Fidel M Martinez June 29, 1942 ~ June 16, 2024

Fidel M. Martinez was born on June 29, 1942 in Rancho el Carrizal Chiquito, en Zucualpan Veracuz Mexico. He passed on June 16, 2024 in Monticello, UT surrounded by his loving family.
Fidel grew up in Mexico with a large traditional family ranching with his father. His stories of his life in Mexico were many and gave those around him a small glimpse of a totally different world.
These stories were a mix of beautiful bliss and hardships, which shaped the man he was. When the world he knew was slipping away due to the Mexican government taking land from the people, including his family, he decided to come to the United States.
His goal was freedom and the ability to continue the cowboy life that was a huge part of his soul.
In Arizona, he met a rancher who, after proving his skills to, gave him work and became his friend. They worked cattle, sheep and horses in Arizona, Colorado, and Utah.
During these travels, he fell in love with America and knew he had new opportunities. Fidel was not afraid of hard work and built trust with all who hired him because of his work ethic and skills.
While working in Utah, he met the love of his life, Valorie. Together they shared a love for the simple life of hard work, traveling, and providing their skills of trapping, ranching, and a love of horses to many.
They eventually settled in Monticello after finding work with a local rancher who would become one of their dearest friends.
During his life in Monticello he worked for many ranchers but his friendship with his last boss, Richard Meyers left the greatest impact of him.
Richard showed Fidel such appreciation for his hard work, treated him well, and always said he had the best fences in San Juan County.
Fidel and Valorie raised three children in Monticello, bought their dream property, and spent their remaining years there. Fidel’s hard work, cowboy ways, and kindness kept his dream alive of being a real-life cowboy. We are forever tethered to our ancestor’s resiliency, strength, and ever lasting love.
Fidel is proceeded in death by his loving wife Valorie Martinez, and son Mitchel Martinez.
Fidel is survived by his daughter Laurel (Stan) Schafer; son Marshall (Mindy) Martinez; grandchildren Taylor (Matt) Betts, Cameron Schafer, Benjamin Schafer, Hunter Martinez, Brennen Martinez, Naomi Martinez, Sierra Taysom, Brayden Martinez, and Colby Martinez; and great-grandchildren Adalyn and Taiven Betts.
Fidel is also survived by a large, loving family in Mexico. We will all remember his amazing sense of humor, childlike smile, and that sparkle in his eyes.
A celebration of life is planned for a later time per his request that we “rest”.
Card of thanks
The family would like to thank the medical professionals at the San Juan Clinic and the San Juan Hospital. They are a true blessing of people who care about their patients and provide the best of care.