Elizabeth Martinez

The Martinez family, with great sadness, announces the unexpected passing of Elizabeth Martinez, aka Grammo Sis, Liz, Sis, on Friday, January, 24 2014. She was born in Roswell, on October 8, 1925, and remained a lifelong resident, except when her husband Fermins military assignment took the family to England, France and Italy. During World War II and Korea era, Fermin was a US Army Ranger he later served in the US Air Force. The family, that included four daughters, returned home in the mid 60s, when Fermin was reassigned to Walker Air Force Base. When Fermin volunteered to serve his country in Vietnam, Sis cared and educated their daughters as so many military wives do. Rosary is scheduled for 9:30 am with , Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at Ballard Funeral Home Chapel, funeral services will follow at 10 am with Deacon Ernesto Martinez of St. Johns Catholic Church officiating. Preceding interment at South Park Cemetery.

In 1598, Grammo Siss ancestors were a part of the group that established the first colony in what today is New Mexico. Some two and one half centuries later, her family, the Luceros, settled in the Hondo Valley, and along with other families from the northern part of the state, established the settlements of Lincoln and others along the rivers of the fertile Hondo Valley.

The marriage of Inez Lucero McTeigue of Arabella, NM and Amos Harden Rue of Denton, TX, gave birth to Sis mother, Elizabeth Rue. Elizabeth Rue married George Kihias, from Athens, Greece, but she died after giving birth to their only child, whom we lovingly known as Grammo Sis. Her aunt, Martha McTeigue Carrillo, raised Sis as her own daughter. Martha McTeigue Carrillo was known as Mama Mart to her family and to those who loved her. Mama Mart owned two restaurants one restaurant, the Alto Caf, was on Main Street in Roswell, the other restaurant was in Hagerman.

Sis married the love of her life, T. Fermin Martinez on November 15, 1946. The couple was married for 51 years and they had four daughters: Nancy, Bertina, Gratia and Rossana. Sis was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and husband. Those left behind to cherish memories of a kind, generous, and caring lady are her daughters, Nancy Burrola, and her husband Ray Bertina Telles, Gratia Martinez and Rossana Martinez. Grandchildren: Marcos Burrola, Andrs Burrola and wife Cara of Denver, Reina Rascn and husband Juan of San Antonio, TX, Matas Telles of Carlsbad, Maritza Gomez and husband Joshua of San Antonio, TX, Estrella Telles of Las Cruces, Lorena Northup and husband Cody of Roswell, Elizabeth Mysza of Dallas, TX and Vincent and Adam Mysza of Roswell. Great grandchildren: Luke Burrola, Rocco and Ryder Rascn, Luis and Celeste Caldern, Anais and Adiana Telles, Jonah Gomez and expected sister Mia Elizabeth Gomez and Kaylie Rae Van Orden. Special family members include: nephew Gilbert and his wife Juanita Salas of Lincoln, sisterinlaw Martha Martinez Cadena of Roswell and niece Donna Cadena Wilson of Roswell. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons, Marcos, Matas, Andrs, Vincent, Adam and great grandson, Luis.

The Martinez family would like to thank her care givers, especially her beloved youngest daughter Rossana, the staff of Roswell Home Medical, and Pecos Valley Rehabilitation Center.

Roswell and New Mexico has lost a grand lady whose pioneering stock led to the development of the state. Her sense of humor and good nature always had the family laughing and she will remain in our hearts and memories all our lives.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Monday, January 27, 2014
8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Service

Funeral Service

Ballard Funeral Chapel
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
10:00 am

Rosary

Ballard Funeral Chapel
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
9:30 A.M.

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203