Ray H Martinez

Ray H. Martinez, 83, passed away on November 5, 2023 unexpectedly at his home. Even though he has left this world, his loving heart left a beacon of light for all in our family.

Ray is survived by his son, Jerod Martinez and daughter Cari Phillips Fuller. He was the proud papa of Brandon Phillips, Meriah Franklin, Alicia Elisaesser, Alene Schaper, Noelle Phillips, Michael Phillips and was a great grandfather of six girls and one boy.

Ray is also survived by: his late sister Kathleen Robinson’s children George, Kathleen and David; his late brother Walter Martinez’ wife Dolores and children Camille, Ken and Kevin; his sister Mary Rush and her children Mike and Pat; his sister Anavi Roman and her husband Victor and children Arlene and Debbie; his late sister Naomi Greene’s children Diane, Karen, Mark and Robin; his sister Grace Mier and her children Lorraine, Robert, Steve, Cathy and Stacy; his late brother Richard Martinez’ wife Dora and children Rick and Paul; and his youngest sister Carol Martinez, Sisters in Law, Connie Garcia and Pat Selph, brother in Law, Andy Garcia and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Nieves (Neva) Garcia Martinez, sons Lenny Phillips Jr., Michael Phillips, his parents Levi and Anastasia Martinez, his sisters Kathleen Robinson and Naomi Greene and brothers Levi Jr., Ben, Walter and Richard; brothers in law Sal Mier, Bill Greene and Jim Rush.

Raised in Tierra Amarilla on the Martinez Ranch, Ray was up early to lead the cows out on his favorite horse and to bring them back each evening. He served our country in the military, zipped around as a young man on his BSA Hornet motorcycle, met the love of his life Nieves and worked as a sheet metal worker in Farmington for many years. He loved family gatherings and when things went wrong would grin with a gleam in his eye and say, “just making memories.” His quick wit, humor, patience and wisdom will be truly missed.

A short memorial will be held on November 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Cope Memorial, 404 W. Arrington

Ave., Farmington, NM, followed by the burial at Memorial Gardens cemetery in Farmington,

New Mexico.