Del Norte resident Benny Pete Martinez, 73, passed away February 3, 2018 at the Rio Grande Hospital in Del Norte with his family by his side. Benny was born on October 4, 1944 in Monte Vista, Colorado, the son of Ben Martinez and Rose Salazar Martinez. Benny worked as a cook for many years and was well known in the community. He enjoyed going fishing, cooking, playing card games and dominos, attending church and spending as much time as he could with his family and friends.

Survivors include his fiancé Charlotte Clay of Monte Vista, CO; daughters Maruie (Jerry) Trujillo of Denver, CO; Benita Martinez of Colorado springs, CO; son Michael (Shoshanna) Vigil of Monte Vista, CO; grandchildren Joshua Martinez, Lucy Trujillo, Miguel Vigil and Lydia Vigil, sisters Joan Martinez of Monte Vista, CO; Leola (Tacho) Lopez of Ft. Morgan, CO; Loretta Pacheco of Albuquerque, NM; brothers Ricky (Stella) Martinez, Gabriel Vigil both of Monte Vista, CO; Dennis Pacheco of Alamosa, CO. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Benny was preceded in death by his parents Rose and Ben Martinez and brother Leroy "Tarzan" Martinez.
Cremation was chosen and A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Monte Vista Assembly of God Church located at 881 Highway 285 in Monte Vista. Inurnment will be held at a later date. The care of arrangements have been entrusted to Romero Funeral Home of Monte Vista.