Ernestina B. Martinez, 93, a resident of Santa Clara, NM, entered eternal rest Monday, April 27, Ernestina "Tina" Beltran Martinez, beloved wife, mother, and friend to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on February 15, 1933, in Hanover NM, to Salvador Beltran and Angela Tafoya.
Tina lived a life defined by faith, family, and a boundless generosity of spirit.
For 32 years, she served her community with a warm smile as a cashier and in the bakery at Bailey's Food Market — a role that suited her perfectly, as her love of cooking and baking was legendary. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, and those lucky enough to sit at her table knew they were loved.
Tina's faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted and active member of Santa Clara Catholic Church, she gave of herself tirelessly — teaching catechism and marriage classes, bringing communion to the homebound, participating in the funeral ministry, and sharing in the joy of bingo with her fellow parishioners. Her dedication to her church family was a reflection of the deep love she carried in her heart.
Above all, Tina adored her grandchildren and cherished every moment with her family. She was a wonderful cook, a gifted baker, and a good friend to everyone she met — the kind of woman who made every person feel welcome and cared for.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred Martinez and son in-law Abraham Ortiz. She is survived by her daughters, Tessie Silva (Rick) of Silver City and Eva Ortiz of Las Cruces; her siblings, Bill Beltran (Rachel) of Tucson, AZ, Delia Barajas of Las Cruces, NM, Jovita Foster of Happy Valley, OR, and Salvador Beltran Jr. (Francis) of Pasco, WA; along with her cherished 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and a host of family and friends whose lives she touched deeply.
Rosary will be on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 11:00am, at Santa Clara Catholic Church, recited by Deacon Art Gutierrez. Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30am, officiated by Father Casmir Anozie. Interment will take place at Fort Bayard National Cemetery at 1:00pm. Pallbearers are Dylan Rottman, Orion Rottman, Julian Palacios, Javier Palacios, Javier Ortiz, and Matthew Chavez.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made directly to Santa Clara Catholic Church, PO Box 215, Santa Clara, New Mexico, 88026.
Tina, you will be forever missed and forever loved. May you rest in the peace you so graciously gave to others.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
