Terri Martinez

"These heartaches will make us stronger, and prepare us to be the voice of experience and wisdom to others. Use this time to let go of the bitterness and be at peace within. Happy New Year to all my friends and family!" Terri Lynn West (Martinez), 52, of Rio Rancho, NM, passed away during an electrical fire in her second home in Gallup, NM, on Tuesday, December 12, 2017. Terri was born November 11, 1965 in Logan, WV, to parents Ronald and Donna West (nee Riley). She graduated from Mount View High School and attended University of Phoenix, where she received a B.S. in Nursing, and University of St. Francis, where she earned a Master’s in Nursing. She devoted herself to work over the years, at UNMH, as a Flight Nurse, ER and Nurse Practitioner. Most recently, she worked night shifts at Gallup Indian Medical Center. She loved to travel, especially to visit those she loved or support a cause, and enjoyed trips to the Dominican Republic, Cabo San Lucas, San Francisco, and Alaska, to name a few. As Terri’s sense of humor was larger than life, she always made her presence known. She wouldn’t hesitate to get down on the floor and play with her grandkids — in fact, she relished in "making a fool" of herself. She hosted friends and coworkers on a regular basis, showing them how to string up chile ristras, and was always the first to take the lead, organize, and prepare meals for an event or party. She could teach herself to master any craft or hobby, from knitting to fly-fishing, and interior design to targetshooting. Terri is survived by her two children Ashley Miller (Jonathan Miller) and Kevin Martinez (Amy Martinez); mother, Donna Politakis; sister Tammy West; brother Ron West (Denise West); grandchildren Caden and Aubrey Miller; spouse of 28 years Martin Martinez; nieces Sharee Allen, Sydni West, and Leila Dixon; nephew James Dailey, and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Terri was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Jack and Cindy Riley; paternal grandparents Floyd and Kizzie West; father Ronald West; and nephew Jacob Dobransky. Terri’s Navajo name was Shándíín Nizhóní Báá, which means Beautiful Ray of Sunshine. As the life of the party, Terri would want everyone to dry their tears, tell their most hilarious stories, and truly celebrate her life. We love you Terri, you will be greatly missed. We will see you in heaven. (John 5:24) Services will be held at 2pm on Monday, December 18th, at Rollie Mortuary, 401 Nizhoni Blvd. Gallup, NM 87301.