Carlos Ruiz Martinez
Carlos Ruiz Martinez, 91, passed away on June 21, 2018 in his home in Superior surrounded by his children. He was born in Dos Cabezas, Arizona on June 15, 1927 and moved to Superior in 1936 at the age of 9.
He was a graduate of the class of 1949 of Superior High School. Carlos started working at the Sawaia’s White Spot Market at the age of 14 as a grocery bagger and delivery person. He retired from the Market as a butcher after 27 years. Carlos worked as a timekeeper for Magma Copper Company for 10 years and Pinal County for 5 years before retiring again in 1989.
Carlos was in the United States Army during World War II stationed in Oster, Japan. He was honorably discharged and returned to Superior in 1947 and married his high school sweetheart Gloria Mariscal in the original St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Superior on June 5, 1949. They celebrated 68 years of matrimony in 2017 before she passed away in December.
Carlos is preceded in death by his lifelong love, Gloria, his parents Liberato and Delphina Martinez, brother Liberato, sister Petra Chavez, and grandson Bobby Martinez.
Carlos is survived by his six children, George (Olga), Gloria (Al), John, Virginia “Gina”, Carlos (Patricia), and Tony (Christine); 12 grandchildren, Louie, George, Keone, Jesirae, Xavier, Michael, Matthew, Carlos, Felicia, Tony, Jacob, and Makayla; 17 great grandchildren with one arriving in November and 6 great-great-grandchildren with one arriving in September. He is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Carlos was elected to the Superior School Board in 1956 and served the Superior Community until 1976. He also served as a volunteer for the Superior Fire District for 25 years, from 1948 through 1973. Carlos was a member of the VFW, a lifelong member of the United Superiorities Foundation, and attended the bi-annual Safari’s regularly. Carlos volunteered, with his wife at the Superior Chamber of Commerce welcoming visitors to the town because they were enthused about anything to do with the Town of Superior. Carlos’ greatest legacy is his family who he was devoted to his entire life.
Rosary will be on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 9 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 11 Church Ave., Superior, Arizona. Mass is at 9:30 a.m. with interment to follow, with Military Honors at Fairview Cemetery 231 W. Sunset Ave. Superior, Arizona.
Superior Funeral Home is providing exceptional family service. 379 Ray Rd., Superior, AZ 85173. Ph. (520) 689-2692. SuperiorFuneral.com.