Arsenio Martinez

Arsenio Jose Martinez, age 91, of Ranchitos, NM passed away on September 24, 2014 due to natural causes. He was born on April 11, 1923 in Alcalde, NM to Manuelita and Bernardo Martinez. He married Isabel (Chavela) Martinez in 1946 in Santa Fe, NM. He was preceded in death by his wife Isabel (Chavela) Martinez, daughter, Melita Atencio; brothers, Edumenio; Zacarias; Ferdinando and Arlo; sisters, Bernardita, Mamie, Emma, Ruthvenia, and grandson Gabriel, adopted children Randy, Clarence, and Rachel Edmonds. He is survived by his sons, Joseph Martinez and wife Sylvia; Arsenio Martinez and wife Lily; daughters, Michelle Martinez and Alexandria Sanchez; grandchildren, Barbara Trujillo; Cristina Martinez; Teresa Martinez; Carlos Vasquez; Rene Borrego; Audrey Borrego; Johanna Wilson; Rebecca Martinez; Marcos Martinez; Jesus Vasquez, Miguel Vasquez; Nina Martinez; Edmundo Martinez; Juanita Ibarra; Tyler Sanchez, adopted children Bobby, Nelson and JoAnn Edmonds and numerous great grandchildren. Arsenio was owner of Hacienda Lounge in Ranchitos. He and his wife Isabel ran the liquor store for over 50 years. He was a founding member of the young Democrats of Rio Arriba County and along with Emilio Naranjo and their organization controlled Rio Arriba County politics for over 35 years. He was a proud member of the 1957-58 New Mexico State Legislature. He loved his politics and was an avid sport fisherman. He raised race horses and was a very generous person. Serving the family as pallbearers will be Jesus Vasquez, Marcos Martinez, Tyler Sanchez, Edmundo Martinez, Zac Trujillo and Bobby Edmonds. Serving the family as honorary pallbearers will be Miguel Vasquez, Walter Trujilo, Carlos Vasquez, Gilbert Edmonds and Donald Marquez. A public visitation took place on Monday, September 29, 2014 at Rivera Family Funeral Home, 305 Calle Salazar, Espanola, NM. A rosary was recited also at Rivera Family Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial took place on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ohkay Owingeh, NM. Burial followed at the Alcalde cemetery. Breaking bread took place at Joe Bs Restaurant in Espanola following the burial. This obituary is protected by copyright laws, unauthorized use or duplication is prohibited