Darlene Martinez's Obituary
Our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cousin,
Darlene Martinez, passed away with her family surrounding her on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at
11:55 am. Darlene was born on October 3, 1950, in Salt Lake City to Joseph G. Raso and Nellie
Salazar Raso. During her teenage years, she met and married the love of her life, Anthony
Eugene Martinez. They sealed their love and vows at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church in front
of God and their loved ones on September 20, 1968. Darlene and Anthony constructed a life full
of immeasurable love that everyone near and dear to them felt. From their home in West Valley
City to their many adventures in the mountains, anyone can see how devoted their love is to one
another. Together, they created two wonderful children, Jamie and Tony "Brother". Along with
children, their hearts and love spread deeper when welcoming their children Mackenzie,
Kennedy, Jacquelyn, JJ "Poncho", Christian "Chicanito", and great-granddaughter, Millie.
Growing up in a whole household, Darlene was one of eleven siblings. She spent time
creating memories with each and loved them dearly. Another love was her love for music which
started at a very young age and continued right up to her last breath. She enjoyed listening,
singing, and, above all, dancing. Darlene devoted 25 years to the United Parcel Service and
begrudgingly retired in 2009. Darlene was highly active in her healthier days. She loved
spending her time camping, fishing, golfing, running, bowling, dancing, and chasing around her
grandchildren.
Darlene had the fullest heart and gave her all to anyone in need. Darlene's memory will
continue through each of the interactions, no matter how small, she had with her countless
friends, best friends, family, and even strangers.
In heaven, Darlene is welcomed by her mother, Nellie, and her father, Joseph; mother-inlaw Julia; father-in-law Manuel; brothers Joe and Manuel; brother and best friend Michael;
brothers-in-law Benny Vigil, Brent Robinson, Carmen Dennis, and Steve McCarty.
She is greatly missed and survived by her loving husband Anthony, daughter Jamie
(Paul), son Tony "Brother" (Stephanie), granddaughters and "witchy besties" Mackenzie,
Kennedy, Jacquelyn (Josh), grandsons JJ "Poncho", and Christian "Chicanito", great-granddaughter
Millie, brothers Fred (Helen), Rick (Karin), sisters Josie (Stan), Veronica (Mike), Tina, Olympia
(Roger), Diana (Ron), and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and loved ones.
Viewing and rosary service will be held Sunday, April 23 at 7 pm at Neil O'Donnell
Funeral Home, 372 E 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. Memorial service will be held Monday, April
24 at 11 am at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 1058 W 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104. The
family would like to thank the University of Utah Health teams, Dr. Casull, and every individual
care provider and doctor that provided care for Darlene.
What’s your fondest memory of Darlene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Darlene?
Share a story where Darlene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Darlene you’ll never forget.
How did Darlene make you smile?