Joyce Mae Martinez

Joyce Mae Martinez, 76, Of La Junta Colorado passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in La Junta Colorado surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born on October 9, 1949, to Jonas and Jessie (Aaron) Denny in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. She married Antonio Martinez on July 28, 1976, in La Junta, Colorado.

Joyce loved spending time with her kids and grandkids. She loved reading, crossword books, solitaire and playing endless games of Yahtzee, she also loved cooking the family favorite meal meatloaf with “LOVE” (according to Shawn). In her younger days she loved to party and even sometimes until the sun came up. Joyce loved coming up with her own version of nursery rhymes (I’m a little tea pot, and wrangler butts drive me nuts.)

Joyce was a passionate CNA, working at the Nursing Home in La Junta, CO for 10-12 years, then moving on to work for the Colorado Boys Ranch for 10 years.

Joyce is survived by her children, Celina (Paul) Tafoya of La Junta, CO, Jessie Denny of Aurora, CO, Bill Porter of Pueblo, CO; Tony Martinez of Sedalia, MO; Danny (Arlene) Martinez of Pueblo, CO; and Bobby Martinez of Milwaukee, WI; 15 grandchildren Shawn (Lynzie) of Aurora, CO; Latasha (Dominic) of La Junta, CO; Lanae (Jeff) of La Junta, CO; Jacob (Courtney) of Swink, CO; Monica, Thomas, Cathy, Raymond, Tony, Andrew, Danny Jr, Bobby Jr, Amanda, Jessica, and Angel; 27 great grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren; Siblings, Jeff (Lorna) Denny of Oneida, WI; Janet Troiber of Owen, WI; and Nelson Denny of Owen, WI; numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband Antonio Martinez, her parents Jonas & Jessie Denny, brother Marvin Denny, and sisters Viola Haddock & JoAnn Denny and Granddaughter Alicia Lucero.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at River of Life Church,109 West 5th Street in La Junta, CO with Pastor Stephen Hiers of Pineview Community Church officiating, Interment will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery in La Junta, CO.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Perez & Peacock Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.