Deb Martinez

Deb Martinez, 60, of Grinnell, died on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Montezuma Specialty Care.
A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell.
Memorials may be designated to Relay For Life (American Cancer Society) and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Deb's family online at www.smithfh.com.
Deborah Agnes Martinez, born on January 11, 1965, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Jose and Rosalie (Chavez) Martinez. She was raised in Albuquerque and later in Denver, Colorado. She graduated from Kennedy High School in 1983.
She was a devoted mother to her three children, Joel, Erica, and DJ, whom she raised with love and dedication in Denver. During her time there, she worked for the United States Postal Service before the family later relocated to Grinnell, Iowa. In Grinnell, Deb built a fulfilling career, working for Brenton Bank, Plate Baker CPA, TL Baker CPA, and the Mayflower Community.
Deb was known for her adventurous spirit and zest for life. A true fitness enthusiast, she loved riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, golfing, music, and dancing. She was the life of the party, a social butterfly who brightened any gathering. She especially loved the holidays-Halloween being her favorite. Above all, Deb was a fiercely loyal friend, a strong and resilient woman, and deeply devoted to her family.
She will be remembered for her unwavering strength, kind heart, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Deb is survived by her son, Joel (Hope) Ebel of Lone Tree, CO and their children, Xavier, Jaxon, Knox, and Xylah, her daughter, Erica (John) Hines of Lapel, IN and their children, Malachi, Micah, and Max, and her son, DJ (Missy) Beck of Grinnell and their children, Naveah, Ronan and Aspen; her siblings, Kathleen Mendez of Denver, CO, Elaine Martinez of Littleton, CO, Dorothy Thompson of Brooklyn, IA, Jerome Martinez of Rayne, LA, and Suzanne Diez of Lafayette, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Rosalie (Chavez) Martinez, and her brother, Joseph Martinez.