Denise Rae Martinez, age 86, of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2018, at her home with her family by her side.

Denise Ewert was born on June 13, 1932, in Crookston, MN, the only child of the late William "Bud" and Pelagie "Pal" (Benoit) Ewert.  She was raised in Crookston and graduated from the Crookston Cathedral Catholic High School in 1950. From a young age she always loved horses and if her parents could not find her they always knew she was at the stables riding, mucking the stalls, and just taking care of the animals. After high school, she worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone as an operator.  On June 7, 1952, she was married to Louis "Louie" Martinez at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Grand Forks, MN.  The family made their home in East Grand Forks where Denise was a stay at home mother until she and Louie opened Louie Martinez Motors where she was the bookkeeper.  In her free time she was an avid reader, especially of mystery novels, and loved cooking, hosting, and especially being with her family.  She will always be remembered for her smile and perpetually happy attitude.

Denise is survived by her children, David Martinez of Minnetonka, MN; Rita (Ronald) Amundson of East Grand Forks, MN; Bill Martinez of East Grand Forks, MN; Bruno Martinez of Richfield, MN; and Brad Martinez of St. Paul, MN; and grandchildren, Tyler, Hailee, and Hannah; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Pal Ewert, husband, Louie Martinez, and sons, James and Michael Martinez.

Blessed be the memory of Denise Martinez.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Funeral Service :  10:30 am on Friday, December 28, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in East Grand Forks, MN.

Visitation: One Hour Before Service

Interment: Resurrection Cemetery in East Grand Forks. MN.