With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Zoila (Siqueiros) Martinez, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Zoila was born in Yuma to Amelia (Corona) and Tony Siqueiros. Her early years living near the Oro Cruz mines instilled a deep love for the desert that remained with her throughout life.
During elementary school, fate intervened when a young Eugene Miranda Martinez playfully tossed a rock her way. It's said that Eugene declared to someone at that very moment that he would one day marry that girl. Little did she know that this encounter would set the stage for a lifelong love story. They married on April 12, 1958.
Zoila cherished memories of a smaller Yuma and held various jobs at Town Shop, Fashion Conspiracy, and delivering newspapers for the Yuma Daily Sun. However, her most profound calling was at Johnson's Mortuary, where she dedicated 30 years to comforting grieving families during viewing and rosary hours.
Beyond her work, Zoila enjoyed witnessing blooming desert flowers after rain showers, treasured camping, and traveling with family and friends.
Zoila was preceded in death by her parents; husband Eugene Miranda Martinez Sr.; son, Eugene Andrew Martinez Jr.; grandson, Joshua Coby Kelly; and granddaughter, Zulema Ann Kelly.
Zoila is survived by her beloved sons, Edward Martinez, James (Susan) Martinez; daughters, Dru (James) Martin, Christella (James) Rudnick; 11 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Frances Legit, Rita Harrington, Melba Siqueiros; brother, Tony Siqueiros; and several nieces and nephews.
Zoila will be most fondly remembered for her warm farewell when leaving someone's presence, often saying, "God Bless You" with a kiss.