Longtime Monte Vista resident Nellie Martinez, 86, passed away peacefully at her home in Del Norte, under hospice care and surrounded by her family on February 19, 2017.

Nellie was born in Rio Los Pinos, New Mexico on October 26, 1930, the proud daughter of Manuel de Atocha Lucero and Carlota Velasquez Lucero. She married her sweetheart Jose E. “Bill” Martinez in Aztec, New Mexico on January 19, 1948. He preceded her in death on May 3, 2016.

Nellie was a very loving and supporting wife, mother and grandmother and a devoted Catholic. For much of her life, Nellie owned and operated several restaurants. She was known to make the very best sopaipillas and made these for their restaurant every Friday. She loved spending time with her family and looked forward to the holidays when they could all be together. In her spare time Nellie liked to flower garden, spend time in the outdoors, and on occasion go to the casino.

She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and her favorite places were visiting El Santuario de Chimayo in New Mexico and the beauty of Hawaii.

She is survived by her children Ron (Glenda) Martinez, Kathy(Patricio) Trujillo, Doris (Harold) Moore, Arlene (Don) Wilson, Joey (Phyllis) Martinez, Manuel (Juanita) Martinez and Kasey (Sharyn) Martinez; 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, her sister Romela Munoz; her brother-in-law Dale (Thora) Martinez; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends.

Nellie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Carmelita Martinez, her half-brothers Jose Ramon Velasquez and Manuel T. Velasquez.

Cremation was chosen and a Recitation of the Rosary will be held 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 24, 2017 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 25, 2017 also at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista, with inurnment of ashes to follow in the Monte Vista Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to the Infusion Center at San Luis Valley Health Regional Medical Center, c/o Kelly Gurule, 106 Blanca Ave., Alamosa, Colorado 81101.

Rogers Family Mortuary of Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements and online condolences, remarks and tributes may be left for Nellie’s family by visiting www.RogersFunerals.com

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