MONTE VISTA— Monte Vista resident Ben F. Martinez, 85, passed away March 11, 2019 at the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center with his loving family by his side.
Ben was born on March 25, 1933 in Alamosa, the son of Salomon Martinez and Elisida Valdez Martinez. Ben was united in marriage to Eleanor Lobato on June 28, 1955 and the two shared a long and happy union until his passing.
Ben attended and graduated from Adams State College in 1978 with a degree in business which he was extremely proud of. Ben was an outgoing, kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who enjoyed working in his yard, being on the computer, reading, watching Westerns, riding his scooter and spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his wife Eleanor Martinez of Monte Vista; daughters Melinda (Stan) Vallejos of Pueblo West, Colo.; Yvonne Lobato Of Alamosa; Denise Gomez of Monte Vista; son R. Greg Martinez of Monte Vista; grandchildren Matthew (Chelsea) Martinez of Monte Vista; Fabian (Sarah) Lobato of Pueblo; Roberto (Paige) Martinez of Santa Cruz, Calif.; Mikaela Martinez of Davis, Calif.; Jordan Gomez of Monte Vista; great-grandson Sean Bonifacio Lobato of Pueblo; sisters Inez Montoya of Colorado Springs; Esther Maes of Center; brothers Richard (Mae) Martinez of Colorado Springs and Andy (Patsy) Martinez of Center; Dale Gomez of Del Norte and Dora Martinez of Davis, Calif. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents Salomon and Elisida Martinez, sister Estrellita Martinez and brothers Joe B. Martinez and Raymond Martinez.
A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Friday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, March 23 at 11 a.m., also at St. Joseph Church in Monte Vista. Interment will follow at the San Luis Valley Cemetery. Viewing and visitation will be held on Friday from 1-5 p.m. at the Romero Funeral Chapel.