Susan Lee Martinez

Susan Lee "Susie" Martinez

April 6, 1953 – August 30, 2024

Born on April 6, 1953, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Susan "Susie" Lee Martinez lived a life filled with love, learning, and adventure. Raised in Hatch, New Mexico, Susie developed a deep appreciation for family and hard work, values that she carried throughout her life. She excelled in her career, contributing to the space program in roles focused on Safety, Security, and Environmental management, while also devoting herself to her family. As the beloved wife of David X. Martinez and mother to her two daughters, Katherine V. Walther and Melyssa S. Martinez, Susie exemplified strength, kindness, and grace in every facet of her life.

Throughout her remarkable career, Susie held a classified position, playing a critical role in information management. Her work was essential in ensuring that the White Sands Test Facility and those supporting the space program adhered to the highest standards of security, safety, and environmental policies. She was responsible for briefing teams throughout the lifecycle of mission preparation and the missions themselves. Her dedication, precision, and deep sense of responsibility earned her the respect of her colleagues, as she consistently ensured that critical protocols were followed, contributing to the overall success of the program.

Outside of her distinguished career, Susie’s true joy was in her family and the simple pleasures that made life beautiful. She was a devoted wife to David X. Martinez, and their marriage was filled with love, adventure, and spontaneity. The two often indulged their love of travel with spur-of-the-moment trips, always keeping a "go" bag ready for a quick getaway to Las Vegas or another favorite destination. Their shared passion for horses and horse shows, as well as maintaining their little ranch, was a cornerstone of their life together.

As a mother, Susie was the heart of the family. Her daughters, Katherine V. Walther and Melyssa S. Martinez, were her greatest pride. No matter the chapter in her life, Susie flew all over the country to support her daughters through every high and low, serving as an unwavering pillar of strength. With Katherine, Susie turned work trips into unforgettable adventures—drinking out of coconuts in the Bahamas, enjoying coffee in Hawaii, laughing through a fitness cruise, and touring Boston, to name just a few. She was always quick to jump on a flight and make any trip a vacation.

After David’s passing, Susie and Melyssa, who were already best friends, became each other's rock. They spent countless hours together, sharing sunsets, cocktails, and weekends tending to their beautiful flowers and plants. These quiet moments brought peace and joy, deepening the bond they had always shared.

From the moment her grandchildren, Aiden X. Johnson and Amaris V. Martinez, entered her life, Susie became the most amazing grandmother. She cared for them as if they were her own children, teaching them life lessons, offering wise advice, and ensuring they always had a guiding light and a foundation of support. She spoiled them with love and affection, but also grounded them with her wisdom and values. She was nothing short of extraordinary in her role as their grandmother.

Susie adored her dachshunds, Matti and Maxi, who were her constant companions and brought her endless joy. Whether enjoying a spa treatment or a cold beer, she knew how to savor the small pleasures in life, and she made sure to share them with the people she loved.

Known for her quick wit and ability to bring levity to any situation, Susie always had the perfect saying. She made everyone feel special, as though they were the only person in the world. Strong and wise, with a fierce spirit when needed, Susie’s wisdom was rooted in her rich life experiences, which she lovingly shared with those closest to her.

Susie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David X. Martinez, her parents, Carl Randolph Sims and Virginia Lee Sims, and her siblings, Denson Sims, James Sims, and Linda Alvarez.

Susie is survived by her two daughters, Katherine V. Walther and Melyssa S. Martinez, her grandchildren, Aiden X. Johnson and Amaris V. Martinez, her sister, Barbara Hartman, and her cherished dachshunds, Matti and Maxi.

Services are scheduled for 10:00 am Saturday, September 14, 2024  at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces NM 88001.