Louise Martinez, 82 Stilwell, formerly of Oakland, Calif.., surrounded by loved ones, passed away November 13, 2018, at Quailridge Living Center, West Siloam Springs.
Born December 13, 1935 in Oakland, CA, she is predeceased by her parents Ulysis and Louisa Rivera of Oakland, and her late husband Larry Martinez of Stilwell, formerly of Oakland, and three grandbabies.
Larry and Loiuse Martinez moved to Stilwell with their six babies in the winter of 1967. Louise earned a degree at Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, for Early Childhood Development. She was a social worker for the Cookson Hills Head Start Program in Stilwell, and later a Headstart Teacher for Cookson Hills and Cherokee Nation in the Stilwell Community. Despite her busy schedule, family, friends, and her classroom were her passion. Louise loved painting, writing, singing, dancing and creating stories for the children. She would dress up at Halloween and go to the classrooms with a story book she designed and wrote, "Peter Pumpkin." Mom would read with passion to the children, they were captivated, and loved her. Mom especially loved the holidays with her family. The dinner, desserts, rolls, were cooked to perfection. She spent hours, days preparing. Louise joined the Oklahoma Panhandlers with the Senior Citizens in Stilwell and her tambourine would ring!
Louise and family requested an intimate burial. The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last days.
Louise is survived by her six children, 16 grandchildren, and a number of other loving relatives and close friends. We miss you, mom.