Santos Martinez

Santos G. Martinez, 92, long-time Sunnyside resident, passed away peacefully Friday September 14, 2018 surrounded by all her loving family.  Santos G. Martinez was born in Shelby, Texas on November 5, 1925. At a young age she met the love of her life Nasario Martinez, they married on June 6, 1942. She alongside her husband migrated all across the United States working agricultural until finally settling down and making their home in Sunnyside, WA in 1953.  Together they had 24 children and leave a legacy that will not be forgotten by those that knew her.  She will be greatly missed by all.  Nasario and Santos Martinez were self-employed farmers up until the early 1990’’s.  Most recently Santos worked for Community Services Volunteer a transportation Specialist.   She worked up until October of 2017.  She loved getting up early making her rounds at the nursing homes and going to homes visiting her lifelong friends.  She cherished time spent with her loving family, reading her bible, listening to music and also when time allowed she would make time to attend her great grandchildren’s school functions.  She also worked for the RSVP Program for 42 years.  Santos was a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.   Santos is survived by 13 children, Nasario (Gloria) Martinez of Seattle WA, Frank Sr. (Margaret) Martinez, Jose (Janie) Martinez, Mary Aurora Martinez, Rosa (Luis) Gudino, Rudy (Elvia) Martinez, Carmen (Felix) Barrera, Sandra (John) Martinez , Rachel (Ray) Romero, Irene (Luis) Sanchez, Roy Martinez, Lina Gutierrez all of Sunnyside WA, Homer (Mary) Martinez of Kennewick, WA, Maria (Terry) Alaniz of Grandview, WA and daughter in law Mary Martinez of Quincy WA.  She is also survived by 75 grandchildren, 148 great grandchildren and 25 great great grandchildren.  She is proceeded in death by her parents Jose and Rosalia Gutierrez, husband Nasario Martinez Sr, adult son Juan Martinez Sr of Quincy WA, eight infant sons, two infant daughters, one grandson, one granddaughter, one great granddaughter.  Two brothers Gustavo Gutierrez and Vicente Gutierrez of Sunnyside WA. And a sister Fabiana Perales of Toppenish WA.  The family would like to give thanks to Leslie from Hospice, and the friends and family who gave continuous support during this difficult time. Viewing and Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 18, 2018 from 4-8 pm at Valley Hills Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 19, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Sunnyside.  Burial will be at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside under the direction of Valley Hills Funeral Home, Sunnyside. Reception to follow for those wishing to attend. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Santos Martinez, please visit our flower store.