Ben Martinez

To the heartbreak of his family, Ben Martinez, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away at his home on January 17, 2025.

Ben is preceded in passing by his parents, Jose Roque and Lupe Martinez; and his three brothers, Juan, Cecilio, and Junior.

Ben was born and raised in Wagon Mound, New Mexico, where his family lived on a small ranch. He loved the lifestyle. He grew up a true cowboy, gathering and branding cattle on the ranch with his father and brothers, and truly living the cowboy way. As an adult he moved to Albuquerque, where he met the love of his life, Molly. Together they settled in the South Valley and built a beautiful life together.

Ben and his brothers were known around town for owning and operating "Martinez Brother's Paint and Body Shop" on Coors. After hanging up his tools, Ben worked for APS at Navajo Elementary School, going on to retire from there. He was a joy to be around, and brought smiles to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a jokester for certain, but never let that foreshadow his sweet side. He was affectionate and emotional, and made that known in the love he shared for his family.

He loved riding the four wheeler, getting back to his country roots! He loved his horse, Sam, and never let too much time pass between rides. He was a devoted man of his Catholic faith, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved dancing and his Spanish music. Camping trips with the family were always a tradition that the family will never forget.

Ben loved nothing more, though, than spending time with his family. He leaves a legacy of grand-children, and great-grandchildren that he instilled great love and values in.

Ben is survived by his wife of 62 1/2 years, Molly; his daughters, Natalie (Ronnie) Trujillo, Denise (Esqui) Padilla, and Julie (Mario) Padilla; seven grandchildren, Ryan Martinez, Elyscia Lorea (Miguel), Ashley Padilla (Julien), Benson Martinez, Arissa Lopez (Nicolas), Esqui Padilla IV (Monique), and Alyssa Padilla. ben also leaves 12 great-grandchildren, and many other family members and friends.

Services for Ben will be held at the Catholic Church of the Ascension in Albuquerque. A visitation will take place on Monday. January 27, 2025, at 5:30 pm, followed by a rosary at 6:30 pm. A mass will be recited on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 10:00 am.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Trujillo, Esqui Padilla, Mario Padilla, Ryan Martinez, Benson Martinez, and Esqui Padilla IV. Honorary pallbearers are Elyscia Lorea, Ashley Padilla, Arissa Lopez, and Alyssa Padilla.

Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com

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