Elizabeth Lee Martinez

Elizabeth Lee “Betty” Martinez passed away peacefully on Friday, December 20th, as her husband, Louis, held her hand. They were married for 48 years. She was born on December 9, 1929 in Virginia and has been a resident of San Angelo since 1976. She was a loving mother to six children. Elizabeth had infinite compassion and was a dedicated caregiver. She worked many years as a nurse’s aide at Park Plaza. Later she served both the young and the elderly as a care provider with Outreach of San Angelo. She enjoyed spending time with her family, watching movies, talking on the phone to family and friends, sharing a good meal, and visiting over a hot cup of coffee.

She is survived by her husband, Louis “Marty” Martinez of San Angelo; four daughters: Jeanie Daniel of Florida, Sharon Ridgeway of Mexico, Trina Close of Idaho, and Rachel Alexander of Virginia; and one son, Kevin Sweitzer of Texas. Her son, Nile Sweitzer, preceded her in death. Elizabeth has eight grandchildren: Lynn Ulch, David Butler, Justin and Jonas Klemm, Elizabeth Daniel, Jaden and Jenny Alexander, and Ella Close. She has four great grandchildren: Connor, Jillian, Sawyer, and Hannah, and recently became a great-great grandmother to Case. She is also survived by one brother, Ernest Singletary, of Pennsylvania.

Though her will was strong, her frail and tired body yielded to the desire of her spirit to be set free. With the comfort of knowing that she is at peace, her family celebrates the memory of her life and her release from earthly suffering.

I'm Free

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Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I've found that peace at the close of the day.¬¬

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life's been full, I savored much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch,

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the nurses and aides that treated her well, specifically those that expressed their love in the hours before she died. Thank you, Dr. D’Arcie Chitwood, for your compassion, patience, and communication. Thank you, Nancy York, with Hospice of San Angelo, for your compassion and words of wisdom, and Rene, for staying at her bedside, ensuring that she was comfortable and at peace.Our deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Blenda Huber for years of selfless caretaking and companionship to our mother. Adriana, thank you for your consistent visitation and for serving as her advocate.

Services for Elizabeth will be held at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, December 28th. Her viewing will be held from 10a.m. - 12 p.m., and the ministry service will begin at 2 p.m., following with the procession to Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of San Angelo.

Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com