Tamarah Bernadette Martinez

Tamarah Bernadette Martinez, 37, was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on June 9, 1989. She was a former resident of Tierra Amarilla and was living in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, at the time of her passing on July 14, 2026. She was a graduate of Escalante High School and Adams State University.

Tamarah was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bernie J. (Bernardo) and Odelia V. Garcia, who helped raise her, and her cousin, Carlos Quintana. May their souls rest in peace.

She is survived by her husband, Fabian Martinez of Rio Rancho; her mother, Cindy G. Martinez of Rio Rancho. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles: Bernie Garcia Jr. of Tierra Amarilla; Phillip Garcia and his wife, Angela, of Albuquerque; and Berna Quintana and her husband, Freddy, of Pecos. Her father and mother-in-law, Fabian Martinez Sr. and Alicia Martinez; and her sister-in-law, Audrey Martinez. Her surviving cousins include Bernie Garcia III, Andrew Garcia, Abigail Garcia, and Ryan Garcia, along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Tamarah worked for the City of Rio Rancho for more than 10 years. She began working at the front permit counter before being promoted to the Zoning Department as a zoning specialist, and later promoted to Municipal Planner.

Tamarah was larger than life, bubbly, wonderfully social, and never one to hold back an opinion. She had a quick wit and a heart of gold, leaving a permanent mark on everyone lucky enough to know her. She brought so much joy into our lives, and that joy, along with her spirit, will remain with us always. Tamarah was a shining light to all of us. Her smile was contagious, and her love and devotion to those closest to her were admirable. Although Tamarah was an avid Cowboys fan, we all still loved her. 

Tamarah had a natural gift and unique ability to teach herself how to craft. As the leader of the Poquito De Todo craft booth, she shared her gift; not only by distributing her creations but also by teaching others how to crochet. Her booth was always full of love and playful banter, from meeting new people to keeping her "Roadie Crew" (booth staff) in check. She made a meaningful impact through the wide net she cast, and she will be missed in perpetuity.

Serving as pallbearers are Reyes Buffett, Fabian Martinez Sr., Alex McReynolds, Mike Padilla, Geoff Valdez, Joe Garcia, Evren Gonzales, and Cortez Martinez.

Honorary pallbearers are Michelle Costilla, Sharon Bitah, Crystal Silversmith, Jess Duron-Martinez, Margie Martinez, Christie Martinez, Tara Pawley, Rachel Roberts, Liz Ruiz Carlos, Kathy Martinez, Peter (Pedrito) Prukop, Tim Dvorak, Sean Chavez, Ben Issacs, and Jessie Gilliam, Jr.

The services are scheduled for Monday July 27, 2026. Beginning with the Rosary at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass at 10:30 a.m. at John XXIII Catholic Church, located at 4831 Tramway Ridge Drive NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, located at 7999 Wyoming Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.

A reception will follow immediately in the reception hall at John XXIII Catholic Church.