Mary Lou Martinez

Mary Lou Martinez, 78, of Carlsbad, NM passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, surrounded by her family. Mary Lou was born on May 15, 1944, in Carlsbad, NM to Antonio and Gertrude Rodriguez.

Visitation is scheduled from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home, followed by a Vigil at 6:00 PM. Liturgy outside the Mass is scheduled for 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at San Jose Catholic Church with Deacon Manuel Chavez officiating. Interment will take place at the Santa Catarina Cemetery in Carlsbad, NM. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Throughout high school, Mary Lou was very involved in athletics. After graduating from Carlsbad High School, she became a CNA for several years. She then started working for the Carlsbad School District as a bilingual instructional assistant, and finally retired with the Carlsbad Health Office WIC program. She was also a CASA volunteer advocate for many years. After retirement, Mary Lou started working at the San Jose Church gift shop, which she absolutely loved. She was a faithful member of San Jose Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughters of America. Mary Lou loved spending time with her companion Beto, and her dog Chula cheering on the Dallas Cowboys. She enjoyed going to concerts, taking trips to the casino with her friends Carol and Olivia, traveling to softball tournaments and listening to George Strait. She was also known to throw a good chancla! Over everything, her family was her pride and joy. Our Mama Lou will be dearly missed, and never forgotten.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her father, Antonio Rodriguez; mother, Gertrude (Sanchez) Rodriguez; husband, Samuel Martinez; daughter, Brenda Medina; and two sisters, Connie Martinez and Hope Ortiz.

Mary Lou is survived by her companion Jose “Beto” Vasquez of Carlsbad, NM; companion dog, Chula; seven children: Linda Cash; David Martinez and wife, Lilly; Sam Martinez; Steve Martinez and wife, Kathy; Barbara Mendoza and husband, Barry; Yvonne Contreras and husband, David; and Veronica Brewer and husband, Tim; fifteen grandchildren: James Martinez, Justin Medina, Jordan Medina, Arturo Carrillo, Samantha Martinez, Jessica Martinez, Destini Rojo, Jennifer Martinez, Anthony Martinez, Esteban Martinez, Tracy Borunda, Brandon Mendoza, Brandy Mendoza, Joshua Contreras, and Brittany Collier; ten great grandchildren; four siblings: Amy Galindo and husband, Ysabel; Lucy Villa and husband, George; Tony Rodriguez and wife, Grace; and Nancy Johnson and husband, Jim; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pallbearers will be: Joshua Contreras, David Martinez, Sam Martinez, Steve Martinez, James Martinez, and David Contreras. Honorary pallbearers are all of her grandchildren.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at the Lakeview Heaton House, and to the Lakeview Hospice nurses that gave such special care to Mary Lou. Condolences may be expressed online at dentonwood.com