Moises Christopher Martinez, affectionately known as Moe, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on April 11, 1936, in Bayfield, Colo., Moises lived a life rich in love, service and laughter.
In June 1959, Moises married the love of his life, Clara Martinez, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pagosa Springs, Colo. Together, they embarked on a journey filled with love, dedication and shared purpose until Clara’s passing in May 2018.
Moises served his country honorably in the Air Force from 1954 to 1957, after which he dedicated four decades of his life to Titanium Metals before retiring in 1998. Following retirement, he and Clara settled in Pagosa Springs, where they embraced their passions for camping, fishing, and enjoying New Mexico Mexican music and dancing. Moises also found joy in crafting birdhouses, leaving behind beautiful creations for both birds and loved ones to cherish.
Beyond his professional and personal pursuits, Moises was deeply committed to serving his community. Alongside Clara, he served as special minister of Las Guadalupanas, providing comfort and culturally relevant meals to bereaved families in Archuleta County for over 25 years.
To know Moises was to be touched by his warmth, humor and boundless love. Whether as “Uncle Moe,” “Grandpa” or “Dad,” his affection knew no bounds, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Moises is survived by his children: Michael (Wanda) Poland, Ron Martinez, Dennis Martinez, Sabrina (Craig) Mercadante and Felicia (Joe) Vincent; sister Dolores Perez; and grandchildren Rebekah, Sarah, Noelle, Brianna, Nathan, Quentin, Dante, Isabella, Zain and Carmella, as well as his great grandchildren John Paul, Giuseppe, Zen, Quest, Carson, Lauren, Waylon and Abbykate.
He was predeceased by his wife, Clara Martinez; parents Jose Lucas Martinez and Maria Gorgonia Archuleta Martinez; son John Paul Martinez; grandson Ronald Christopher Martinez; and siblings Juanita Salazar, Corina Valdez, Manuel Martinez, Amadeo Martinez, Clara Martinez, Desiderio Martinez, Wilfredo Martinez and Lucas Martinez.
Services to honor Moises’ life will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Pagosa Springs, Colo. A rosary and viewing will take place on Friday, March 22, at 7 p.m., followed by a Mass on Saturday, March 23, at 9:30 a.m. with eulogies from the family. Interment will immediately follow at Hilltop Cemetery, with a lunch reception afterward at the Community Center.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Moises’ visiting angels and all who supported them in caring for their father during his final years. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Guadalupana Society at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
Moises Christopher Martinez will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered, for his love, laughter and legacy of compassion. May he rest in eternal peace.
