Ben Martinez of Pueblo passed away in Pueblo on September 6, 2023 at the age of 86. Ben was born in San Luis to Julia and Florindo Martinez. When he was a small child they moved to Ordway, where he was raised. He graduated form Crowley County High School. After high school he joined the Army. He married Mary Ybarra in 1959 and they started their family in Ordway. He moved his family to Pueblo in the early 60's. He got his masters degree in social work and became a parole officer as well as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor, he traveled around the state for his work. Ben retired from the state of Colorado after 31 years. Ben enjoyed fishing and playing poker. He loved the Broncos and the Rockies and continued to watch and root for them even during the bad years.

Ben is survived by his 2 daughters: Sharon Cordova (James) of Pueblo, Diana Casias of Houston, TX, 1 granddaughter: Alexandria Casias, 1 great-grandson: Nicholas Coca, 6 siblings: Andrew (Irene) Martinez of Manzanola, Mike Martinez of Ordway, Sisto (Eva) Martinez of Denver, Mary (Andy) Jackson of IN, Kathy (Ron) Moreno of CA, Lydia (Ray) Marshall of FL. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, sister Rita Martinez, 3 brothers: Joseph Martinez, Pete (Katherine) Martinez, Frank Martinez and his parents.