Ophilia Cruz Martinez, 73, of Richwood, Texas departed from this life and began her heavenly life, as God opened his arms to receive her on Tuesday, October 11, 2016; after 52 years of marriage to the day. Born on April 21, 1943 in Mackey, Texas to Constancio and Tomasa Cruz; she was raised in Velasco, Texas and graduated from Brazosport High School in 1962. On October 11, 1964, Ophilia married Anastacio “George” “Rocky” Martinez, Jr. at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Freeport, Texas.
Ophilia was well known in the community for her talents of crafting and being an expert seamstress, along with operating a home daycare for over forty years, caring for many children whom she loved and raised as her own. Each child can attest of the special bond they had with her which continued into adulthood. Throughout her life, she was aware of the importance of volunteering and making a difference where there was a need beginning as a charter member of the Freeport Boy’s Club now known as the Freeport Boy’s and Girl’s Club. As she raised her family, she was involved in teaching Catholic education at St. Mary’s and St. Henry’s Catholic churches in Freeport and St. Jerome’s in Clute. She was also active in the Freeport Little League, Clute Little League and Clute Teenage Baseball organizations. Later in her life, she was a volunteer on the Richwood Beautification Committee, a Board Member of Habitat of Humanity and taught English at the International Friends Club of the First Baptist Church in Lake Jackson and even taught classes in her own home when there was a need.
Ophilia was preceded in death and will join her parents, Constancio and Tomasa Cruz, her sisters, Mary Helen Cruz and Suse Ramirez and her daughter-in-law, Christine Roerden Martinez.
Left to cherish her memory, her beloved husband Anastacio “George” “Rocky” Martinez Jr. and her sons, Martin A. Martinez (Amy Saulters) of Clute, Texas and Matthew A. Martinez of Baumholder, Germany, sister, Eva Santos of Richwood, Texas, and brothers, David (Sulema) Cruz of Beaumont, California and numerous family members and friends.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Restwood Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Restwood Funeral Home, with a graveside to follow at Restwood Memorial Park.
Serving as Pallbearers will be David Resuriz, Lane Tobola, David Cruz, Rumaldo Sanchez, Zachary Wintjen, and Bryson Wintjen.
The family would like to extend their thanks to all the healthcare providers and physicians that cared for Ophilia throughout the years.
In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Ophilia with a donation to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
“May the Work I have Done, Speak for Me.”
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