Longtime Center resident Miguel Martinez, 80, passed away Sept. 7, 2023. He passed away peacefully at his home under hospice care surrounded by his loving family. He was welcomed into the world on Dec. 6, 1942, in Durango, Mexico, the beloved son of Porfirio Martinez and Guadalupe Sanchez Martinez.

Miguel was skilled at working with his hands. He loved to build houses, cabinets, do carpentry work and go for firewood. In his free time, he liked fishing, and spending time with his family. He was an exceptional, devoted and loving father and he will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his wife Rafaela Martinez, children Maria L. (Pedro) Perez, Raymond, Ramona (Martin) Trejo, Guadalupe (Armando) Chaparro, Patricia (Valeriano) Gurrola-Amaya, Belen (Jose Luis) Beltran, Ausencio (Gloria) Martinez, Miguel Martinez, 22 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous extended family members and friends.

Miguel was preceded in death by his parents Porfirio and Guadalupe Martinez, daughter Maria De Jesus Vargas-Martinez, Grandsons Jesus Vargas, Ricardo Perez, two brothers and one sister.

Viewing and visitation will be held from 12-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023, at the Romero Funeral Chapel in Alamosa. Vigil Service will be held on Sept. 13, 2023, at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Jerome Catholic Church in Center. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, at 2 p.m. also at St. Francis Jerome Catholic Church in Center. Interment will follow at the San Luis Valley Cemetery in Monte Vista.

To leave online condolences please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. Romero Funeral Home of Alamosa has been entrusted with the care of arrangements.