Hermelinda Martinez passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, March 16, 2026 in Austin, Texas. She was born on March 28, 1958 to Hilaria Rodriguez and Fidencio Martinez in Tlapanco, Estado de Mexico.

Some of her greatest joys were sharing her life stories, cooking for those she loved, singing at any moment she could, spending time with her family and writing praise songs, but her greatest joy was worshiping her Lord Jesus Christ. She was a great woman of faith and despite her many life struggles, she remained strong. Since the day she came to know the Lord, not a day went by that she didn’t lift her hands in praise and sing her worship to God. She will always be remembered as the God-fearing and loving mother that she was.

Hermelinda was preceded in death by her parents Hilaria Rodriguez and Fidencio Martinez, her brothers Alejandro Martinez and Francisco Peñaloza, and her beloved granddaughter Samira Hernandez.

She is survived by her children Adelaida Lopez, Juanita Hernandez, Irene Lopez, Raudel Ruiz and Rubi Ruiz; grandchildren Bianca Seaton, Celina Smith, Sergio I. Hernandez, Emily Smith, Victor Hernandez, Ivett Lopez, Vianny Hernandez, and Donnie Lewis; and great grandchildren Liliana Rechenthin, Liam Rechenthin, Luca Rechenthin, Leon Rechenthin, and Ximena Hernandez and Gabrielle Remington. Her memory will live on in the legacy she helped create.

A celebration of Hermelinda’s life will be held at Grace Gardens Funeral Home in Woodway, Texas at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, Texas