see the things he used to do outside, it reminds me a lot and I still do miss him. But, the only thing that kept me going was the strength of the Lord. I know, because I just do…I mean, I just feel good now.”
Mom loved all love stories but her love story with Dad was her favorite. Now they are both together forever before their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the KING!
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Sally Martinez, 89, Cudahy/Wesley Nutrition employee, went home to be with the Lord on April 18, 2019. An open viewing will be held Sunday, April 21, 2019, from 2-5 p.m. at Resthaven Mortuary; service 10 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2019, at Family Church, 11135 W. Kellogg Dr. Preceded in death by husband, Fermin Martinez; father Benigno Lopez; mother, Lupe Lopez; brother, Salvador Lopez; grandparents, Salvador and Juliana Lopez, Francisco and Flora Espinoza. Survivors: children, Maria (Michael) Hood, Jim (Carmen) Martinez, Rosalinda (Raul) Robles, Anita (Donald) Schafer, and Monica (Juan) Ramirez; 18 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 7829 E. Rockhill St #403, Wichita, KS 67206. The family would like to extend thanks to the Good Shepherd Hospice and the Keepsake Kottage staff for all their loving support during the illness and passing of their mother and grandmother.
