On Sunday, May 9, 2021, Marta “Martha” Gutiérrez Martínez Cadena passed away from complications of a chronic illness. She was 91 years old.
Martha was born on Saturday, December 28, 1929, in Lincoln, N. Mex. She was one of eight surviving children born to Adenago and Annie Martínez.
She served in the U.S. Air Force and, while stationed in Newfoundland, met and married the love of her life, Henry Márquez Cadena of Alpine, Texas. Henry and Martha were married on Thursday, July 17, 1952, at the Mexican Methodist Church in Roswell, N. Mex. While Martha would serve one enlistment in the U.S. Air Force, Henry would make the military his career, serving first in the U.S. Navy, and then the U.S. Army.
During her lifetime, Martha was a loving, caring, and compassionate mother, friend and caregiver to her family, friends, co-workers and strangers. Always willing to go that extra mile, Martha was loved and respected by all those who knew her. Her zest for life continued through retirement, where she enjoyed gardening and the fellowship of her church. She stayed active at the Clarksville YMCA; she took water aerobics classes and found companionships in such organizations as the Red Hats.
Martha’s family extends their sincere appreciation for the care, love and respect shown to her during her last days.
Her parents and siblings – Willie, Cedric, Trinidad “Fermin,” Ernesto Martínez, Maclovia Martínez Chávez, Louisa Martínez Salas and Teresa Martínez Ramírez – all precede her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Henry Márquez Cadena.
Martha is survived by her three children; Donna Cadena of Roswell, N. Mex; Gayle (David) Bonner of Clarksville, Tenn. and Richard Anthony Cadena of Clarksville; three grandchildren, Marquez Martínez McClure of Clarksville; Austin Cadena Wilson, of Pensacola, Fla. and Bryan Cadena Wilson of St. Petersburg, Fla; three great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Sally Martínez of Sierra Vista, Ariz; brothers-in-law, Frank Ramírez Riverside, Calif. and Rudy Cadena of La Luz, N. Mex. and many nieces and nephews and extended family throughout the Hondo Valley and southeastern New Mexico and middle Tennessee.
A memorial service will be held at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West, Hopkinsville, Ky. on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 2 p.m with Rev. Doug Wilson officiating. Martha’s cremated remains will interned alongside her husband, Henry Márquez Cadena.