Valorie Anne Martinez April 5, 1942 ~ October 24, 2022

Valorie Anne Martinez was born on April 5, 1942 in Salt Lake City Utah and passed away on October 24, 2022 in Monticello surrounded by her family and husband of 48 years.
She was raised by her grandmother Viola Stroup and her mother Viola (Rayce) Kiefer in Salt Lake City Utah.  She grew up in the heart of Salt Lake and loved her daily trolley rides with her grandmother at Trolley Square, which was only blocks from her childhood home.
At the age of 16 she moved with her family to Libby Montana.  There she enjoyed the beauty of the country hunting and fishing, but mostly riding her horse.
She returned to Utah in her 20s and spent her time working to support her love of riding.  She was part of the Silver Spurs Riding Club for several years, and Rodeo Queen.
This was one of her greatest joys in life and she received many riding awards and trophies that spoke to her great abilities and love of horses.
She met the love of her life Fidel Martinez working on a ranch in Salina Utah. Together they traveled between Utah and Arizona living an off-the-grid life that they both enjoyed and found fulfilling.
Fidel often tells stories of Valorie working as hard as the men did in a day and then returning to their cabin to cook a meal for all after a hard day’s work.
They eventually settled in Monticello Utah, married and started their family. Together they raised 3 children.  Fidel worked on various ranches and Valorie worked as a cook for Hogies, MD Ranch, and finally San Juan County Sheriff’s office for 27 years.
She not only touched people with her amazing food but her simple kindness towards all. Her dedication, hard work and kindness is something has inspired many.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Fidel Martinez.  Her 3 kids, Laurel Schafer (Stan), Marshall Martinez (Mindy) and Mitchell Martinez; her brothers, Roger L. Stroup, Steven M. Kiefer and A. Scott Kiefer; Her nine grandchildren: Taylor Betts, Cameron Schafer, Ben Schafer, Hunter Martinez, Brennen Martinez, Naomi Martinez, Sierra Taysom, Brayden Martinez, Colby Martinez; and her two great grandchildren Adalyn Betts and Taiven Betts.
Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Eastland Branch: 100 E Cedar St, Eastland, Utah on Saturday November 5, 2022 at 11 a.m.