Sam Martinez

Sam Martinez, 89, of Nageezi, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2015, in Farmington. He was born Dec. 10 1925, in Kimbeto, to Jose and Juanita Martinez. He was born to the Mexican Clan (Nakai Dine') and he was born for the Bitterwater Clan (Todichii'nii).
Sam worked for the Union Pacific and the Santa Fe railroads. He was a chapter official for Nageezi and Counselor Chapters and he was a school board member for Dzilth-Na-O-Dith-Le School. He enjoyed ranch work, being outdoors and spending time with family.
Sam was preceded in death by his sons, Kee Martinez and Samuel Martinez; daughter Matilda Martinez; his parents, Jose and Juanita Martinez; brothers, Lewis T. Martinez and Leslie Martinez; sister Esther M. Frank; and his grandsons, Christopher Martinez, Ian Dennison, Joshua Beyale, Darrell Lamotte and Casey Dennison. He is survived by his wife Emma A. Martinez; sons, Jerry L. Martinez and Larry J. Martinez; daughters, Lula Lamotte, Stella Hubbell, Katherine Martinez, Aurelia Woody, JoAnn Martinez, Lillie Denetdale and Annie Martinez; brothers, Harold J. Martinez, Willie J. Martinez, Charles Martinez Sr. and Joe Martinez; 39 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 26 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Escrito. Burial will follow in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cemetery in Escrito.
A reception will follow the burial at the Nageezi Chapter House.
Pallbearers are Vinson Dennison, Elex Dennison, Jeffrey Martinez, Wayne Lamotte and Jacob Dennison.