Dodge City - Stella B. Martinez, 90, passed away with her family by her side on February 25, 2025 at her home in Dodge City.  She was born on September 17, 1934 at Dodge City, the daughter of Henry and Lila (Salas) Blea.

Stella was a lifelong resident of Dodge City. On February 28, 1953 she married Joe Q. Martinez in Clayton, New Mexico. She was a homemaker and nurse assistant at St. Anthony, Trinity, and Humana Hospitals for 35 years. Stella especially enjoyed spending time with her family, music, sewing, and taking trips.

She was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe of Dodge City.

Stella is survived by her five daughters, Rachel Holguin and Geronimo of Lewis, Connie Marquez and Manuel of Dodge City, Cindy Ruiz and the late Eduardo of Dodge City, MaryAnn Holguin and Prudencio of Lewis, and Rose Chilcoat and Steve of Overland Park; 28 grandchildren, 80 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren; sister, Esther Espinosa and Phil Gonzalez of Dodge City; and two brothers Eddie Blea and wife Gloria of Hutchinson and Jim Blea and wife Margie of Sacramento, California. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Q. Martinez; three sons, Tim, Emilio Joseph, and Raymond Joseph Martinez; her parents, Henry and Lila Blea; five brothers, William Blea, Henry Blea, Johnny Blea, Joe Blea, Emilio Blea, and five sisters, Rita Fernandez, Gloria Blea, Delores Blea, Helen Perez and JoAnn Sanchez.

Funeral Mass will be held at Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM with Fr. Wesley Schawe presiding. Rosary will be at 1:00 PM on Friday at the Cathedral. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Dodge City.  Visitation will be at Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe both  in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.