Dixie E. Martinez

Dixie Ellyn Schaal Martinez was born on December 2nd 1949 in Burlington, CO to Lawrence and Evelyn Schaal. She was the oldest of 4 children. After she graduated Burlington High School, she met Paul Martinez and later married on December 19th 1967. She and Paul shared the same birthday! They were soon blessed with their three children; Kelly, Sondra and Nick.  She participated in many local activities including playing softball from the 2nd grade until she was 50.  She helped start, coach and umpired the girls softball program.  For countless years she judged and kept books at the Kit Carson County Fair.  Between racing her Camaro and driving in the demolition derby, she was definitely more of a tom boy than a girly girl.  When summer came around you were sure to find her at the lake.  She would spend hours and hours fishing, even if everyone else was ready to call it quits.  The day they started letting water out of Bonny Dam she caught a 17lb, 31 inch, wiper!  Dixie was very musically talented and always dreamed of traveling and singing in a band.  She performed with Grace Notes and others at various events around Eastern Colorado.  She wanted to give a special thanks to Larry and Deb Mangus for their encouragement and music knowledge.  Something she was very proud of was her profession. She worked 44 years as an Income Tax Preparer.  Dixie loved her family so much and enjoyed getting together with her kids and grandkids, especially around the holidays.  You knew it was about to get serious when she asked if everyone was ready to play NERTS!  She was always ready to play a game of cards (and not stop until she won).  Dixie was a fierce woman of God.  She served on many missionary trips and traveled around the world including; Malawi, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Belgium, and Bulgaria to spread the word of God.  Dixie never lost her faith and always stayed positive through the last few years of her life.  She went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 29th 2023, surrounded by her family.
Dixie is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Martinez, Brother Larry Schaal and father Lawrence Schaal. 
She is survived by her mother Evelyn Harris and 2 siblings; sister Dana (Sid) Hettich and brother Lynn (Dorette) Schaal.  Her Children; Glenn (Marjorie) Broce, Kelly (Ken) Ray, Sondra Martinez and Nick (LaDawn) Martinez.  Grandchildren; Jake Broce, Erika (Jeremy) Bass, Nicholas Broce, Krister Broce, Annaliese Broce, Ryan (Chantel) Ray, Ashley (Brian) Mints, Dellyn (Susana) Ray, Kylie (Lance) Carlin, Cheyenne Heskett, Adam Heskett, Nick Martinez, Mateo Martinez and Jonah Martinez. Along with numerous great grandchildren. 

Memorial contributions are very appreciated and can be made to the Kit Carson County CattleWomen.