Martha Jimenez, 76, of Deming, NM, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, in Tucson, AZ, surrounded by her loving family. Known for her unwavering faith, resilience, and boundless love, she leaves behind a legacy of kindness and devotion that will live on through those who knew her.
In 1969, Martha married the love of her life, Manuel Y. Jimenez, and together they made Deming their home. They were blessed with two sons as they began forming their family. After Manuel's passing in 1980, Martha's strength and determination guided her forward. She worked multiple jobs, attended night school to earn her GED, and devoted herself to providing the best life possible for her boys.
Years later, she found companionship and love again with Ruben S. Torres. For more than 40 years, they shared a life of laughter, faith, and family. Through this union, Martha embraced Ruben's three children and together their blended family grew to include 11 grandchildren. Their partnership was filled with love and joy until his passing in 2018.
Martha's strong work ethic was evident throughout her life. She labored in the fields, worked as a housemaid and hotel maid, and later moved into food service. She became an assistant manager for local restaurants before joining Deming Public Schools, where she retired from the middle school cafeteria. She cherished her years there, lovingly referring to the students as "her kids" and taking pride in the meals she prepared for them.
A devoted member of St. Ann's Catholic Church, Martha sang joyfully in the choir and was active in the Prayer Group San Pio and the Apostolado. She found happiness in singing, dancing, gardening, cheering for her beloved Dallas Cowboys, and sharing trips to the casino with her sisters. Above all, her greatest joy came from time spent with her family.
Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Jovita Zuniga; her sister, Maria Nieto; and her brothers, Alfonso and Luis Zuniga.
She is survived by her sons, Emilio Jimenez (wife Maribel) of Tucson, AZ, and Enrique Jimenez (wife Kyleen Snyder) of Tucson, AZ by Ruben Torres Jr. (wife Denise) of Avondale, AZ, Teresa McLaren (husband Michael) of Alameda, CA, Deanna Karch (husband Ken) of Bend, OR, and 11 beloved grandchildren; brother, Pedro(Delia) Zuniga of Peoria, AZ; sisters, Nelly (Socorro) Tarango and Oralia Tulk, both from Deming; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Emmanuel Jimenez, Edrik Jimenez, Jose "Boy" Tarango, Peter Zuniga, Martin Zuniga, Jesus Nieto, Xavier Zuniga and Daniel Delgado. Honorary pallbearers will be Esteban Jimenez, Jaxon Jimenez, Rudy Ledesma, and Michael Aguilar.
Martha will be remembered for her generous heart, her unshakable faith, and the unconditional love she gave to her family and friends. Her life was a true testament to resilience, devotion, and grace.
Visitation will take place Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, in Baca's Funeral Chapel with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 o'clock in the evening led by Maria Lozano. Mass of the Christian Burial on Friday, October 3, 2025 at St. Ann's Catholic Church with internment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery with Father Tony Basso officiating
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