Rufina Martinez

Rufina F. (Rufie) Tapia Martinez peacefully entered into eternal rest at home after a brief illness on Thursday, May 8, 2008. Rufie was preceded in death by her loving parents, Demetrio and Amalia, sister Magdalena Tapia, beloved husband of 54 years, Pablo S. Martinez, and loving grandson Brian Cabeza de Vaca; and recently by two dear cousins, Stella Martin and Guadalupe Gonzales. She is survived by daughters, Agnes CdeBaca and husband Joseph, JoAnne McCarty, Rose Marie Gonzales and husband Arthur, and son Demetrio Martinez and fiancée, Theresa Rebolled; 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; and numerous wonderful relatives and friends. Rufina was born in Leyba, NM, on May 29, 1924; raised in Corruco and between the family ranch in Rencona and Pecos, where her family finally settled. There she met her husband Pablo, married and raised her family. She will be remembered for her loving and caring ways. She was a longtime, devout parishioner of St. Anthony's where she served as a dedicated Eucharistic Minister. She was admired for her leadership as a staunch follower of our Lord. Rufie was the "First Lady" of Pecos for 20 years during Pablito's "reign" as Mayor of our great town. She loved gardening and her home was filled with a vast assortment of flowers and herbs and fruit trees. Her cooking and baking were unrivaled. Her humming and singing could be heard as she worked in the kitchen: cooking, canning fruits and vegetables, and making her famous chokecherry jelly. Her talents and abilities were marveled at by her friends. She was always generous with her recipes and products. Her hobbies included pottery making, weaving, drawing, painting, embroidery and quilt making. She was a member of Artesania de Pecos for many years and enjoyed working with several other Pecos valley artesanos. A Rosary will be recited Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony's Church in Pecos. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday May 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony's with burial to follow at Pecos Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers are her grandsons: Joseph R., Paul and Andre CdeBaca, Arthur, Demetrio, Matthew, Francisco and Darius Gonzales. Honorary Pallbearers are her God-sons: Reynaldo Flores, Randy McWilliams, and Lorenzo Quintana. In Lieu of flowers, Rufina's wishes were that donations be made in her name to St. Anthony's Parish or to Our Lady of Guadalupe Benedictine Monastery in Pecos, NM. The Rivera Family of Santa Fe Funeral Options 417 East Rodeo Road Santa Fe, NM 87505 (505) 989-7032 www.santafefuneraloption.com