Jose DeLaCruz Martinez

May 3, 1936 - September 7, 2009

José DeLaCruz Martinez rites Friday. José DeLaCruz, 73, died September 7, 2009, while in the company of his family at his residence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday September 11th at the St. Peters Catholic Church with Father Don Malin officiating. Visitation will be Thursday at Ford-Ustick Funeral Home from 3-5 PM. A vigil service will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 11th at St. Peters Catholic Church. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford. José was born in Cañón Largo, New Mexico on May 3rd, 1936, son of the late Juan P. and Maria Lucero-Martinez. He was the husband of Grace (Baca) Martinez. They were married in 1956 and lived happily for 53 years. He attended a one-room school house in Maes, New Mexico at the age of 3 and attended Grand Valley School and Rocky Ford High School. Jose worked for many years as a Farmer for Montini Farms. He was proud of the fact that his cantaloupes were among the first harvested in 1974. José also worked as a truck driver for the Rocky Ford COOP. He was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. José enjoyed his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to travel and enjoyed watching the Broncos play. He and Grace traveled to the Caribbean, to Canada, to Mexico, to Alaska, to Nashville, to Graceland, and to Branson, MO. Among his most memorable trips included getting in the pick-up and riding around in the country. He was very proud that he was able to attend the college graduations for four of his grandchildren. He is survived by daughter Theresa (Ray) Maestas, Rocky Ford; sons José (Annette) Martinez of Lakewood, Alfonso (Christina) Martinez of Castle Pines, and Patrick Martinez of Littleton. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Vanessa (Ralph), Matthew (Melissa), Nathan (Julie), José III, Julio, Andrea, and Alyssa, three great-grand children Randy Ray, Makayla, and Madalyn. He is survived by siblings Odelia (Ben) Quintana, Felipe (Mary) Martinez, Manuelita (Tony) Garcia, Nora (José) Baca, Antonio (Virginia) Martinez, Viola (Manuel) Blea, Leandro (Elvira) Martinez, Ida (George) Perez, and Betty (Guadalupe) Terrones and special friends Keith Howe, and Stan Houston and Family. José was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Evan, José Claudio, Anastacio Cristobal, and Noberto Claudio Martinez, brother-in-law, Joe Baca, sister-in-law, Janice Martinez. Ford-Ustick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com