Longtime Valley resident Richard Alejandrino “Butterball” Martinez, 71, passed away July 17, 2014 near Chromo, Colorado.
Richard was the son of Joe Martinez and Ruby Velasquez, born on March 4, 1943 in Capulin, Colorado. He was raised by his adopted parents Moises and Elvira Griego.
Richard worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a Heavy Equipment Operator for 35 years, retiring in 2005. Following his retirement he drove for and worked in building and construction with the Amish in the Valley.
Richard loved the mountains and enjoyed camping and hiking. He also liked listening to gospel music and was always willing to help anyone in need. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Richard is survived by his wife Lori Martinez of Fort Garland; his children Catherine Martinez, Valeria (Billy McColm) Martinez, Melody (James) Martinez-Stoeber, Elizabeth (Joseph) Martinez, Ricky Dean all of Alamosa; his god-son Chris Chacon of Alamosa; his step-children Daniel Taylor and Christopher Taylor of Temple, TX, Justin (Tammy) Taylor of Killeen, TX and Samantha (Jordan) Taylor-Hess of Austin, TX; his grandchildren: Richard and Phillip Dean, Jasmine Martinez-Lopez and Alejandrino Martinez-Stoeber; his step-grandchildren Gabriel and Asher Taylor and Brodey Hess; his brothers and sisters Edna Martinez of Colorado Springs, Nellie Fisher, John Martinez, Joe (Ola) Martinez, Martha (Michael) Chacon, all of Alamosa, Andrew (Eileen) Martinez of Bountiful and Becky (Eddie) Medina of Monte Vista; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.
His parents, his adopted parents Moises and Elvira Griego and his daughter Mary Jane Martinez all preceded him in death.
A Visitation will be held on Monday, July 21st from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Rogers Family Mortuary Chapel in Alamosa. A Prayer Service will be held 7:00 p.m. Monday evening at the First Christian Church, located at 1st and State Avenue in Alamosa. A Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2014 also at the First Christian Church in Alamosa. Interment will follow services in the Alamosa Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and may be made in care of the funeral home office.

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