Ben "Nobert" N Martinez

BEN NOVERTO MARTINEZ May 20, 1938 - July 5, 2026 Ben Noverto “Nobert” Martinez, 88, of Santa Fe passed away peacefully at home on July 5, 2026, held in grace by our heavenly father.

 Born on May 20, 1938, at home in Llano, New Mexico. Nobert was the beloved son of Cecilio and Felicia Martinez who raised him to have a strong faith in God, an excellent work ethic, and a contagious sense of humor. They filled him with the joy of music, the strength of family, and dreams of never ending possibilities in life. He lived with his family in a time of complete independence where they harvested their own meat and produce. He learned to contribute to the lifestyle which included chopping loads of wood every fall for decades. From a young age Nobert showed an interest in school and graduated Valedictorian of Penasco High School in 1956, already demonstrating independence and resilience that would set the course for the future. He served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1961 becoming a Veteran with an Honorable Discharge.

 On November 28, 1959, he married his sweetheart, Gloria (Sanchez) Martinez, beginning a lifelong partnership that spanned 57 years. Together they built their home in 1963 and it was the same place he was called to heaven in 2026. They filled their home with love, generosity, laughter, prayer, and tons of family memories. They were side by side exploring life together, with their children. They shared a love of nature, fishing, traveling, boating, and going to the casino. They made several trips to Las Vegas with Gloria, Helen, Lawrence, Flora and Joe. They had so much fun together! 

Nobert’s life interwove almost nine decades of people, places, and milestones. Nobert and Gloria welcomed four children into their family. Lenora, Sarah, Felicia, and Vincent who always kept him on his toes. His goal was to always provide for his family and he did it with pride.

 He worked for the State of New Mexico Corporation Commission Department for 26 years. He excelled and had complete working knowledge of corporate matters above those required for an employee. He was a conscientious employee, devoting long hours to his work on his own time. His ability to work with others and learn various jobs in the Department enabled the Department to keep a current basis. His loyalty and cooperation earned him the respect and admiration of all concerned, retiring at 48 years old.

 After retiring from the State Corporation Commission of New Mexico he continued a lifelong passion of fishing, camping, traveling, and creating beautiful hand carved furniture, crosses, jewelry boxes,and many other special items. He enjoyed sharing his gifts with others, especially his wife, Gloria. Throughout his retirement years he stayed busy maintaining his property and his vehicles. His hands were rarely still as he was always working on several projects. He was known for being a true friend or relative. He always gave encouragement and then topped it off with a corny joke. But perhaps his greatest gift was the love he poured into his family and loved ones. His kindness reflected the grace of his faith by willing to help others. His children and grandchildren were completely influenced by his love. He shared his faith, taught them to have an open heart, and to believe in themselves to make the world a better place. His love was boundless. 

He was especially excited for the opportunity to work with Randy Travis. He built northern New Mexico style rooms in his house in Tennessee. He spent time with Gloria as a VIP guest, with backstage passes to the Grand Ol’ Opry. Travis gifted him a horse, a descendant of Trigger (Roy Roger’s horse), named Flash. Travis also named one of his colts “Noberto”. The journey continued to Hawaii where he brought a crew and materials from New Mexico to build Santa Fe style rooms in two of Travis’ homes. One room included a two-story kiva fireplace. He even managed to convince his wife to go parasailing in Maui. The locals wondered what that unique smell was when they roasted green chile.

As a devout Catholic, Nobert found deep fulfillment in being a husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend and so on. He engaged in Cursillo and celebrated life with Jesus by his side. He always prayed to be in his home at the end of his life. His faith has pulled him through the most difficult times of his life. He left the earth being the happiest he’s ever been in his life because he was home. He was humble and grateful for every detail of his house. He felt all the prayers sent his way, especially the last few years. His memory will live on with each of us who knew him. May he rest in peace.

 Nobert was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria (Sanchez) Martinez, his son, Vincent Martinez, his parents, Cecilio and Felicia (Rodarte) Martinez, son-in-laws, Ron Valencia Sr., and Kevin Austin Sr. Grandchildren, Ron Valencia Jr., Joshua Valencia and Jessica Taskonis. His sister and brother-in-law Helen (Martinez) and Lawrence Rael. Prayers are sent to many more. 

He is survived by his daughters Lenora Schmidt (Bill), Sarah Austin, Felicia Valencia; and his cherished grandchildren, Nicole Curtis (Jeremiah), Monica Cucciare (Michael), Naola Austin, Kevin Austin Jr. (Sara), Charlene Valdez (Nathan), Autumn Austin (Jason), Cherisse Valencia, and Jasmine Valencia. He also treasured his 17 beautiful great grandchildren. His brother Ramon Martinez (Mary), Cecil Martinez, and sister, Dora Vigil. He had a large extended family and so many good friends that had a special place in his heart. He will be missed and kept in their loving memory.

 Arrangements are being handled by Rivera’s Funeral Home. 417 Rodeo Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87505 Funeral services will be announced when available. Please return to this site for information.