Maria Cruz Martinez

Maria Cruz Martinez, our beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, entered eternal life on the morning of April 11, 2026, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Known affectionately as “Cruzita,” she was born in Mesilla, New Mexico, on May 3, 1939—the Day of the Finding of the Holy Cross—a date that held deep spiritual meaning throughout her life. On February 8, 1955, she married the love of her life, Willie S. Martinez, in Deming, New Mexico. Together, they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and hard work, raising eight children—four sons and four daughters.

Cruzita had a deep love of knowledge and a curious spirit that carried her through a lifetime of learning. With eight children in the house, she attended night classes and received her GED. Afterward, she attended both NMSU and UTEP and took classes in literature, philosophy, and psychology. She found joy in travel, music, plants, and animals, embracing the beauty of the world around her. She had a special gift for creating, whether through her hands or her heart. She was known for making her own jellies, with her favorites being apricot and apple butter. A woman of many talents, Cruzita led by example and showed her children that they could achieve anything they set their minds to. She played the piano beautifully and mastered skills such as crocheting and knitting. She was an accomplished seamstress and a gourmet chef. Additionally, she even crafted her own pomegranate wine, a testament to her creativity and resourcefulness. Above all, Cruzita instilled in her children a strong sense of self, resilience, and the confidence to pursue their passions. Most importantly, she passed on her deep love for God and her steadfast faith. Her legacy lives on in her children and grandchildren.

Cruzita joins her husband Willie S. Martinez, parents Ramon & Angelita Montoya, sister Barbara Montoya, brother Anastacio Montoya, and grandson Nicolas Arrieta in eternal life. Left behind are her brothers and sisters: Luis S. Montoya, Margarita G. Montoya, Ysidro G. Montoya (Norma), Alicia M. Asher; and her loving children: Albert Martinez of El Paso, Texas; Henry J. Martinez of Dona Ana; Anna Patricia Zellefrow (Clint) of Farmington; Barbara Martinez-Griego (Fernando) of Las Cruces; Mary Helen Martinez of Albuquerque; William M. “Hoss” Martinez of Dona Ana; Christopher F. Martinez (Debra) of Las Cruces; Norma M. Arrieta (Victor) of Las Cruces. Other survivors include 13 grandchildren: Albert, Angela, Tobias, Felicia, Jeremy, Jessica, Matthew, Anna Cruzita, Gabriel, Valerie, Allison, William Ty, and Victoria; 11 great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Ciara, A.J., Jocelyn, Brian Jr., Frankie, Alex, Faith, Chaiomhe, Sana, Aurelio; and 1 great-great grandchild: Naliah.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 9:00-10:00 am at Getz Funeral Home. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 10:30 am with a funeral mass to follow immediately thereafter at the Basilica of San Albino in Mesilla, New Mexico. Rite of Committal and Internment will take place following the funeral mass at the San Albino Cemetery in Mesilla, New Mexico. 

Serving as pallbearers for the funeral mass will be Henry Martinez, Hoss Martinez, Tobias Martinez, Ty Martinez, Victor Arrieta, and Jeremy Zellefrow. Honorary pallbearers will be the remainder of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family extends special thanks to all who provided loving kindness through visiting, caring for, providing hot meals, and especially praying for Cruzita and the family in their time of need.