Long time Center resident Maria A. Martinez was called home on January 26, 2018 after a brief, hard fought battle with cancer.  Maria was born on July 3, 1948 in Cerro, New Mexico.

Maria was known to most as “Tachi” and the love she had for family was uncompromising. Tachi enjoyed going to church, playing board games, watching game shows, winning at bingo, cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and spending time with family. Tachi grew to love her independence,  but with a family as large as the Garcia’s, she was never truly alone. She was also in the constant company of her precious “Fat Boy”.  She was famous for putting pen to paper, always sending a card of thanks, a birthday card, or a quick letter to let you know she was thinking of you. A pastime of hers that will be missed by many.

Tachi was preceded in death by her husband, Baldamar (Walter) Martinez, her father, Roman A. Garcia, her mother, Leonila Brito Garcia, her brother Eddie B. Garcia, three sisters, Brenda Garcia, Tammy Garcia and Juanita Garcia.

Tachi is survived by  her sons, Mauricio Paez, Pueblo, CO and David Paez of Pueblo, CO, three sisters, Tina (Joe) Duran of Rock Springs, Wyoming, Mildred Joyce Garcia of Center, CO, Lee Ann Rose Garcia of Fruita , CO,  and six brothers, Ted (Ernestina) Garcia of Espanola, NM, Leonard (Cheri) Garcia of Center, CO, Ruben (Donna) Garcia of Monte Vista, CO, Tony (Valerie) Garcia of Center, CO , Gerald (Rachel) Garcia of Center, CO,  Kevin (Kathy) Garcia of Center, CO  as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at St. Francis Jerome Catholic Church in Center and a Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 also at St. Francis Jerome Catholic Church in Center.  To express condolences to the family, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com

Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista is in care of the arrangements.