Ruben Martinez

On November 15, 2025, Ruben Martinez Sr. passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 95. 

Ruben was born on June 22, 1930, to Gabriel Martinez Sr. and Martina Olivarez Martinez in Rio Grande City, Texas. As a young boy, he worked alongside his family at G. Martinez Grocery Store, a business that would remain an important part of his life for more than five decades.

In 1947, at just 17 years old, Ruben enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served during the Korean War. During his time in service, he traveled the world and was honored with several commendations, including the Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal adorned with two Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal, before receiving an honorable discharge in 1955.

Upon returning home, Ruben continued working in the family grocery store. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Maria Amanda Martinez, and together they built a devoted marriage of 65b years, raising a family grounded in faith, humility, and hard work. Ruben worked at G. Martinez Grocery Store from 1955 until its closing on December 31, 2010.

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents Gabriel Martinez Sr., Martina Olivarez Martinez; his siblings Gabriel Martinez Jr., Angelita M. Reyna, Arturito Martinez, Urbana Martinez, Olga M. Cruz, Olivia Martinez, Arturo Martinez, Joel Martinez, and Lisandro Martinez; and his granddaughter Cassandra M. Dunn.

He is survived by his wife, Maria Amanda Martinez; his children Maricela M. Barrera (Jesus Barrera Sr.), Ruben Martinez Jr. (Juana Maria Rodriguez), and Maria Teresa Dunn (David N. Dunn); ten grandchildren Crisabel Barrera, Jesse Barrera Jr., Cristal Barrera, Ruben Martinez III, Graciela Martinez, Gabriela Guerra, Rene Martinez, Paloma Martinez, Matthew Dunn, and Meghanne Valerio; and nine great-grandchildren Arturo J. Tapia, Miguel A. Tapia, Jade I. Barrera, Jesse Barrera III, Donovan Martinez, Benjamin Martinez, Aria Martinez, Emmarie Guerra, and Sammy Guerra IV.

Ruben will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, quiet strength, deep love for his family, and the steady kindness he showed to everyone who entered his life. His legacy lives on through the generations he guided and the community he served. Rio Grande City – Ruben Martinez, age 95, passed away peacefully at his residence in Rio Grande City, Texas on Saturday, November 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Sanchez Funeral Home in Rio Grande City, TX.