Mary Lydia Martinez

Mary Lydia Martinez, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-great grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025 at the age of 88.

Mary was born on August 30, 1936, in New gulf, Texas, to the late Cruz and Elvita (Cadriel) De Los Santos. She graduated from Boling High School in 1954. During her school years, she proudly played the drums in the marching band, a joy she fondly remembered throughout her life.

Mary lived a life rooted in faith, family, and kindness. A devoted homemaker, she found joy in the little things—curling up with a good book, completing her crossword puzzles, and sharing quiet, laughter-filled moments with her loved ones. She dedicated her life in 1987 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her greatest happiness came from caring for her family, celebrating their milestones, and offering her gentle guidance through life’s ups and downs, and sharing her faith with others.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Ernesto Martinez Sr.; son, Ernesto Martinez Jr.; brothers, Frank and Richard De Los Santos; great-grandchildren, Olivia Sanchez and Travis Martinez; and many other cherished loved ones.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children, Thelma (Ed) Hawes, Suzanne (Ismael) Molina, Juan (Carolyn) Martinez Sr., and Hector (Ericka) Martinez; daughter-in-law, Emma Martinez; and her treasured grandchildren—Ernesto (Jenna) Martinez, Elaine (Josh) Chapman, Elisa (Ben) Sanchez, Liz (Justin) Quilty, Juan (Holly) Martinez Jr., Dylan (Brittany) Martinez, Rhett Burling II, Justin Molina, Daniel Molina, Kaitlyn (David) Velasquez, Jonathan Martinez, James(Aileen) Hawes and Jonathan Hawes. Her love extended to her great-grandchildren—Lana & Matthew Martinez, Trace Martinez, Ethan Davis, Katie and Kimberly Quilty, Carmen Velasquez, Lucas, Ava & Ella Martinez, Daisy, Luca & Baby Boy Martinez, Gabriel Chapman, Ray and Eva Hawes—and her great-great-grandchildren, Evelyn & Emma Davis and her sister Vira Sovine.

Mary’s presence was a warm light in the lives of all who knew her. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and boundless love will forever be cherished and carried forward by her family and friends.

In celebration of Mary’s remarkable life, Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 16th 2025, at the Wharton Funeral Home starting at 2 p.m.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.