Rafaelita Martinez

Rafaelita Ortega Martinez November 30, 1933 – April 3, 2026

It is with great love and pride that we will celebrate the life of our beloved Rafaelita Ortega Martinez. The sorrow of our loss can never match the fire with which she lived her life. Whether you called her Ralphie or Fela, Tia, Nana or Mom there was one thing you couldn’t deny. She was a singular individual. Sometimes a force of nature. Sometimes the voice of reason. Always ready for trouble, and still always ready to help you out of yours.

Born to Jacobo and Andrellita Ortega in Costilla, New Mexico, she grew up in a small place, with a large family and during some of the hardest times this country has ever faced. They had to be strong. They all had to work hard. Her six sisters and three brothers were incredibly close and remained so. So too did their children and their children’s children. Through many generations this family of theirs prospered; and did what we all are meant to do. Love as much as we can and overcome as much as we might.

Her life led her to California, Grantsville Utah, and eventually to a theater in Tooele, 1952. There, an Army veteran fresh from the Korean War, Ruben Martinez, was smitten. Together they worked and raised their family in Tooele: Christine, Ralph, Kenny, and Richard.

Mom began her career as a clerk typist at Dugway Proving Ground in 1952. She then moved to Tooele Army Depot where she worked in maintenance, ammunition, and the property division. In 1962 she began her long career in contracting and procurement. She was supremely proud of her service in procurement and helped negotiate and finalize several large building projects for the Army Depot. She retired in 1991 having risen to GM-13 status.

Fela loved to dance! She would dress up “to the nines” and go out dancing with Dad and their friends. She especially loved the music of Tom Jones and Tina Turner. The family camped, fished, and spent many wonderful vacations with her brothers, sisters and the huge extended family that flourished around them. Her Ortega heritage was everything to her and she often doted on and counseled her many nieces and nephews along the way. Her faith and community at St. Marguerite Catholic Church also meant the world to her.

She is survived by her 4 children, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and Saylor Jo, her first great-great grandchild. She is also survived by Dee Ortega, her dear sister. Her extended Ortega family included 52 nieces, nephews and many other beloved. A great source of joy and pride to her. Her amazing daughters-in-law Marie and Jill Martinez. And many friends and admirers- A full and loving life.

She was preceded in passing by many dearly departed in her 92 years, including her husband of 68 years, Ruben Martinez. Her beloved grandson, William Jacob Martinez. And, of course, Ralphie’s beloved parents and siblings, Gilbert, Juanita, Mary, Martha, Nora, Ruth, Jake and Bernie.

She is received back into their arms now, by the grace of her Lord Jesus, and for that we are humbly grateful.

A private family viewing will be held at Tate Mortuary, on Saturday, April the 11th at 9 AM. A public visitation will begin at 10 AM at St. Marguerite Catholic Church, 15 South 7th Street, Tooele, Utah. Her funeral Mass will begin at 11 AM. Interment at the Tooele City Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at St. Marguerite.