Barbara Martinez

Barabara Martinez was born in Denver Colorado on November 27 1940 to Elvira (Vera) & Felix Martin (Martinez).

She later moved to Fort Collins where she met the man who would become her husband, Herman "Chinky" Martinez. They were married in 1959. They had 4 children, Rayann (Vincent), Lisa (Rodney), Michael, Chris (Shelly).

Barb and Chinky also had Foster daughter Erica Venzor and Special niece Nancy Miranda Romero. Barbara was like a mother to Marlo Leal and Dan Leal was also like family as the grandkids call him Uncle Dan.

Barbara was proceeded in death by her father Felix, mother Vera, brothers Joseph (Poncho), Albert (Butch), Felix (Peewee), Robert, and daughter Lisa, granddaughter Nicole (Marie), and great granddaughter Arabella.

She is survived by 3 of her children; Rayann, Mike, Chris and 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 4 great, great grandchildren.

Barbara retired as a cook from CSU in 1984 and took care of her mom.

Barbara and Chinky's house was a very loving home. They not only raised their kids and help raise Dan and Marlo but were very important in helping raise their grandchildren. She would watch them before and after school and would even take them to and from school shaping their lives in countless ways. She was more than a grandmother; she was a second mother, a teacher, a protector and a constant source of comfort. Their love ran deep. They also took in foster children and treated them like family.

Barbara enjoyed spending time with family and cooking and having big family dinners (she was a fantastic cook) where everyone was invited (if you were a friend of one of her kids and you were at the house at dinner time you were gonna eat!). Barbara didn't know how to cook small meals always cooking enough to feed a small army.

Barbara also liked to read and play bingo. Chinky would always tell her to "save everyone time and just drive by the Bingo hall and throw your money out." LOL

Barbara was extremely accurate with a shoe for discipline, and she was even able to hit her target around corners.

Barbara leaves behind a legacy of Love that will live on through her children, grandchildren and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Per Barbara's wishes there will be no Service. There will be a celebration of life on April 5th at Chris and Shelly's.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christopher Martinez and sent to Vessey Funeral Service at 2649 East Mulberry A1 Fort Collins, CO 80524.