Donna Rae Gardner was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly on March 12th, 2023. She joins her grandmother Eutimia Martinez, Grandma and Grandpa Griffin, her mother Julia Martinez and her brothers Darell and Tanner Martinez, and her granddaughter Beya.
She was born on September 4th, 1970 to Dickie and Julia Martinez in Springer New Mexico. She grew up on the race track with her father and her siblings. She loved horses, that was her passion that she passed on to her grandchildren. She was very smart throughout school and always had great grades. She would always tell us how she loved to be on the debate team. And we all knew how Donna would love to argue. She was also part of the drama club.
She graduated high school from Arvin California in 1988. She moved to Raton New Mexico where she met her husband John Gardner of 23 years. She enjoyed riding motorcycles with her husband, They have so many many memories it’s hard to list them all. The family was everything to her. She would always tell us stories about her brothers and sisters and how much she loved them all so very much. She would always tell us when she became a grandmother it was one of the best days of her life.
Donna is survived by her father Dickie Martinez and step-mother Bobbie, her son Preston Smith and wife Allisha Smith, son Christian Martinez and Fiance Desiree Martinez, and daughter Danielle. Grandchildren Alexis, Kimura, Tyshaun, Xavion, Deysie, Nathaly, Junior, and Andrew.
She will forever be remembered by her siblings Butch Whitten and wife Lawanna Whitten, Sandy, Shanna, Brice, Seth, Marshall, Bailey, Bo, Kenna, and Preston.
Donna was a beautiful person inside and out. Her smile was so beautiful and her laugh was contagious. She cared so deeply for the people around her. She was always so proud of her boys. They were her pride and joy. She was so kind and passionate. She made an impact on so many lives.
She will forever be missed until we meet again.
