Sofia Martinez Otanez passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 7, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born September 18, 1923 in Valle de Santiago, GTO, Mexico to Aurelio Martinez and Zeferina Ramirez. She worked as a teacher in her hometown until she met and married the love of her life, Ramon Otanez. Ramon and Sofia were married January 8, 1959. Ramon brought Sofia to Salt Lake City, Utah shortly after they were married. Ramon and Sofia started the first Mexican imports store in Salt Lake City, Utah initially out of their home and eventually they moved into a storefront where they ran Otanez Imports for years to come. During their time together, Ramon and Sofia traveled the world visiting places like Israel and Paris, France.
Sofia said goodbye to her love, Ramon, on March 13, 1988; however, Sofia continued to run Otanez Imports by herself and continued to travel to Mexico every summer to gather items to sell at the store.
Sofia was a force for goodness and all who knew her, loved her. She was known for her sense of humor, her impeccable yard and garden, and her love of all animals. In her later years, Sofia's favorite pastimes included talking on the phone with her friends both near and far, going to Wendover, going out to eat, being with her dog, Ocean, and visiting with her great granddaughter, Shannalee. She was a devoted member of the Christian Life Center Church where many people have fond memories of her. We will greatly miss laughing with Sofia and hearing her wisdom which always came from her heart with so much love.
Sofia is preceded in death by her husband Ramon, stepchildren, parents, and siblings. She leaves behind her beloved Ocean, stepchildren Raymond Otanez and Hope Torres as well as many step grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors and great friends. The family would like to give a special thank you to Norma Pech and the doctors and nurses at The University of Utah Hospital Surgical ICU and Acute Internal Medicine departments, St. Joseph's Villa, and Symbi Hospice for their gentle love and care for our Grandma Sofia.
Services will be held Tuesday February 20 at 11 a.m. at the Christian Life Center Church located at 1055 North Redwood Road. Viewing services will be held Monday February 19 from 6-8 at Larkin Mortuary located at 260 east South Temple as well as one hour prior to the services at Christian Life Church. Internment will be held at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
