Refugio Martinez

Refugio (Cuca) Gonzales Martinez, age 92, passed away June 16,2023 in Abilene, Texas from health issues from pancreatic cancer. Cuca was born June 12, 1931, in San Saba, Texas to Marcos Gonzales and Amelia Vela. Growing up, Cuca's birthday was always celebrated on July 4th, and it wasn't until she married and needed her birth certificate that she found out her "legal" birthday was June 12. In later years, she celebrated both. She married Doroteo Martinez, August 22, 1949. They lived their entire married life in San Saba. Cuca gave birth to three children: Doroteo, Jr. who died in infancy; Maria Anita, and Irene. She claimed many others as her own and would proudly tell others that Susanna Lambert was her other daughter. She was a hard worker who had a hard time sitting still. Even at the care facility where she resided, if she found a broom, she was sweeping. She was a devout Catholic who loved to serve the Lord, family, friends, and anyone else who would let her. She will be remembered by many for her Texas Sheet Cake, her peach cobbler, and/or for her beautiful embroidery pieces or quilts; However, what her great grandkids will probably remember the most is her homemade tortillas. Survivors include daughters, Maria Anita (Lynn) Gerber of Abilene, Irene (Bill) Shank of Weatherford, Susana (Rick) Lambert of San Saba; her grandchildren, Celeste Gerber of Washington; Andrea (Andrew) Sweat of North Carolina, Paul (Daneen) Gerber of Arizona, Mark (Taylor) Gerber of Arizona, Destiny (Robby) Stonehouse of Texas, Deborah (Brian) Ferguson of Texas, and William (Chris) Shank of Virginia; her great grandchildren Brandon, Whitney, and Caroline Sweat, Elder Carson, Sydney, and Colt Gerber, Marcos, Gabriel, and Ami Gerber, Olivia, Quinn, Trinity, and Paul Stonehouse, Courtney James, and Ryan and Ezra Sykes; 2 great great granddaughters, Braelynn and Grayson James; her siblings Mary Miller of Stephenville, Dora Bosquez of Goldthwaite, Joe Gonzales of Dallas, and Louis Gonzales of Tin Top. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Doroteo Martinez; Infant son, Doroteo, Jr.; her parents, Marcos, and Amelia Gonzales; siblings, Mike Gonzales, Augustine Gonzales, John Gonzales, Janie Corona, and Mary Minerva Garza. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Cuca loved children, and donations to help treat cancer in little ones would bring her great joy! The family would like to thank Windcrest Health and Rehabilitation staff and Hendrick Hospice for their kindness extended to our mom. The family would take great joy in you bringing a copy of a favorite photo "Cuca & Me" to be displayed.

Refugio Martinez

June 12, 1931 - June 16, 2023