Sharan Martinez

Sharan Kay Whitaker-Martinez of Roswell, NM passed away Thursday October 15, 2015 at the age of 67. She was a life long resident of Roswell and will be truly missed by her friends and family.

Sharan was born to Norman and Christine Whitaker, both of whom have preceded her in death, on July 12, 1948 in Roswell NM. She had two aunts who also preceded her in death, Gloria Quintana and Josie Fevig.

After graduating from Goddard High School in 1968 she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern New Mexico University and certified and inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Society.

Sharan had a heart for families who were hurting, and using her degree and compassion, began a career in helping others. She worked for Peak Treatment Foster Care in Roswell helping foster kids in their vulnerable time of need. Not having children herself she considered each of these kids like her own, treating them with patience and kindness but still being firm and helping them to be placed with families that could take care of them. During her free time Sharan loved to bowl and was a member at one time with the Saint Mary's bowling league. She was a huge fan of the character Betty Boop and was passionate about animals; even naming one of her cats, Kathmandu. She had just begun helping the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, a place for abandoned wolf hybrids, in Candy Kitchen NM.

Sharan loved her family deeply and was very involved in their lives. She is survived by one Uncle, Phillip Robert Vouterin of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and many loving extended family members consisting of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held at Ballard Funeral Home on Thursday, October 22, 2015 from 8 am to 5 pm. Her services are scheduled for 2 pm, Friday, October 23, 2015 at Ballard Funeral Home Chapel with Jerry Chavez of Christ Church officiating. Interment to follow at 10am, Saturday, October 24, 2015 at Fairview Cemetery in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are Johnny Quintana, Joe Quintana, Elias Quintana Jr., Kenny Quintana, Michael Quintana and David Quintana.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Thursday, October 22, 2015
8: 00 am to 7:00 pm

Service

Ballard Funeral Chapel
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Friday, October 23, 2015
2:00 pm

Cemetery

Fairview Memorial Park
700 Yale Blvd. SE
Albuquerque, NM  87119