Sally Rita Martinez

Sally Rita Martinez, 80, of Mancos, CO passed away on April 12, 2021, at her home, surrounded by loved ones. Sally was born on April 8, 1941, in McPhee, CO to Ernest and Lucia Valdez.
In 1954, the family moved to Mancos, CO. Sally graduated from Mancos High School in 1959. On May 28,1960, she married her high school sweetheart, Joe Martinez, and raised their three children in Mancos. The family’s fondest memories and passion lay in the mountains where they spent their lives hunting, fishing and sitting around the campsite. Joe worked his entire life as a professional timberfaller, finally becoming his own logging contractor until his untimely death from a logging accident in 2003. Sally worked at the Mancos school cafeteria as head cook for 30 years. Sally loved spending time with friends and family, and all were always welcome in her home.
Surviving Sally are her three kids, Ed (Sharon), Jeff (Melinda), and Lucia (Ed); seven grandchildren, Stacy, Vanessa (Chris), Damian (Audriana), Tiffany (Patrick), Tatum (Tanner), Bradley (EJ), and Chandler; four great grandchildren, Adam, Arianna, Emery and Gage; her brothers, Dick (Kareen) Valdez, Don (Thelma) Valdez, Tito (Dolores) Jaramillo; her sister, Maxine (Precilliano) Lemus; and her beloved pet gecko, Rosie. Sally was preceded in death by her mother, Lucia Valdez; her father, Ernest Valdez; her brother, Adolph Valdez; and her beloved husband of 43 years, Joe.
Sally had wonderful family and friends that have been extremely close in her life for over 50+ years: Mattie Quintana, Betty Romero, Dolores Martinez, and Karen Olson.
No services are planned at this time. The family is planning a Celebration of Life in Mancos this summer or fall when everyone will be welcome to attend.