Rosenaldo Martinez

Ross passed away peacefully in his home on March 18, 2024 in Canjilon, NM, after a brief illness surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents Rosenaldo and Lugarda Martinez. Ross was known for his witty sense of humor and love of family. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing, hunting, and being in the mountains. He also had a passion for singing and playing the guitar with his family, especially his grandsons. Ross was born in Canjilon, NM on July 15, 1947. It was in Canjilon that he met his beloved wife of 57 years. They moved to Denver CO shortly after marrying to start a family. While in Denver, Ross served as a Denver County Sheriff Deputy until he retired after 18 years. After the passing of his beloved mother Lugarda, he returned to Canjilon, where he started his second career as bus driver, eventually becoming the Transportation Director of the Chama Valley Schools He also worked as a DJ for the Chama radio station 95.5KFLH where he had a great love for the community and Northern New Mexico Music. He transitioned into the role of Training Specialist for Los Alamos National Laboratory, leaving a lasting impact on numerous individuals, and forging deep friendships along the way. His tenure there was marked by dedication and camaraderie until he ultimately retired, embracing the opportunity to cherish moments with his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Ross never met a stranger and everyone he met became his “Prim”. He had a very loving personality and would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. Ross was survived by his loving wife of 57 years Elsie. His children Ronnie (Elda) Martinez of Tega Cay, SC, Rachel (Fernando) Gurule of Ancones, NM, and Robin Manzanares Canjilon, NM. Grandchildren Michael (Jenelle) Sandoval, Mario (LeAnna) Sandoval, Kenneth (Joseph) Sandoval-Bushur, Raymond (Santana) Salinas, Victoria Martinez, Brandon Martinez, Mallory Manzanares, and Megan Martinez. Sisters Emma Wilson and Ruth (Darold) Wamsher Brothers Father Charlie Martinez O.F.M and Bernado (Robert) Martinez. His special Aunts Donna (Art) Espinoza and Julia Gallegos. Great grandchildren Loryn, Gabriella and Hunter Sandoval. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and his beloved brothers and sisters-in-law. We would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Roadrunner Hospice especially Gina Binion, Gracie Haws, and Claudette Pacheco for their excellent care. We would also like to thank all the Martinez family for their devotion and support throughout the entirety of this difficult time. Thank you to all that have sent condolences and prayers for the family as they were all greatly appreciated. Pallbearers will be Brandon Martinez, Michael Sandoval, Mario Sandoval, Kenneth Sandoval and Raymond Salinas. Honorary Pallbearers are Megan Martinez, Mallory Manzanares, Loryn Sandoval, Gabriella Sandoval, Hunter Sandoval, Victoria Martinez, Genaro Madrid, Moises Morales, and Fermin Maes.

Arrangements are as follows: Viewing and Rosary April 4, 2024 4-6pm at Rivera Funeral Home 305 Calle Salazar Espanola, NM. Funeral mass and rosary April 5,2024 10:00am in Canjilon at the San Juan Nepomuceno Catholic Church. Burial to follow at the Canjilon Cemetery.