Deaths

• Joe Martinez
• Verdie J. Mason
• Correction for Albert Perry
• Robert Salazar
  

Joe Martinez

GALLUP — Funeral Mass for Joe John Martinez, 53, were 10 a.m., today, May 21, at St. Francis Catholic Church. The Rev. Patrick Shaffer, OFM was the celebrant. Private burial will be at a later date in Las Vegas.

Martinez died May 16, 2011, in Albuquerque. He was born Sept. 20, 1957, in Roswell.

Martinez was a master barber for 35 years. He was employed at Pro-Cuts North at the time of his death. He was a 2nd degree black belt in karate. Martinez was also an instructor for the Police Academy at the UNM-Gallup branch.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Perez-Martinez of Gallup; son, David Martinez of Gallup; step-son, Jason Gutierrez of Albuquerque; daughters, Christina Salazar of Gallup, Amanda Martinez of Albuquerque; step-daughters, Rhinnon Gutierrez of Belen, Marisa Martinez of Albuquerque, Ariel Gonzales, Brittany Gonzales of Las Cruces; mother, Aurelia Martinez of Henderson, Nev.; brother, Ron Martinez of Henderson, Nev.; sisters, Juanita Jones of Ruidoso, Stella Vinson of Gallup; 10 grandchildren.

Martinez was preceded in death by his father, Jose O. Martinez; sister, Delia Martinez.

Pallbearers were Mark Spitz, Joe Swoboda, Alan Salazar, Gary Hill, Glen Wright, Steve Lawrence, Dale Dedrick, Johnny Mullins, Howard Estrada, Tom Cruce, Junior Olguin, Mike Chavez, Johnny Gonzales.

Go to www.compassionmortuary.com to sign online guest book.

Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Verdie J. Mason

SUNDANCE — Funeral services for Verdie J. Mason, 74, were 10 a.m., May 21, at Rollie Mortuary Chapel. The Rev. Myron Lizer officiated. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park, Gallup. Visitation was 1-4 p.m., May 20, at Rollie Mortuary.

Mason died May 16, 2011, in Gallup. She was born June 1, 1936, in Keams Canyon, into the Coyote Pass People Clan for the Tobacco People Clan.

Mason graduated from Wingate High School. She received her BS degree in education from University of New Mexico in 1976 and received her MA degree in education from the University of New Mexico in 1985. She was a retired educator who educated children for 39 years. Mason received the Who’s Who Among America’s Teacher Award in 1996. She enjoyed crocheting, watching mystery movies, listening to 50s music and traveling with her family.

Survivors include her son, Harold Mason of Sundance; daughters, Geneva Stevens of Sundance, Pamela Mason of Gallup; brothers, Michael Nelson Sr. of St. Michaels, James R. Nelson of Winslow; sisters, Ida Nelson of Dilcon, Anne Baloo of Kirtland, Roselyn Begay of Fort Defiance, Kathleen Alcott of Mesa; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Mason was preceded in death by her husband, Dannie L. Mason; parents, Daniel Denet Nelson, Pauline Nelson; sons, Vernon Mason, Dannie Mason Jr.

Pallbearers were Dannie J. Stevens, Michael Nelson Jr., Loren Nelson, Johnny D. Dixson Jr., Darryl Nelson, Brandon James.

The family received relatives and friends at Grace Navajo Baptist Church, Gallup, following services.
Rollie Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Correction for Albert Perry

SMITH LAKE — Survivors include his wife, Caroline Ann Perry of Smith Lake.

Robert Salazar

GRANTS — Rosary for Robert Salazar, 77, were 11 a.m., today, May 21, at Compassion Mortuary. Private burial will be held by the family.

Salazar died May 19, 2011, in Grants. He was born March 30, 1934, in San Mateo.

Survivors include his wife, Rosita Salazar of Grants; children, Rose Marie Salazar of Mesa Verde, Colo., Diane Salazar of Durango, Colo., Julie Salazar of San Diego, Calif., Marjie Castillo of Arlington, Texas, Nicole Salazar of Albuquerque; brothers, Benses Salazar of Grants, Ernie Salazar of Tucson; sisters, Barbara Jones of Milan, Mary Jane Austin of Milan, Florence Salazar of Saint Charles, Mo.; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter.

Salazar was preceded in death by his son, Robert N. Salazar; parents, Aurelio Salazar, Sara Salazar.

Compassion Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.