Obituaries

Denise Maria Martinez

July 09, 2023

Denise Maria Martinez

Denise Maria Martinez, age 76, born July 31, 1946, the daughter of the late John and Matilda Gallegos of Durango, CO died peacefully at her home Sunday, July 9, 2023, surrounded by her family in Norwalk, OH.

Denise was born in Durango, CO and graduated from Durango Senior High School.  She was a long-time librarian at the Norwalk Public Library. Denise enjoyed traveling, especially going on trips with sister and brother-in-law, Alberta and Joe, to see NASCAR races.  She loved visiting with family and friends, going to the senior center, going to casinos, crocheting, reading, and putting puzzles together.  Denise also enjoyed volunteering at St. Paul Catholic School elementary library and at Norwalk Area Food Bank.


Survived by her four children Paul Martinez (Krysti) of Bellevue, OH, Kariann Martinez (Michael Kennedy) of Denver, CO, Jeffery Martinez (Susan) of Bennett, CO, Crystal Johnson (Kenneth) of Houston, TX; she cherished her grandchildren, Natalie Martinez, Samantha Johnson, Emily Johnson, Alex Martinez, Olivia Martinez and her great grandson Tyler Johnson.

Denise was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jose Eloy Martinez; siblings Mark Gallegos and Maria Gallegos.  She was survived by siblings Juanita Gallegos (Fern) of Durango, CO, Alberta Martinez (Joe) of Durango, CO, Mariellen Gallegos of Durango, CO, Bob Gallegos of Durango, CO, Rick (Cathy) Gallegos of Durango, CO, Andy (Melodi) Gallegos of Durango, CO, Joseph Gallegos of Norwalk, OH, John Gallegos (Nancy) of Durango, CO, Steve Gallegos (Cynthia) of Rio Rancho, NM, Camille Rea (Kenny) of Durango, CO

The family would like to say a special thanks to all of her close friends and especially to her brother Joe.  Denise and Joe lived together for the last 8 years caring for each other and taking care of each other. All the care, companionship, and love has been greatly appreciated.


A celebration of life gathering will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 5:00 -7:00 P.M. at the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk, OH, where a wake service will be at 6:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Norwalk Area Food Bank, 99 Whittlesey Ave., Norwalk, OH 44857 or Southern Care Hospice Services, 9501 US Hwy 250 N, Milan, OH 44846.

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Denise Maria Martinez

Denise Maria Martinez, age 76, born July 31, 1946, the daughter of the late John and Matilda Gallegos of Durango, CO died peacefully at her home Sunday, July 9, 2023, surrounded by her family in Norwalk, OH.

Denise was born in Durango, CO and graduated from Durango Senior High School.  She was a long-time librarian at the Norwalk Public Library. Denise enjoyed traveling, especially going on trips with sister and brother-in-law, Alberta and Joe, to see NASCAR races.  She loved visiting with family and friends, going to the senior center, going to casinos, crocheting, reading, and putting puzzles together.  Denise also enjoyed volunteering at St. Paul Catholic School elementary library and at Norwalk Area Food Bank.


Survived by her four children Paul Martinez (Krysti) of Bellevue, OH, Kariann Martinez (Michael Kennedy) of Denver, CO, Jeffery Martinez (Susan) of Bennett, CO, Crystal Johnson (Kenneth) of Houston, TX; she cherished her grandchildren, Natalie Martinez, Samantha Johnson, Emily Johnson, Alex Martinez, Olivia Martinez and her great grandson Tyler Johnson.

Denise was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jose Eloy Martinez; siblings Mark Gallegos and Maria Gallegos.  She was survived by siblings Juanita Gallegos (Fern) of Durango, CO, Alberta Martinez (Joe) of Durango, CO, Mariellen Gallegos of Durango, CO, Bob Gallegos of Durango, CO, Rick (Cathy) Gallegos of Durango, CO, Andy (Melodi) Gallegos of Durango, CO, Joseph Gallegos of Norwalk, OH, John Gallegos (Nancy) of Durango, CO, Steve Gallegos (Cynthia) of Rio Rancho, NM, Camille Rea (Kenny) of Durango, CO

The family would like to say a special thanks to all of her close friends and especially to her brother Joe.  Denise and Joe lived together for the last 8 years caring for each other and taking care of each other. All the care, companionship, and love has been greatly appreciated.


A celebration of life gathering will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 5:00 -7:00 P.M. at the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk, OH, where a wake service will be at 6:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Norwalk Area Food Bank, 99 Whittlesey Ave., Norwalk, OH 44857 or Southern Care Hospice Services, 9501 US Hwy 250 N, Milan, OH 44846.

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Online Condolences

Anita Martinez

Phoenix, AZ
July 22, 2023

Truly sorry for your loss. Condolences to your family.

Anita Martinez

Phoenix, AZ
July 22, 2023

Truly sorry for your loss. Condolences to your family.

Earlene Olguin

Aztec, NM, 1221
July 14, 2023

To her family I just want you know you are in my prayers.

Antonio Lopez

San Carlos, Mexico
July 11, 2023

My sincere condolences to the Gallegos

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