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Our dearly beloved Rita Mae Martinez, age 91, surrounded by family at her home, peacefully entered into eternal rest on April 25, 2023. She was born to Juan and Jesusita Martinez on June 8, 1931, in San Antonio, Texas. She had a wonderful life growing up with her many siblings. They all worked hard to help with the family. While getting her education and proudly graduating from Tech High School, she was able to obtain employment at TSO for many years. While at a High School dance with her best friend Bernice; Rita met Rudy. She fell in love with Rudy and married him on June 28, 1953. During their 65+ years of marriage, they were blessed with 6 wonderful children. Her culinary skills were taught to those who wanted to learn; including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her tortillas will never be duplicated! As she raised her children, she took courses with SAISD to become a Special Needs teacher for homebound children. This was a prime example of her dedication, compassion and caring ways. Rita's love for life included family trips to California, Florida, South Bend, North Virginia, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Oklahoma, El Paso, Hawaii and Europe. She especially enjoyed the beach, the Casino, and the countryside searching for flowers, trees and wildlife. She would often take her many sisters on “girls’ trips” to the beach. They loved each other dearly. These amazing ladies instilled in their children the importance of family bonds and faith. Rita passed on her faith to all; especially her family. As she so devotedly prayed through our Blessed Mother to intercede our prayers; this became quite evident when her life started slowing down. As she would pray without fail, even with just her lips moving on her last morning, the Hail Mary, the Hail Holy Queen and her “We have flowers...pink and blue” song. A true testimony of her love and dedication to Our Lady. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Rudy Martinez and her eight siblings. She is survived by her loving children: Albert Martinez (Rose), Gracie Padilla, Yolanda Carroll (Mark), Gloria Martinez, Michael Martinez and Rita Martinez (Michael Zamora). Along with her children, she leaves behind seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Rita was survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was blessed by many family members and friends who came by and visited with her as she neared the end of her rainbow; including several California family members and her dear friend, Comadre Maria Ruffo. “1344” will always be home to all. She will forever remain in all of our hearts and deeply missed but never forgotten. “Forever and Ever...AMEN”

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Rita Mae Martinez

June 8, 1931 - April 25, 2023