Gladys Mae Martinez, 78 years old, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 7, 2022 at her home in Kearny, AZ, surrounded by her family.  Gladys was born to Jewel and Leona Stephens on September 8, 1943 in Tucson, AZ.

Gladys moved to Springerville, AZ at the age of 13, where she met Antolino T. Ballejos. They were married on May 30, 1959. They lived in St. Johns, and Flying V. until they moved to Winkelman, AZ in 1967. Gladys and Antolino raised 7 kids together until their divorce in 1993.

Gladys was remarried to Richard M. Martinez for 12 years until his death on December 21, 2011.

Gladys worked for Curtis Jackson for many years before she went to work for Asarco until she retired in August 2005.

Gladys is preceded in death by her mom, dad and her son Jenaro P. Ballejos. She is survived by her children: Charlotte (Frank) Castro, Arlene Ballejos, Laura (Jesus) Ortega, Veronica (Marty) Rios, Merlinda (Thomas) Cabrera and Antolino A. Ballejos. She also leaves behind 22 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren with one on the way.

A memorial service for Gladys will be announced at a later date.