Abel Vargas Martinez

Abel Vargas Martinez, age 88, a lifelong resident of Chimayo, New Mexico, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 24, 2024. Abel or “Red” as he was called by his family and friends, was born with an enthusiasm for life and had a loving warmth that made everyone feel at home in his presence. Born to Don Benito and Isidora Martinez, he grew up on a ranch in Chimayo as the youngest of five children. 

Abel was very close to his siblings Isidoro, Victor, Genaro, and Eulalia. At an early age he learned to work hard alongside his family, herding the family’s hundreds of goats, making goat cheese deliveries on horseback, and helping with countless farm chores. He fondly recalled his days at John Hyson Mission School where he made the miles-long daily walk from his home in El Llano. The death of his mother, Isidora Vargas, while he was a student at McCurdy High School, greatly impacted him. His father Don Benito meant the world to him, and he cherished their time together.

Abel found the love of his life in Susie Martinez. Having grown up in the same small town and knowing each other’s families, they began their sweet courtship after reconnecting when Susie returned home from college. They married in August of 1959 on a beautiful summer day. They worked together as a perfect team to raise their daughters. 

Abel never shied away from hard work. After high school he left home to work in the uranium mines in Grants, NM. He later worked as a project foreman for the Southern Union Gas Company in Santa Fe. He was a skilled welder and heavy equipment operator for KNC Construction Company. He worked countless job sites in Espanola, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, and Albuquerque, all while maintaining a bountiful farm and apple orchards; never remaining idle.

Abel was an honest and loyal friend to many. He had an easy smile and a generous heart. He always thought the best of people and was a true gentleman. He loved God, took great care of his family, and taught them to respect, love, and take care of each other. He was the best example of an ever-present father. He taught his children their prayers, helped them with their spelling and math homework, and was at every school event. He enjoyed the outdoors, his cattle, his farm animals, and meticulously tended to his apple orchards, alfalfa fields, gardens, and property. He loved Western movies, sweets, and more than anything else, his family. His grandchildren were his greatest love and source of joy.

Abel leaves behind his loving wife of sixty-four years, Susie Martinez, three daughters and sons-in-law: Angela Martinez and husband Anthony, Annabelle Baca and husband Jim, Juanita Resta and husband Tom; grandchildren: Micaela, Madison, Noah, and Elena; and several loving nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don Benito and Isidora Martinez; brothers Isidoro Martinez, Victor Martinez, and Genaro Martinez; sister, Eulalia Abeyta; father in-law Severo Martinez; mother in-law Julianita; and numerous much-loved brothers- and sisters-in-law. 

Abel’s services will be held on Monday March 11^th at St Joseph’s on the Rio Grande Catholic Church, 5901 St. Joseph’s Dr. NW in Albuquerque, NM. The Rosary will be recited at 8:15 am and a funeral Mass will immediately follow at 9:00 am. A Commital Service will be Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 2:00pm, at Nuestra Señora de Dolores Cemetery in Chimayo, NM. Serving the family as Honorary pallbearers will be Roque Martinez, Gilbert Martinez, Nelson Trujillo, Ralph Martinez, Seledon Martinez Jr., and Jerry Abeyta.