Benito Martinez

Benito Martinez, age 88, passed away August 26, 2002 at his home in Vaughn,NM. Benito was born February 2, 1914 in Las Tusaz, NM to the home of Pedro and Josefita Vigil Martinez. He was reared and attended schools in Vaughn. Benito married Josefina Cordova in 1933. She preceded him in death in 1955.In 1955 Benito married Cipriana Lesperance. Benito worked for the Santa Fe and Southern Pacific Railroad as a Section Hand for over 37 years. He assisted in building the Vaughn City Hall as well as the sidewalks around the Vaughn Area during the WPA. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. Benito loved music and taught his 9 daughters to sing and harmonize together and also taught them to play various instruments. He loved for his daughters to sing to him. He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Josefina, an infant son, grandsons Baby Jessie Juan Romero and Baby Ruben Griego his brother Frutoso Martinez, Blas Martinez, Eliseo Martinez and Samuel Martinez. Survivors include his wife Cipriana Martinez of the family home in Vaughn, his daughters Elisa Roe and husband Russell of Rio Rancho, Mary Esther Baker and husband Garey of Conchas Dam, Lila Willoughby and husband Jim of Rio Rancho, Della Binkowski and husband Richard of Rio Rancho, Virginia Gauna and husband Louie of Albuquerque, Carol Pohl and husband Joe of Albuquerque, Grace Roybal and husband Tommy of Fort Sumner,Jeanette Lopez and husband Daniel of Vaughn and Judy Romero and husband Daniel Gutierrez of Edgewood, brothers Juan Martinez and wife Marina of Phoenix, AZ, Arturo Martinez and wife Antonia of Santa Rosa and his sister Gloria Hernandez of Albuquerque. Also surviving are his 28 grand children,41 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren, numerous nieces,nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held on Wednesday evening at 7:00 from St. Mary's Church in Vaughn. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday morning at 10:00 also from St.Mary's Church with Father John Jasinski officiating. Burial will follow atEvergreen Cemetery in Vaughn. Serving as Pallbearers will be all his grandsons. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be Rudy Martinez, Pete Zamora, Gene Apodaca and Jerry Apodaca. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home, 923 South 3rd Street, Santa Rosa, NM.