Delores Virginia Martinez

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the loss of our superwoman, Delores “Virginia” Martinez who passed away at her home in Mabton, Washington, on April 6, 2026 following a courageous journey through metastatic Stage 4 Colon Cancer. A battle that she fought with everything she had, up until her final moments. Together with God and surrounded by her loving family she met that moment with quiet strength, and unwavering hope. 

Virginia was born on January 30, 1955, in Prosser, Washington, to Frank C Palomarez  and Tomasa Palomarez. She was the third of seven siblings. Virginia grew up in the lower Yakima Valley, where she attended Mabton Jr. Sr. High School and graduated in 1973.

On November 13, 1976 she married her dancing partner for life, Jose “Lino” Martinez and they made their home in Mabton where they raised four children Daniel, Connie, Jose Jr. and Jorge. Virginia was a loving mother who supported her children significantly throughout the years. Although widowed in 2021, Virginia never stopped being the greatest matriarch for her children and family. She was a loyal and hardworking woman who was employed at Tree Top previously Seneca Foods, Inc. for 43 years until she retired on October 24, 2021. We are proud to boast that our tiny powerhouse was not only a line lead but a 4 foot 9 inch forklift operator. We never met a woman stronger than her. 

Virginia was an amazing wife, sister, friend, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and great-grandmother, who could bring laughter and joy to those she encountered. “Gramma Tinez” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was someone who loved to spoil them and support anything and everything they did with pride. 

She could be found at any one of their countless school or sporting events. Sometimes multiple in the same day. Being a grandma was her life’s joy. From teaching them how to eat sugar for breakfast, watching scary movies at an early age to showing them that no matter how big or small they could do it all. Virginia taught her family the importance of tradition, hard work, and family values. Her words of wisdom, fearless attitude, hilarious jokes, warm hugs, and ability to do and teach pretty much anything is what made her stand out above the rest. Virginia loved to dance and listen to music of all kinds but she especially enjoyed Tejano music. 

Virginia is survived by her four loving children Daniel “Dino”(Rebecca) Martinez of Prosser, Connie (Brandon) Beeman of Sunnyside, Jose Jr. of Sunnyside, and Jorge (Martha) Martinez of Mabton. Her wonderful grandchildren, Cassandra, Angela (Tony), Ariana, Elizabeth, Lauren (Hugo), Darion (Aly), Jorge II, Julianna, Valeria, Jose Joaquin, Vidal and her adorable great-grandchildren, Layla, Royce, and Julian. Virginia is also survived by her siblings, Zenaida (Manuel) Calixto, Mary Torres, Tom Palomarez, Peter(Kathy)Palomarez, and Natalie Palomarez, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Jose “Lino” Martinez, her brother Frank P Palomarez, and niece Melissa Flores.  

Virginia will forever be remembered for her courage, strength, deep faith, golden heart, and the love she shared so freely with her family and all those who knew her. 

 Viewing and visitation will be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 4:00-8:00p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside, WA with a recitation of the Holy rosary beginning at 6:00p.m.  Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 10:00a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grandview, WA with a graveside service to follow at the Mabton Cemetery. Those wishing to sign Delores's online memorial guest book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com     Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements   

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