Wanda Martinez, 80

Wanda Martinez passed away Aug. 2, 2026, in Middleton, Idaho, at the age of 80.

Wanda was born March 1, 1946, to Robert "Bud" and Celia Alexander. As the daughter of a tramp miner, Wanda spent her childhood in several mining communities, including Atlanta and Kellogg, Idaho, and Grants, N.M. Those experiences gave her a lifelong appreciation for family, resilience and making a home wherever life led.

While living in Grants, N.M, Wanda met the love of her life, David Martinez. They were married Dec. 31, 1962, and began their life together in Atlanta, Idaho, where they started their family before eventually settling in Kellogg. Together they raised four children: Celia (Bill) Opfer, David "Tony" Martinez, Donovan Martinez and Damon (Tara) Martinez.

Wanda and David shared nearly 27 wonderful years of marriage before David's passing in 1989. 

She remained in the Silver Valley, where she built a life surrounded by family and friends. Later, Wanda found companionship with Gary Larsen. Together they shared 23 happy years, and Wanda cherished the expanded family that included Gary's children: Heather, Mike and Aaron.

Family was the center of Wanda's world. She was a proud and devoted Nana to 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy.

Wanda embraced life with creativity, laughter, and an adventurous spirit. She loved sunshine and water and spent countless happy days at and on Coeur d'Alene Lake and the nearby rivers. She was always discovering a new craft and enthusiastically encouraging family and friends to join in. An exceptionally talented seamstress, Wanda created many treasured handmade gifts over the years. She also loved playing games, especially when it meant gathering the people she loved around the table.

Wanda will be remembered for her creativity, generosity, welcoming spirit and deep love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she shared, the memories she created, and the love she gave so freely.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Martinez; her parents, Robert "Bud" and Celia Alexander; and her son, David "Tony" Martinez.

She is survived by her brothers, Tommy, David (Dawn) and Dale (Nancy); her children, Celia (Bill) Opfer, Donovan Martinez and Damon (Tara) Martinez; her beloved companion, Gary Larsen; Gary's children, Heather, Mike and Aaron; her 17 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her greatly.

A celebration of Wanda's life will be held Aug. 22, 2026, at Croakers in Kingston. The time of the event will be shared as soon as everything is confirmed. The family invites those who knew and loved Wanda to remember her by spending time with family, enjoying the sunshine, creating something with their hands, or sharing a game and a laugh with those they love.