OBITUARY: Josie Martinez

Josie Rodriguez Martinez was born Feb. 2, 1939 in Hill, New Mexico, to parents Jesus and Telesfora Rodriguez. She married Santiago Martinez in Shafter on March 26, 1975.

Josie was the type of person who would care for everyone; in addition to her own children, she would often cook and look after her children's friends, too. A giving and generous heart will define her memory.

Josie was a Godly woman; she had a passion for learning about her Lord through reading her Bible or watching her religious TV shows, and she enjoyed listening to Christian music. She was a part of the Ethiopian ministry at Valley Bible Fellowship and was constantly looking for ways that she could help others. Josie had a clear and distinct love for the Lord; she loved God with all her strength, soul and might. Her unconditional love and forgiving nature made her children feel truly blessed to call Josie their mother.

She was also a hardworking and determined woman. She spent over 30 years working in the roses in Wasco, and the friendships she built through those years lasted a lifetime. Josie was content if she could help others feel welcome and comfortable around her, she loved to laugh and be surrounded with joy.

In her spare time she enjoyed watching the Dodgers or Lakers play on TV or listening to her favorite singer, Ramon Ayala, but spending time with her family is what brought the most joy to her heart. If you were blessed to spend time with Josie, you were better off because of it. Her spirit will be truly missed.

Josie is survived by her children, Tony Padilla (Corina Lozoya), Renee Sobarzo, Vera (Enrique Gauna), Becky Hayes, Jimmy Martinez (Leslie) and Frank Martinez (Monica), as well as her siblings, Luis Rodriguez, Tony Rodriguez, Dolores Madrid and Lupe Robles; her 26 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Santiago Martinez; her parents, Jesus and Telesfora; her daughter, Polly Martinez; and her siblings, Jesus Soliz, Ignacio Rodriguez and Jesse Rodriguez.

Josie passed away Dec. 13, 2020, in Bakersfield surrounded by her loved ones. A viewing will be held at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter on Monday, Dec. 21, from 9 to 11 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., and burial will follow at Wasco Memorial Park.