Elvira Martinez

Memorial services for Elvira Martinez, 91, Lawrence, KS, will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 8, 2023, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Elvira passed away Friday, December 8, 2023, at her residence.

Elvira was born on December 4, 1932, in Mercedes, TX, the daughter of Julian and Silvestra Guzman. Elvira grew up in Edinburg, TX and spent the bulk of her professional life in southwestern Michigan where she was the executive director of a rural health initiative that serviced agricultural workers. She lived in New Mexico for 12 years and eventually retired to Boise, ID.  The last years of her life were spent in Michigan and Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, several siblings and husbands, Lino Lopez, Dolores Solis and Tito P. Martinez.

Survivors include her children, Velma (Robert) Hendershott, Lino (Patti) Lopez Jr., Cris (Bill) Anderson, Beatrice (John Kennedy) Solis, Adela Solis, sisters, Beatriz Noriega, Modesta Guzman, grandchildren, Jennifer (Mark) Pangburn, Catherine (Luke) Hilpert, Amanda Lopez, Gabriella (Alex) Drake, Tyler Anderson, Elizabeth Anderson, Maria Kennedy, Sage Kennedy, and great-grandchildren, Elena Pangburn, Bea Pangburn, and Patton Hilpert.

The family suggests memorials in Elvira’s name to Douglas County VNA (Hospice) or Doctors without Borders and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.