Mary Martinez

STERLING- Mary “Linda” Martinez, 64, of Sterling, passed peacefully after a two and a half year battle with cancer, Saturday, March 2, 2019 at CGH Medical Center. Linda was born January 03, 1955 in Sterling, the daughter of Ambrose and Delia (Saenz) Vargas .Linda attended Newman Central Catholic High School (class of 73) where she made many lifelong friends. She worked for 18 years as a social worker at Rock Falls Rehab and later worked as the head of security at Wild Rose Casino in Iowa. Her grandchildren were her heart and her friends were like family. She believed you weren't anything without family and loved them all to the core. Food was an act of love for her and nothing made her happier than knowing her guests left fed and happy. We will miss her backyard cookouts, her quick wit and the laughter it gave us, and above all her unconditional love. Survivors include three daughters, Amber Lockrem of Dixon, Tedra Mewhirter of Dekalb, and Denise (Adrian) Pempilton of Florida; one brother, Eric Vargas of Rock Falls, one sister, Mary (Steve) Ramos of Sterling; six grandchildren, Taylor Mewhirter of Dekalb, Paige Mewhirter of Sterling, Olivia Hernandez, Claudia Hansen, and Savanna Hansen all of Sterling, and Zavier Thurmond of Florida; three nieces, Cari Halverson, Julia Martinez, and Nadia (Ross) Melvin; three nephews, Jason Martinez, Steve Ramos and Daniel (Angelica) Ramos. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one sister, Veronica White. Funeral Services will be held at 6PM on Friday March 08, 2019 at Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation, Sterling, with Father Bravo of St. Marys Church, Sterling, officiating. Visitation will be from 4-6 PM two hours prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date. Cremation Rites have been accorded. A memorial has been established.