It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Martinez who passed away on Sept. 5, 2024, at the age of 69. Barbara was born on May 26, 1955, in Pensacola, Fla., to Eloy W. and Lucille Espinoza Martinez.
As a child of a proud military family, by the time she was 11 years old she had lived in Pensacola, Fla., San Diego, Calif., and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before moving with her family to Conejos. Barbara was a graduate of Antonito High School and a graduate of Adams State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Teaching. Barbara had a passion for teaching children and was an elementary teacher for 25 years.
She was a member of the Legion of Mary, Veterans for Foreign Wars Auxiliary and was very proud of being the first female Grand Exalter Ruler for Alamosa Elks Lodge #1297.
Barbara was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Some of her favorite past times included: fishing, camping, softball, sewing, reading, and spending time with family and friends. One of her favorite memories was her fishing trip to Sitka, Alaska. She was an avid lover of frogs.
After retiring from teaching, she kept herself busy by volunteering at the church teaching catechism and summer bible school. She was an elementary teacher in the South Conejos School District and finished her teaching career in the Monte Vista School District at Bill Metz Elementary. She also worked at the Elks, Safeway and Torrez Flower Shop. She was also very active in helping her friends at local craft fairs.
Survivors include her son Joey Trujillo of Alamosa, Colo.; sister Sharon (Robert) Chavez of Manassa, Colo.; grandsons Matthew Trujillo of Alamosa, Colo., and Genesis Trujillo of Alamosa, Colo.; niece and nephews: Kristyn Chavez, Kyle Chavez, Samuel Chavez and Michael Chavez all of Manassa, Colo.; uncle Herman Gallegos, Conejos, Colo. She is also survived by numerous cousins and friends.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Eloy and Lucille Martinez, her brother David Martinez and one nephew Ryan Chavez.
A Vigil Service with Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monte Vista. Interment will follow at San Luis Valley Cemetery in Monte Vista.
To leave online condolences, please visit romerofuneralhomes.com. The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home.
