Ernesto Martinez

ERNESTO MARTINEZ, 88, passed away peacefully with his loving wife at his side, in his home in Llano de San Juan, NM (Peñasco) on Friday night April 28, 2017. Ernesto was born on April 25, 1929 in Rio Lucio, NM to Leonardo and Doloritas Martinez. Ernesto was preceded in death by his parents, Leonardo and Doloritas Martinez of Rio Lucio, NM, his grandchildren Christian R. Gurulé, and Katie Faith Martinez, brothers Amado Martinez (Mabel), Lauriano Martinez (Clarita), sisters Genara (Onofre) Gurulé, Teresita Chavez (Adelido) and Ociviana Torres (Camilo). Ernest served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He received various decorations for combat duty, including three bronze stars and was honorably discharged from service in 1953.  Following military service, he proudly worked as a miner in the state of Montana and for 25 years in Grants NM, (Kerr-McGee).  His exceptional work ethic earned him high recognition as an outstanding motorman.  Moving back to Penasco in the late 1970s he returned to the land of his childhood, caring for his young family, raising live stock and farming.  Living in Northern New Mexico allowed him to embrace his love for the outdoors, fishing the pristine rivers, and hunting white tail deer. He shared this passion with his nephews and his children.  The unforgettable stories of his adventurous life he shared with us will forever remain in our hearts.  He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ernesto is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Ruth Martinez of Llano de San Juan, NM; daughters Patsy LuAnne and husband Jerry Tafoya of Santa Fe, NM; Darlene and husband Clyde Gurulé of Rio Lucio, NM; EmmyLou and husband Tony Garica of Las Vegas NV; Marilyn and husband Clarence Aragon of Mora, NM; Julie Anne and husband Dan Sánchez of Albuquerque, NM; sons, Ernest E. and wife Melina Martinez of Santa Fe, NM; Melvin and wife Deborah Martinez of Albuquerque, NM.; grandchildren Jared Tafoya (Kristina), Anthony Garica, Dustin Tafoya, Deidra Gurulé-Armijo (Monaco), Brandon Garcia, Kendrick Sánchez, Santiago Aragon, Celeste Martinez, Roman Martinez, Avah Martinez, August Martinez, and Amari Armijo; great-granddaughters Aria Gurulé-Armijo and Sakura Tafoya; dear sister Margaret Maes of Vadito, NM; several beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nephews, nieces, and various other relatives and friends.  A llegada will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at the San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church in Peñasco, with a first rosary to be recited at 3:30 p.m., public visitation will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a second rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the San Antonio de Padua Catholic Church, with  Military Honors at 12:00 p.m. at the cemetery in Llano de San Juan. Immediately after the burial, everyone is invited to a reception at the Peñasco Community Center, 14136 NM-75, Peñasco, NM 87553. Serving the family as pallbearers are Ernest E. Martinez, Jared Tafoya, Anthony Garcia, Brandon Garcia, Kendrick Sánchez, and Santiago Aragon, honorary pallbearers will be Deidra Gurulé-Armijo, Dustin Tafoya, Celeste Martinez, Roman Martinez, Avah Martinez, August Martinez, Aria Gurulé-Armijo, Amari Armijo and Sakura Tafoya.

Please visit devargasfuneral.com to share your condolences and stories on Ernesto Martinez's memorial page.  The family of Ernesto Martinez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley.

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