Eloy P. Age 80 - Espanola/ Northridge, Califo Martinez

\r\nEloy P. Martinez, 80, formerly of Espanola, New Mexico died on Monday, October 4th in Northridge, California after a short bout with colon cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time. Eloy was born in Espanola to Jose Aron and Aurelia Maestas Martinez. He was known as Dad, Grandpa and Uncle but definitely “one of a kind”. Eloy met the love of his life ‘Lucy’ when they were just 14 years old at a school dance in Espanola and they married on December 4, 1948. Three years later they moved to California where he worked for 35 years as a painter and supervisor at North American Rockwell Aviation. Together they raised five daughters in California. After retiring in 1987 they moved back to their home on Aurelia Lane in Espanola. When Lucy became ill, they moved to Albuquerque for a short time then back to California where they could be cared for and surrounded by family. Eloy had a strong love for family and friends, and everyone knew him for his great sense of humor. He always had a story to tell, a silly face gesture or a joke to pass along and when he was around there was never a dull moment. He loved going to the Commerce Casino to play poker and visit with friends. This is what he referred to as “his therapy”. Eloy had a great memory for family history and loved to share his stories and talk about the old days. While living in California he would listen to KDCE radio, read the New Mexico Sun and DeVargas Mortuary Obituaries daily on the internet. Although he lived in California he kept in touch with his family in New Mexico, Utah and Colorado with weekly and sometimes daily phone calls sharing stories and concern for everyone. Eloy is preceded in death by his wife Lucy; his daughter Mary Lou Martinez; his parents, Jose Aron and Aurelia Martinez; sisters, Antonia Juanita “Tita” Garcia, Ramona Dallege, and Pauline Padilla; brothers, Jose Aron Jr., Wences, Raymond T. and Richard. He is survived by daughters, Patricia Eubanks of Garden Grove, CA, Mary Hoover and husband Gary of Anaheim Hills, CA, Lolita Russell and husband Alan of North Hills, CA, Yolanda Martinez and husband Mike Barber of Santa Cruz, NM, and Debi Carlson and husband John of Long Beach, CA; sisters, Dolores “Dee” Rusanowski and husband Bernie of Santa Fe, NM, Inez Trujillo and husband Ben of Albuquerque, NM, Marina “Minnie” Archuleta of Espanola and Florina “Flora” Garcia of Espanola, NM; sisters in law, Gloria Martinez of Espanola, NM, Rose Martinez of Sylmar, CA and Mercedes “Mercy” Atencio and husband Johnny of Chamita; brother in law, Richard Padilla of Santa Cruz, NM. Eight grandchildren, Christy Russell, Michael Eloy Eubanks, Matthew Carle (wife Valerie), Marc Russell (wife Lisa), Kenneth Martinez Eubanks (wife Jenna), Jennifer Eubanks, Lisa Russell and Michelle Barber. Nine great grandchildren, Justin, Matthew, Roman, Courtney, Kayla, Devin, Jenna, Jordan and Alivia. Also many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.Prior to his passing, Eloy requested that his body be cremated and his urn be placed to rest with his wife Lucy at the Santa Fe National Ceremony. Since Lucy’s passing his only wish was to be with her again. His request will be honored in a private ceremony to be held at a later time. \r\nIn the words of our “Dad”, “Grandpa” and “Uncle” Eloy… “Bueno Bye”.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n

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