Mela Martinez passed away, Thursday May 8, 2008, in Winslow. She was born in Corrales, New Mexico on January 27, 1917. she was married to Jose Gabriel Martinez, who preceded her death in 1990.

They started their family and lived in Mc Nary, Arizona, for several years before making their home in Winslow in 1950.

Mela was an avid gardener and for many years enjoyed her early morning walks before ill health made her too frail to continue.

She is survived by a son, Gabriel (Sandra) Martinez, of Winslow, Five Daughters, Estella (Tony) Marquez, of Fullerton, California, Juanita Alexandera of Winslow, Inez (Lee) Risner, of Cape Fair, Missouri, Helen Martinez, of Winslow, Bebe (Daniel) Shockey of Texas. She is also survived by eight grand children, seven great grand children and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Holy Rosary will be held Monday May 12th at 930 a.m. at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Winslow with Funeral Mass to Follow at 1030 a.m. burial will be at Desert View Cemetery.