Consuelo "Connie" Martinez

Connie Martinez

February 14, 1942 – October 4, 2025

A devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Connie Martinez, 83, entered eternal life on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at her home. She was born February 14, 1942, in Doña Ana, New Mexico, to Daniel Espalin and Carlotta Barela.

Connie was raised in Doña Ana and attended Las Cruces High School. She worked for many years at Southwest Cash and Carry, where she made lifelong friendships and retired in 2005.

She was loved by many and will be remembered for her tremendous love for her family, her vibrant and outgoing spirit, and her joy in spending time with loved ones. Connie was an avid reader who passed her love of books down to her family. She was also a gifted crocheter, often sharing her beautiful handmade creations with others. She loved going to the movies and always asked what new movie was showing at the theater.

Connie found great joy in her trips to the Inn of the Mountain Gods, enjoying laughter and luck alongside family. She also loved being in the kitchen, cooking her favorite dishes—especially her famous chile rellenos, which were loved by all.

She is survived by her children Kathy Ortega (Tommy), Cindy Martinez, and LarryB. Martinez (Cecilia); eight grandchildren Amanda Martinez, Nick Griffiths (Vivi), Michael Ortega, Tommie Rae Ortega, Ubaldo Benavidez IV (Angie), Breana Ortega (Jeannine), Daniel Martinez, and Amber Martinez; twelve great-grandchildren Izabela Peña, Calliah Griffiths, Kloie Griffiths, Jaime Peña, Ubaldo Benavidez V, Riley Ortega, Jacklynn Ortega, Jessy Benavidez, Jocelynn Romero, Dominic Benavidez, Eliana Martinez, and Naveah Martinez; and one great-great-grandchild Angel Cruz.

She is also survived by her siblings Dorothy Lucero (Eloy), Albert Barela, Pauline Sanchez (Mike), and Gilbert Barela (Olivia), as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents; her son Jaime Martinez; her first husband Larry Martinez; her second husband Joe Martinez; her sister Daisy Rodriguez; brother-in-law Bobby Rodriguez; son-in-law Tommy Ortega; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Karina Flores and Amber Martinez for their loving care, and to Aunt Pauline for her help and support.

Services are scheduled for Thursday October 16, 2025, beginning at 12:45 pm with a public viewing, at St. Albert the Great Newman Center, 1615 S. Solano Dr. Las Cruces NM 88001 followed by a Rosary at 1:30 pm and Mass at 2:00 pm.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Nick Griffiths, Michael Ortega, Ubaldo Benavidez IV, Daniel Martinez, Jaime Peña, and Ubaldo Benavidez V.

Honorary pallbearers include Izabela Peña, Calliah Griffiths, Kloie Griffiths, Riley Ortega, Jacklynn Ortega, Jessy Benavidez, Jocelynn Romero, Dominic Benavidez, Eliana Martinez, Naveah Martinez, and Angel Cruz.