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Utilia "Tillie" Martinez, 83 of Santa Rosa, NM died Monday, January 5, 2009 in Albuquerque surrounded by her family following a courageous battle with cancer. Tillie was born September 5, 1925 in Carlsbad, NM to the home of Manuel T. and the former Rosita (Sisneros) Apodaca. She was raised on the family ranch in San Ignacio, New Mexico on Route 66. She attended schools in the little village of San Ignacio and later in Santa Rosa. She was married on July 14, 1945 in Santa Rosa. She worked as an assistant in the Guadalupe Consolidated Schools and retired after many years. She enjoyed working with the students and often would encounter former students who she enjoyed visiting with. Tillie and Nap were longtime members of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Santa Rosa where they served as Eucharistic Ministers. Tillie was a member of the Rosary and Altar Society and a charter member of the Catholic Daughters. One of Tillie's greatest pleasures was cooking for her family; she loved to crochet and make many afghans and doilies for her many family members. She spent many enjoyable hours in her garden and made homemade wine from her fruit trees. Her greatest pleasure was being with her family and enjoying special occasions. Tillie was preceded in death by her husband Napoleon "Nap" Martinez on December 31, 2003; her mother Rosita Apodaca on October 27, 2003: her father Manuel T. Apodaca on October 24, 1972, her sister-in-law Ruth Apodaca and her brother-in-law Nick Ulibarri. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend and will be missed by her family. Survivors include a son Patrick Martinez and wife Gloria of Santa Rosa; a daughter Teresa Viramontes and husband Carl of Albuquerque; two brothers Tranquilino Apodaca of Bernalillo, New Mexico, Manuel Apodaca and wife Della of Santa Rosa, NM; two sisters Trancita Robles and husband Orlando of Albuquerque, NM and Lorrie and Benny Maldonado of Albuquerque, NM. Also surviving are four grandchildren Manuel Martinez and fiancee Melanie Salazar, Andre Martinez, Jessyca Flores and husband Frank and Juliette McCoy and husband Sam of Albuquerque along with numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and many friends. Rosary Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2009 from St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa with Joe Martinez leading the prayers. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 Thursday, January 8, 2009 with Father Antonio Mondragon officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Santa Rosa. Pallbearers will include Manuel Martinez, Sam McCoy, Andre Martinez, Frank Flores, Larry Apodaca and Ronald Maldonado. Honorary bearers will be all her loving nephews of the Martinez and Apodaca families. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third Street; Santa Rosa, New Mexico (575) 472-3369. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com
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