Minerva "Minnie" Gracia Martinez

Minerva Gracia Martinez was born on the second floor of a house on a hill in Palmer, Texas on a cold day in January 1926. She never failed to remind the family of the hill she was born on when traveling to Ennis from Dallas.

Minnie was born to Manuela Rodriquez Gracia and Antonio Gracia. She was sister to Israel Gracia, Delfina Gracia Gabaldon, Romana Igelsias Ramos, Henry Igelsias, and Augustine Igelsias. After her mother Manuela died when she was 9 years old she lived with her beloved grandparents Romana Herrera Rodriquez and Feliciano Rodriguez, her cherished aunt and uncle Adela Rodriquez Armenta and Julio Armenta, her loving cousins Jesse Armenta, Linda Armenta Alonzo, Sandra Armenta Valdez, Marshal Armenta, Alvin Armenta and her baby brother Augustine.

Her life began in the 1920's in a community of share croppers and farmers.

Minnie met Juan Martinez in Ennis and they married in 1943. She always recounted the story of their wedding with all the family and friends that lasted until dawn, dancing and celebrating. Their sons Alfred Martinez (wife, Lorraine) and John Martinez (wife, Anna Maria) were born in Ennis and they all soon moved to Dallas with hopes of a proper education and far more opportunities than rural life. Their daughter Linda Martinez Mikkelsen (husband, C.J.) was born in Dallas.

Mom and Dad spent their lives caring for their children. With hopes, hard work and prayer they were able to see their children grow, succeed and have happy lives. They not only learned and grew through their children's adventures and families, they were able to see the world from New York to Hawaii and her favorite place, Cape Cod.

Our Mom showed us pride and integrity with her constant toil, creativity and determination.

Mom never forgot all her grandchildren and their birthdays. Gabrielle Martinez (husband, Fergus Rooney), Mathew Franks (wife Irene Lau), Andrea Martinez Malloy (husband, Malcolm), Janet Franks La Barba, John Andrew Martinez, Alanna Martinez Ruse (husband Brian), Stewart Mikkelsen and Henry Mikkelsen. Her great grandchildren, Sofia Rooney, Lucia Rooney, Liam Malloy, Eoin Malloy, Gia La Barba, Ann Malloy. and Inara Franks.

We will never forget what mom left her family, care and and unending love. She prayed for our happiness.