Martha Gay

Martha Jean Gay was born on December 19, 1943, in Springer, New Mexico to her parents, Joseph Hurtado and Alicia Cordova Hurtado. She was the first born in the family. She was raised surrounded by her brothers, Lee Roy, Bobby, and her sisters, Betty, Gloria, and Virginia. Growing up in Springer, she would help feed the animals on the family ranch. She learned to shoot a rifle, ride horseback, as well as she was Majorette in school. She truly enjoyed the rides into town where the family dined in a local Mexican restaurant. Martha received her early education in Byers, Colorado where she attended Byers High School. She furthered her education by earning a Certificate in Accounting from Emily Griffith Opportunity School in Denver, Colorado. She later earned a Certificate in Office Management. On August 24, 1961, Martha united in holy matrimony to Edward Gay. They first met in Denver, Colorado. They enjoyed spending quality time with each other and both their large families. Edward also remembers how much she enjoyed dining at Sopapillas in Denver. She was the proud mother of Marlene, George, Sancho, Andre, and Carlette. She was a loving and devoted mother who took great pride and care in the nurture of her family. Martha was later blessed with 19 grandchildren who all were an additional source of joy and prided in her life. They lovingly called her “grandma Jean or GG” and fondly remember all the precious moments they shared together. By profession, Martha was employed by the City and County of Denver as a Data Payroll Clerk. She retired after of twenty-five years of service. She then started working for Walmart where she remained with them for another ten years before retiring. A woman of faith and belief in the Lord, she was baptized at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Martha was a fun-loving woman who enjoyed life and those she encircled. In her free time, she enjoyed having lunch with her sister, Betty. She also loved attending music concerts. She was extremely close to all her sisters and they shared many happy moments together. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known this kind and wonderful woman. Martha Jean Gay departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on October 6, 2018, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss include her loving and devoted husband of 48 years, Edward Gay, Sr. of Denver, Colorado; 1 daughter, Marlene C. (Martin) Mayo of Denver, Colorado 4 sons, George P. (Victoria) Quintana of Johnson City, Tennessee, Sancho M. Quintana, Andre L. King of Denver, Colorado, Carlette L. King of Thornton, Colorado; 1 brother, Leroy Hurtado; 3 sisters, Betty Craft of Iowa, Virginia Hurtado of Denver, Colorado, and Gloria Hurtado of Raton, New Mexico; 19 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell - 6601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
Visitation: 10/18/2018 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 10/18/2018 at 7:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 10/19/2018 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 10/19/2018 - Following the Service Hampden Memorial Gardens - 8600 East Hampden Avenue, Denver, CO