Manuelita "Lita" Erlinda Martinez

Manuelita (Lita) Erlinda Martinez, 78, went home to be with our Lord on March 7, 2024, in Alamogordo, New Mexico. She was born on January 2, 1946, in Raton, New Mexico to Lazaro and Ramoncita (Ulibarri) Martinez. 

As the youngest of 8 siblings, Manuelita took care of her ailing mother and the family home.  She watched nieces and nephews, so learned how to be a homemaker from childhood.  Meeting her future husband in 7th grade, as he hung out with her brother.  They started going on chaperoned dates.  After high school, they got married and moved to Alamogordo where Jose had a job at HAFB.  A year later they started welcoming children.  They had 3 daughters and 3 sons which led to 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

As a homemaker she was busy taking care of children and the home.  She loved flowers and often grew house plants in almost every room in the house.  She loved to collect nick-knacks, make arts and crafts and took painting classes.  An avid quilter, she made many quilts and was a member of the Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry at Christ Community Church.  She loved to sing but would rarely sing in front of people.  A social butterfly, she loved people, loved having company and visiting people.  She was involved in many ministries: the Rosary Altar Society at ICC and along with her husband, many Bible studies, retreats and camp outs.

Always including her children to be involved and always ministering to her children and grandchildren.  She was always ready to help anyone with prayers, money or a covered dish.  She lived a very full life and is leaving behind a long legacy for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to follow, along with many testimonies from relatives and friends that she ministered to.

Survivors include her husband of almost 60 years, Jose Martinez of Alamogordo; three daughters, Maria Mendoza of Alamogordo, Ana Martinez of Ruidoso, Jesusita "Sita" (Sergio) Mendez of Denton, TX; three sons, Paul (Belia) Martinez of Livermore, CA, Carlos (Theresa) Martinez of Alamogordo, and Miguel Martinez of Avondale, AZ; a brother, Larry Martinez and a sister, Barbara Martinez both of Albuquerque.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lazaro and Ramoncita Martinez; sisters, Magdalena Lujan, Patrocinia Gomez, Mele Cordova, Mary Lou Quesada and a brother, Joe Martinez.

The family will greet friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on March 25, 2024, at Christ Community Church.

The Funeral Service will be conducted at 11:00 am, March 25, 2024, at Christ Community Church with John Cantu officiating.

Burial will follow at Christ Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Carlos Martinez, Miguel Martinez, Nathaniel Anguiano, Zachary Ybarbo, James Martinez, Sergio Mendez. 

The Martinez family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Scenic Chapel to direct the funeral services. 

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