Sopopa Martinez

Sopopa Martinez passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the age of 96. She was born January 12, 1925 in Uvalde, Texas to Francisco and Ramona (Munoz) Ortiz.

She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She also enjoyed caring for other children, which most kept in touch and visited whenever possible.

Sopopa loved to throw parties for family and friends whenever possible. She enjoyed socializing at the Senior Center, playing Bingo, and doing puzzles. She took pride in gardening and doing yard work. She was proud to be the oldest member of the Hispanic VFW Post #731 Auxiliary. She was a fan of old cowboy movies and especially loved John Wayne. She loved going to the Iowa State Fair with her granddaughters and would always get a corn dog and lemonade.

Years past she had worked at Broadlawns Hospital. She was always willing to help anyone in times of need and she lived to serve others.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Rose Torrence (Ron), Sam Ubaldo (Karen), and Phillip Vasquez; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends.

Sopopa was preceded in death by her husband, Eraclio Martinez; son, David Vasquez; parents, Francisco and Ramona Ortiz; her brother, John Ortiz; and numerous other brothers and sisters.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with funeral service immediately following at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Burial will take place at Glendale Cemetery after the services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Our Lady of the Americas, 1271 E 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50316 or Animal Rescue League of Iowa, 5452 NE 22nd St, Des Moines, IA 50313.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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