Betty Melissa Martinez

Betty Melissa Martinez, 68, of Somerville, passed away on April 25, 2026. Visitation is Thursday, April 30, 5pm-7pm at Strickland Funeral Home in Somerville. Service is Friday, May 1, at 2pm at Strickland Funeral Home with burial to follow at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery in Somerville.

Betty Martinez was born on May 5, 1957, to Glen Chowning and Almarine Brown in Lubbock, Texas. She graduated from Lubbock High School on May 28, 1975, and married the love of her life, Ambrosio G. Martinez, on June 11, 1986. Betty loved her husband dearly; he was her life; even became his great secretary. Her love spread to each person in her family.

She loved to travel and visit so many different places. She also enjoyed going to casinos and playing bingo. Garage sales were a great way to enjoy time with family and get special home decorations. Hobbies were sewing and baking. Crispy bacon was her favorite food. Cookies and candies were lovingly made for birthdays and holidays. Betty loved all holidays, but Christmas was her favorite. She laughed at all things; happiness was seeing Betty always being happy and laughing.

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Almarine Chowning; brothers, David Chowning, Larry Chowning and son, Alex Martinez.

Betty leaves behind to cherish memories of her, husband, Ambrosio G. Martinez; sons, Albert Martinez (Sherry), Ambrose Martinez (Melissa), Stevan Martinez (Leanne), Andrew G. Martinez; daughters, Zina Ramirez (Rene), Nancy Finn, Angela Quintanilla (Raymond), Susan Martinez, Alicia Sowders (James), Sheena Evers (Jeremy); grandchildren, Matthew, Amanda, Juan, Jesse, Alex, Alison, Ashley, Amber, Madi, Stevan, Philip, Kallie, Ayden, Austen, John, Charlie, Emma, Sierra, CJ, Benjamin, Lizzie, Angela, Christopher, David, Samantha, Raymond, Erik, Cory and Mindy along with numerous great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Benjamin Evers, John Stewart, CJ Sowders, Alex Martinez, Erik Quintanilla and Raymond Martinez.

Honorary pallbearers are Stevan Martinez, Ayden Martinez, Austen Martinez, Matthew Martinez, Juan Martinez, Jesse Martinez, Philip Haba, Christopher Ramirez, David Ramirez and Cory Goodrich.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home in Somerville.