Santa Nelia Martinez

Santa Nelia Martinez, 83, of La Pryor, Texas, entered eternal rest on December 16, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by the love and prayers that so deeply defined her life.

Born on June 27, 1942, in La Pryor, Texas, to Antonia (Rodriguez) and Seledonio Perez, Santa Nelia lived a life rooted in unwavering faith, humility, and service to others. She was a woman of strong and abiding belief, whose love for her Lord and Savior guided every step she took. Prayer was not simply a practice for her—it was a way of life. Whether she knew you well or had just met you, she was praying for you, lifting others up with sincere devotion and trust in God’s plan.

Santa was known for her gentle spirit and wise counsel. She always had advice to give, offered with kindness, honesty, and love, often paired with a reminder to keep faith and place worries in God’s hands. Her home was a place of comfort, where conversations were shared over sweet bread and coffee—simple joys she cherished deeply and lovingly shared with others.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, and her family was the center of her earthly life. Yet her love extended far beyond her own, touching countless lives through her prayers, compassion, and steadfast example of faith.

She is survived by her daughters, Debbie Quiroz and husband Sergio of La Pryor, and Christina Vallejo and husband Jesse of Hereford; her son, Frank Martinez, Jr. of La Pryor; her sister, Maria del Carmen Aguilar of Hereford; her brother, Seledonio Perez, Jr. and wife Erlinda of La Pryor; her beloved grandchildren, Alyssa Lopez and husband Seth, Kayla Vallejo, Bonnie Vallejo, Lexi Vallejo, Brandon Quiroz, and Sergio Quiroz, Jr.; along with numerous nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Francisco Martinez; her brothers, Raul Perez and Jesus Perez; and her sisters, Ramona Valdez, Antonia Garcia, Enemencia Flores, and Guadalupe Roman.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary.

Santa Nelia Martinez leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, prayer, and gentle wisdom. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort knowing she is now at peace, rejoicing in the presence of the Lord she loved and served so faithfully.