Ruben H. 'Rick' Martinez

Ruben H. “Rick” Martinez, 58, longtime Moses Lake resident died in his home Sunday, September 6, 2009 after a long illness.

Rick was born September 1, 1951 in Toppenish, WA to Adolfo and Katherine (Cerna) Martinez.

Rick attended schools in Moses Lake and from High School he enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was 18. He served for a year in Vietnam and was later Honorably Discharged in 1972, earning several medals. Rick loved to work on vehicles, hunting and fishing. He was known for his big heart and always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need. Rick loved it when his family and friends would just drop in and visit with him and we all will certainly miss those visits. He will especially be missed by his two sons Derek and Jeremy. Rick and Diane met in Chanute, KS and lived there until they moved to Washington state so Rick could be closer to his family. Rick has also left numerous family and friends in Kansas who have been touched by his life and they will greatly miss him.

Rick is survived by his dear family: sons Derek and wife Daphne Martinez, Jeremy Martinez, life partner and mother of his two sons Diane L. Pefley, parents Adolfo and Katherine Martinez, brothers Tomas and wife Arlenne Martinez, Alex and wife Debbie Doran-Martinez, Art and wife Brenda Martinez, Roger and wife Eileen Martinez all of Moses Lake, WA and sister Teresa Senn of Seattle; 3 grandsons Little Derek, Dreyton and Darius Martinez with one more grandson Davin, to arrive very soon, along with several nieces, nephews, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, along with many, many friends.

Viewing and visitation with Rick’s family will be held from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, September 12, in Carver Family Funeral Home, 1217 E. Wheeler Rd., Moses Lake. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 14, 2009 in Moses Lake Assembly of God Church, 431 E. Brown Ave., Moses Lake with Pastor Ryan Simmons officiating. Burial and concluding services will immediately follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Warden.

Please visit www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com to sign our online guest book and leave a note or message for Rick’s family.

Rick’s family has asked Carver Family Funeral Home, Moses Lake to care for arrangements.

Dad, we will miss you more than you know, and will love you always and forever, Derek and Jeremy.