Liana K. Martinez

Passed away quietly, in her sleep on March 31, 2022. Liana had been suffering from a rare genetic disorder and although Liana suffered severe chronic pain, she never complained or exhibited the chronic pain she endured, and she fought the good fight for many years. Liana had a compassionate heart for animals and people that suffered due to illness or lack of economic means. In her car, she carried dog and cat food, as well as bottled water. As she drove to wherever she was going, she would pull over to feed a stray dog or cat and bring them home if she could get them in the car. Liana’s husband was never surprised to find an additional member added to the menagerie of pets. Liana would volunteer to foster unwanted pets and the result would be an additional permanent member to the pack. Liana was passionate about her chosen career as a medical professional. She was a nurse practitioner and hospitalist. She treated her clients and patients as though they were family. To find the root cause of their illness or medical issue was of utmost importance to her, and she found great satisfaction resolving people’s medical issues. For those who were struggling financially, Liana would provide them with the funds to pay for their prescriptions, and if she knew of a family or individuals going through hard times, Liana would go out of her way to provide them with the assistance they needed. After hurricane Katrina, Liana volunteered and provided medical assistance to the sick and injured. Furthermore, she put herself in the line of danger to save the life of a local law enforcement officer and received a commendation for her quick action and care. Liana was born in Houston, Texas on January 18, 1959. Her family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where she attended elementary school and high school. During her adolescent years, Liana had fond memories of working in her dad’s restaurant next to the University of Utah known as “Big Ed’s”. Liana obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Utah and graduate degrees from Pittsburgh University and the University of New Mexico. Liana is preceded in death by her father Edward Robison, and mother Barbara Child Robison. She is survived by her husband Don Martinez, and children Sean Orton(Alesha), Devi Novick, and Meena Culver (Steve), grandchildren James and Kristine Orton, brother Brook Robison, sister Jennifer Abendroth (Aaron), sister Jodi Bingham(Jeff), stepdaughter Monica Martinez, stepson McCoy Martinez, and stepson Madison Martinez. After a long battle with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Liana is now at rest and home with her heavenly Father. Her passion in life was animal rescue and providing healthcare to those in need; in lieu of flowers, Liana requested donations be made in her name to local No-Kill animal shelters. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit our website at www.riverafuneralhome.com