Rufina E. Martinez

Rufina E. Martinez 91 of Whittier, CA entered the gates of heaven on Saturday, March 28, 2020. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Victor C. Martinez, Mother Lucy, Father Juan, sister Angelina Torres, brothers Johnny and Ysidro Perez. She was born on November 16, 1928 in Riverside California. She is survived by children Victoria, Richard, (Mary), Rebecca, (Arnold), Victor Jr., (Lynnae) 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Rufina attended Chemawa school in Riverside and received education through the 9th grade. She worked at the Prenda packing house, packing oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. There she met the love of her life and future husband Victor. After several years of courtship, they married on January 27, 1952.

Soon after she moved to Compton with her husband Victor to start her new life. A few years later, they bought a home in Whittier where she raised her four children. Her main profession was a homemaker and eventually ventured out to be a top salesperson for Stanley Home Products. This turned into a secretarial position for the Compton division. She went to night school to enhance her typing, while maintaining her home responsibilities and worked during the day.

After several years, she felt the call to give back to her home church, St. Paul of The Cross Catholic Church in La Mirada, where she was one of the founding members. She started as a helper with the catechism classes, then later taught classes on her own. She assisted organizing the annual church fiesta, sang in the choir and several other functions she gladly volunteered for. She ultimately gave her volunteer time and talents for 23 years. She also volunteered at the Amelia Mayberry Park senior center where she oversaw ‘bingo night’ once a week. In addition, she helped several seniors by taking them to their doctor appointments, grocery shopping and transportation needs.

She had a servant heart, strong faith and was a prayer warrior.

She loved spending time with her family, but her kids took precedent. She enjoyed taking her kids to roller derby, beach trips, Dodger games and school functions. One of her memorable highlights; taking them to see the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl and Dodger Stadium.

Rufina’s private celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 20, 2020 with a family burial at Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518. Acheson & Graham Mortuary in Riverside are handling the services.

In Lieu of flowers you can donate in honor of Rufina E. Martinez to the following:

St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church 14020 Foster Road La Mirada, CA 90638 (home church)

St Anthony Catholic Church 3074 Madison Street Riverside, CA 92504, where she married 68 years ago.