In Loving Memory of Ruben Martinez

Ruben Martinez, age 83, died on Monday, November 9, 2026 in Clayton, New Mexico.

Rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Clayton, New Mexico and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following the Rosary at 10:00 AM with Fr. Joji Konkala as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton.

Ruben Martinez was born on May 11, 1943 in Ledoux, New Mexico to Abelino Martinez and Feloniz (Vigil) Martinez. Ruben moved to the Clayton area as a very young man to work the broom corn. He later met and married Elsie Isabel (Cruz) Martinez on July 19, 1969 in Clayton and she preceded him in death on July 19, 2015. Ruben was one of the original employees at Clayton Cattle Feeders and worked there for 39 years. He held many titles throughout his employment with Clayton Cattle Feeders including Cattle Doctor and Foreman. In addition to his parents and wife, Ruben was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Martinez, a daughter, Corina Vandeberg, five brothers, Leo Martinez, Feliciano Martinez, Abelino Martinez, Victerbo Martinez and Johnny Martinez and by four sisters, Beatrice Martinez, Sencionita Lucier, Martina D. Lucero and Consuelo Montano.

SURVIVORS:

2 SONS: Clifford Martinez and his wife Janelle and Casey Martinez all of Clayton, New Mexico.

8 GRANDCHILDREN: Mark Anthony Martinez, Dylan Vandeberg, Sirena Martinez, Isabel Martinez, Christopher Martinez, Brandon Sandoval (Vandy Thammavong), Tim Sandoval (Larissa Akens) and Brittany Rivera (Jake)

6 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Niyala Thammavog, Kahlessi Sandoval, Jaylee Sandoval, Zaiden Solano, Zaydrien Solano and Zellena Rivera.

1 SISTER: Beatrice Trujillo of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

1 SISTER-IN-LAW: Sylvia Baca of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

And numerous nieces and nephews.