Our beloved dad, Ralph Marion Martinez, went to be with the Lord on March 4, 2018. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 14, 1933 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Emilio Martinez and Lillie Puenté.
On January 28, 1963 he married Leanne Smith in Denver, Colorado.
Ralph worked 17 years in the coal mines for FMC Skull Point Mine in Kemmerer, WY. Although he worked several years in the mining business his passion was doing auto body work.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gambling and dancing, but most of all spending time with his family, where he made many road trips that he enjoyed seeing his family in different states. Ralph had many traits and talents but one that he was able to pass down to his family was his ability to cook original family recipes.
Ralph was a member of the United Miner Workers of America.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Leanne; his parents, Emilio and Lillie; his children, Rodney Martinez and Rudy “Corky” Martinez; his grandchildren, Adam and Cory Daniel Martinez; and his siblings, Rudolph Martinez, Mary Claytor, and Tomasa Vigil; and his aunt, Sara Cervantes.
He is survived by his children; Teri (Ron) Romero of Longmont, CO, Michael Ralph (Kathy) Martinez of Albuquerque, NM, Mark (Kristy) Martinez of Gillette, WY, Mari Martinez of Laramie, WY, Michael Paul Martinez of Kemmerer, WY, and Anthony Martinez (Tina) of Kemmerer, WY; his grandchildren, Amy, Eric, André, Hillary, Dominic, Alexandra, Julia, Michelle, Mitchell, Josh, Jackie, Thomas, Cass, Mikayla, Chase, Cruz, Rilee, Austin Quin, and Natasha. Ralph is also survived by his 24 great grandchildren, his two great-great grandchildren; and his numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2018 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home with Pastor Elaine Taylor, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ralph M. Martinez memorial fund c/o Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home and/or Laramie Plains Federal Credit Union, 265 North 3rd St Laramie, WY 82072.
My condolences to all my brothers family and to say how sorry I him that I didn’t get to see you before you left us, I would also like to say how much you meant to me and say thanks for you taking care of me and all the good time we had together. It probably won’t be long before i get to see you and Mom, Tommie,Mary, and Rudy do me favor and say hi to ever body for me. Also wanted to say that my Family will miss you. I also wanted to say you where in great hands with Mary taking care of you. You’re Loving Bother Johnny
I will really miss my wife Jeannie's Uncle Ralph. He and Leanne always made us feel at home on our fishing trips over there to fish with him and the boys. He loved to cook when we camped, and his food was great! My condolences to his family, he was a class gentleman!
I really enjoyed fishing with Ralph and the boys in Wyoming. He and Leanne always made it an enjoyable trip, and went out of their way to make Jeannie (his niece, and my wife at the time) and I feel welcome after our trips from Salt Lake. I wish the entire family my best, he was a real classy man! Jody Gittins West Valley City, Utah
Dear Mari ,I am deeply saddened for the loss of your Dad:( I am very much aware of how devoted and detecated you his loveing daughter! has been to him since his ill journey began, you have been strong, courageous,and vigilant and we all admire you so much. I don't know many people that could do what you have done for your father in his last years ? Except for one and if I may say without taking anything away from you," this person has walked in your shoes and then some! He was there for our Mother! detecated to the very end just like you. And he was there for your father to when ever he needed him no matter what he would be there and your father, my Uncle loved my brother Dick with all his heart ❤️ he knew he could always count on him. In our family we call him our angel because he is always there when you need him always putting others before himself ! And my uncle Ralph loved him for that , he told me many times.So my prayers are with you my dear cousin Mari & Mikayla much love to you and hope this will bring you some comfort we love ❤️ you . I loved my uncle Ralph so very much my heart is broken ?I will miss him. "Sincerely " jeannie
Mari I truly wish I could be there with you. But I will keep you all in my prayers. Love you Cindy
Mary, this news breaks my heart. Your dad was very special to me. I am sending my love to you! Angie ❤️
Mary so sorry to hear about Uncle Ralph my condolence go to you and the family may he rest in peace
Mary so sorry to hear about Uncle Ralph my condolence go to you and the family may he rest in peace
Mari, I'm so sad to hear of your dad's passing. I have fond memories of him from when I worked at the mine during the summers. He was a wonderful man. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Laura Huffman Heitzman
Mary, I am sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May you find peace in all of your memories. Ronda J
My Condolences to the family as you are all in my prayers. I am a friend of Rebecca Vigil Gallegos--Michael Daniels