Jovita Rios Martinez

Jovita Rios Martinez, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully from natural causes on July 21, 2026, at the age of 74. She was born on August 5, 1951, in Crystal City, Texas, where she spent her early years surrounded by family and community. Jovita dedicated her life to her family, embodying the spirit of a devoted homemaker. The heart of her home in Lubbock, Texas, overflowed with love for her children: Teresa Rangel, Ector Rangel (Teresa) , Marisa Martinez (Carlos), and Linda Martinez. Family was everything to Jovita; she cherished her role as matriarch, loving and nurturing each of her 16 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters, Aurora Manriquiz, Isabel Valdez and Maria Lopez, and her brother, Ruben Ramirez. A woman of strong faith, Jovita was a member of the Catholic Church, a cornerstone of her values and a source of strength throughout her life. She found joy in cooking, often sharing her culinary delights with loved ones, and had a knack for crochet, creating beautiful pieces that held sentimental value for her family. A loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers, Jovita's enthusiasm for her team was matched only by the warmth and vibrancy she brought to those around her. Her legacy will live on through her family and the countless memories shared over meals, celebrations, and quiet moments together. The family will receive friends from 5:00-6:00 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Sanders Funeral Home followed by a Rosary service at 6:00 PM in Sanders Memorial Chapel, Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Guadalupe on July 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM, with burial to follow at the City of Lubbock Cemetery. In celebrating Jovita's life, we remember her unwavering love, devotion, and the indelible impact she made on all who had the privilege to know her. She will be profoundly missed, but her spirit will forever remain a guiding light in our lives. Jovita was preceded in death by her husband, Gilberto Martinez, sons, Steve Rangel and Victor Rangel, sisters, Maria Rangel and Marta Palomino, brothers, Juan Manuel Matinez and Jose Martinez, father, Raul Rios, and mother, Petra Martinez.

Jovita Rios Martinez

August 5, 1951 - July 21, 2026