Evelyn Martinez

Evelyn Martinez, 83, born in Espanola, New Mexico, was a resident of Albuquerque when she passed away on June 24, 2022. She was born to Juan Isidro Herrera and Carlotta Maestas Herrera of La Mesilla. She was one of nine children.

"Ev" as she was referred to affectionately, was beautiful inside and out. She was family-centered and enjoyed a life of philanthropy. She loved and cared for everyone. She was a second mother and dear friend to many. It would fill her heart to cook everyone's favorite dishes and feed anyone who walked through her door. Evelyn had a penchant for travel and her favorite destinations were Chicago, Spain, Italy, Germany and France.

No one was exempt from her deadpan, sharp, quick-witted sense of humor. She gave as good as she got. She always took pride in her appearance. Therefore, I know with 100% certainty that the day of her death was unplanned because her hair was a mess, she had no makeup on, and her trade-mark pink lipstick was absent. She was fiercely independent and took care of herself. One minute she could be holding a shovel and the next fixing her hair, makeup and nails. She didn't need a king for she was already a queen. She had the flirtatious nature of Blanche Devereaux, the wit of Sophia Petrillo, the beauty of Elizabeth Taylor and the compassion of St. Vincent, the class, style and strength of Jackie O and the free-spirit of Aunti Mame!

Evelyn was survived by her daughters LaVonne Ronning and Robynn Sosaya Sena Dixon; son-in-law, Josh Dixon; daughter-in-law, Colleen Stricklin; her grandchildren, Christopher, Patrick, Candace, Maggy, Caley, Paul, Bobby and Jennifer; her great-grand-children, Chiara, Ella, Luke, Leah, Aubrey and Jennika; and her sister, Gloria Martin. Evelyn was preceded in death by her son, Paul Mitchell Stricklin; her parents, Juan and Carlotta Herrera; her siblings, Rosina, Mike, Arthur, Belarmino, Philip, Eloy and Frances.

Evelyn's Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, July 11th at FRENCH-Wyoming, 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE Albuquerque, NM at 6:30 pm, beginning with a visitation at 5:30pm. Evelyn's Celebration of Life will be livestreamed at www.frenchfunerals.com.

Her funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, July 12th at 10:00 am at The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, 131 Cathedral Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87501.Reception will immediately follow mass at Tiny's Restaurant & Lounge 1005 S St. Francis Dr STE 117. Evelyn's interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park 924 Menaul Blvd NE at 3:00p.m.