Esther Martinez Lopez, 96, a lifelong resident of Manassa, Colorado, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026. She was born on March 11, 1930, to the late Isais Martinez and Frances Gomez.

 Esther was a devoted educator who dedicated her life to teaching and serving others. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Adams State College and began her teaching career in Rocky Ford, Colorado. Throughout her years in education, she taught elementary school and art, eventually concluding her career with the North Conejos School District. In addition to teaching, Esther also served as a school bus driver, touching the lives of countless students and families throughout her community. 

A woman of many talents and interests, Esther was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and was deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions of the San Luis Valley. She enjoyed farming and raising sheep and was widely known as an exceptional weaver. Esther loved gardening, creating art, and sharing her creativity with others. She also owned and operated a gift shop in Alamosa, where her artistic spirit and entrepreneurial nature flourished. 

In 1945, Esther married the love of her life, Fernando Lopez, in Morenci, Arizona. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and community. 

She is survived by her son, Isais Herold Lopez and daughter-in-law, Donna Lopez; brothers, George (Lucy) Martinez, Bobby Martinez, and Rudy Martinez; sisters, Elevenia Martinez and Marcelina (Harold) Montoya; sister-in-law, Fannie Martinez; grandchildren, Isais (Valerie) Lopez, Noah (Erin) Lopez, Abel (Bonnie) Lopez, Jacob Ortiz, Elijah (Ricky) Ortiz, Tracey Lopez, and Folon Ortiz; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. 

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Isais Martinez and Frances Gomez; her stepfather, Elisandro Romero; her husband, Fernando Lopez; her son, Fernando Chris Lopez; daughter-in-law, Gloria Lopez; daughter, Elaine (Rueben) Ortiz; brother, Dalio Martinez; sisters-in-law, Carmen Martinez and Alicia Martinez; and four beloved grandchildren.

 A visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Saint Therese Catholic Church in Manassa, Colorado, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the Rosary beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Therese Catholic Church in Manassa, Colorado. Interment will follow at Los Cerritos Cemetery in Manassa. 

Esther’s legacy of faith, education, creativity, and dedication to her family, her students, and her community will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved her.