Francisca Placida Martinez

Francesca “Frances” Placida (Gomez) Martinez, 82, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 in Newton Kansas at her home surrounded by her family. 

Frances was born on October 5, 1942 in Newton, Kansas to Pilar and Josephine Gomez. She graduated from Newton High School.  

She married Guadalupe Martinez, Sr. on November 26, 1966 in Newton Kansas at Our Lady of Guadalupe. They moved to Chicago, Illinois where they had 2 children. Returning back to Newton, Kansas a few years later they had 2 more children. 

She worked at SV Tool Company in Newton, Kansas. You would also see her at Kmart in Newton greeting you as you came into the store. Many will know her from Anderson’s Book store where she worked for several years, and also Anderson's Liquor Store. Wherever you seen her she had a wonderful smile and I'm sure she didn't let you get away without a conversation about something. 

Frances was a wonderful woman; she was a people person always smiling and talking to everyone she knew and didn't know. She enjoyed her Bingo on Thursdays and Sundays. She loved collecting eagles, roosters, Santa's and pens. This is why you would see her at Goodwill or Et Cetera Shop always trying to find a bargain. She loved her parakeets and cockatiel. She would go through her house whistling and talking to her birds every day. She loved family time. Seeing her grandkids at school programs or watching them play sports as they grew up. She was their biggest cheerleader, always making a sign or t-shirt to support them. You would often see her at Garden shops buying flowers. She loved flowers. Her and her husband kept a sharp lawn and garden at their home, with her flowers planted everywhere.  

Frances is survived by her husband Guadalupe Martinez, Sr. of Newton. Her daughters Lora Martinez of Newton, Lisa Moreno of Newton and her sons Guadalupe Martinez, Jr. of Newton and Gregory Martinez of Kansas City, 8 grandkids and 2 great grandkids. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; Pilar and Josephine Gomez, her brother Ramon Gomez, and her sisters, Elsie Snapp and Delores Rodriguez. She was the last of her family leaving several nieces and nephews.  

Visitation will be Monday, February 3, 2025 at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home from 5:00-8:00pm. 

Rosary will be prayed on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  

The Funeral will follow the rosary at 10:30 a.m., also at OLG.

Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newton, Kansas.