Dwight Leroy Martin

Dwight Leroy Martin

Dwight Leroy Martin was a committed husband, father, grandfather, brother, and follower of Jesus Christ. Dwight was born on November 2, 1951, and passed peacefully from this life on December 17, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Dwight's life was marked by an unwavering commitment to his family, a resolute work ethic and a quiet strength that guided those who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his son, Cody Reed Martin, his sister Mona (Derek) Woodman and his parents Clarence Leroy and Ramona (Reed) Martin. He is survived by his colorful wife Mona aka Ramona Kaye (McGinnis) Martin; their children Mandi (Thad) Seethaler, Angie (Cal) Haverland, Philip (Andrea) Martin, Heath (Stephanie) Martin, Jace (Jody) Martin, Brandon (Chera) Martin, Kyle (Holly) Martin, Trevor (Heather) Martin, and a herd of grandchildren sufficient to rival the number of calves he raised. He is also survived by his siblings Lynette (Kelly) Scholfield, Christine (Dan) Coombs, Aleece (Randy) Poulson, Maxine Baker, and Pamela (Leonard) Van Ausdal.

Dwight was a true native of the San Luis Valley, born in Alamosa and raised in Sanford, spending the last 35 years of his life in La Jara, where his roots ran as deep as any fence post he ever set. His father liked to joke that he had seven children, "all boys, but six". Dwight's character was shaped early by a life of ranching and farming. Summers were spent taking cows to the mountains, and roundups were a way of life, not an event on the calendar. Dwight was on horseback his entire life, more comfortable in the saddle than just about anywhere else. He wrestled in high school, and wrestling was a pastime he later revived with his own boys.

Dwight and Mona's eternal path began in high school at a seminary dance in Manassa. They dated in high school; Dwight often had to milk cows after a date. Their courtship continued until Dwight left to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Uruguay. Mona continued her education at Ricks College and later at BYU. When Dwight returned, they found each other again at BYU, and after just one semester, they chose to start their life together. They were married on May 3, 1973, and sealed in the Provo Temple. While finishing school, they started building the big family they had planned. Dwight worked tirelessly throughout his life, through multiple jobs to put himself through college, including cutting turquoise for his father-in-law, Dave McGinnis (who also taught him to shoe a horse), riding the cattle ranges, and building a business with Mona. After finishing college, they returned home to the San Luis Valley with their five children (more came later, bringing the total to nine). Then, they spent three years in Julesburg, Colorado, where Dwight began a 28-year career as a Farm Loan Manager with the Farm Service Agency.

While working, he started Martin Cattle Company, his own farm and ranch. Although not a romantic, he designed his brand from Mona's initials. All of Dwight's children worked on the ranch, learning his strong work ethic, "figure it out" mentality, and the importance of grit, responsibility, perseverance and resilience. A BYU graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Dwight had a natural curiosity. He spent many hours researching and studying everything from bridle bits to cattle nutrition to how to fix just about anything.

Dwight Martin was deeply passionate about water stewardship in the San Luis Valley, dedicating his time, talents, and study to advocating for responsible water management. His service on the Board of Directors of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District, along with his role as the Roundtable Representative for the Alamosa–La Jara Conservancy District, reflected a deep commitment to supporting farmers, ranchers, and future generations. As he often said, "Water is the lifeblood for farmers and ranchers," a belief that guided his lifelong work. He also gave his time and energy to the Manassa Saddle Club.

While he may have seemed a bit gruff, Dwight had a soft heart and was committed to service. He enjoyed teaching both his Sunday School class and the Elders' Quorum. While in Julesburg, he served as the Branch President of the Sidney, Nebraska Branch. He coached wrestling for his boys and others there. Coaching continued at home on the full-sized wrestling mat in the living room. He and Mona faithfully attended every ball game and gymnastics meet their children played in or cheered at. A very special moment was officiating the marriage of both of his daughters. He helped Mona build, weld and staple the structure behind many of her floats for the annual parade.

Dwight's curiosity often led him to bold exploration on horseback, where the absence of a trail was simply an invitation to keep going. Rivers, steep hills, and fallen timber were just part of the ride, never a reason to turn back. For more than thirty years, he held a grazing permit in Alamosa Canyon, a place he knew like the back of his well-worn gloves. He could find cows tucked into every canyon or lost-cow park. If a cow could get there, Dwight could too. Mona was always there to guard the road and snap pictures when Dwight and his children brought the cows out of the mountains on horseback. On familiar mountain roads, Dwight drove with reckless abandon, turning every trip into an adventure for his passengers and passing drivers. The ranch gave Dwight and Mona's children and grandchildren a lifetime of memories, from branding calves and catching frogs to learning to drive while carving tire tracks through the mud. Many hay bales were sacrificed for target practice, and many hours were spent giving pony rides on ranch horses. Dwight never went without a loyal dog close by, and they'll all be waiting faithfully for him.

A viewing is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, December 20, 2025, 1:00 -2:00 pm at Manassa Rogers Family Mortuary in Manassa, Colorado, with a graveside service to follow beginning at 2:15 pm at the Manassa Cemetery. All are welcome to attend. Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes and words of comfort for Dwight's family please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.