Denise Martinez Obituary

Denise Maria Martinez

Jul 31, 1946 - Jul 9, 2023

Norwalk

Denise Maria Martinez, 76, died peacefully Sunday, July 9, 2023, at her home surrounded by her family in Norwalk.

Denise was born July 31, 1946, in Durango, Colorado, the daughter of John and Matilda Gallegos of Durango. She graduated from Durango Senior High School. She was a long-time librarian at Norwalk Public Library. Denise enjoyed traveling, especially going on trips with sister and brother-in-law, Alberta and Joe, to see NASCAR races. She loved visiting with family and friends, going to the senior center, going to casinos, crocheting, reading, and putting puzzles together. Denise also enjoyed volunteering at St. Paul Catholic School elementary library and at Norwalk Area Food Bank.

Denise is survived by four children, Paul Martinez (Krysti) of Bellevue, Kariann Martinez (Michael Kennedy) of Denver, Colorado, Jeffery Martinez (Susan) of Bennett, Colorado, and Crystal Johnson (Kenneth) of Houston, Texas; grandchildren she cherished, Natalie Martinez, Samantha Johnson, Emily Johnson, Alex Martinez, and Olivia Martinez; great-grandson, Tyler Johnson; and siblings, Juanita Gallegos (Fern), Alberta Martinez (Joe), Mariellen Gallegos, Bob Gallegos, Rick (Cathy) Gallegos, and Andy (Melodi) Gallegos, all of Durango, Colorado, Joseph Gallegos of Norwalk, John Gallegos (Nancy) of Durango, Colorado, Steve Gallegos (Cynthia) of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, and Camille Rea (Kenny) of Durango, Colorado.

Denise was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jose Eloy Martinez; siblings, Mark Gallegos and Maria Gallegos.

The family would like to say a special thanks to all of her close friends and especially to her brother, Joe. Denise and Joe lived together for the last eight years, caring for each other and taking care of each other. All the care, companionship, and love has been greatly appreciated.

Denise's celebration of life gathering will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk, where a wake service will be at 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Norwalk Area Food Bank, 99 Whittlesey Ave., Norwalk, Ohio, 44857, or Southern Care Hospice Services, 9501 US Hwy 250 N, Milan, Ohio, 44846.