Carinn and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Tammy Wright
In Loving Memory
Martha Ann Archuleta
1961•2026
Listen
Recording of the Obituary
Obituary
Martha Archuleta passed suddenly on July 1st, 2026 at 65 years of age. Born to John and Viola Funk (née Fast), Martha is survived by her husband William; her children Autumn Archuleta and Tristan Archuleta; and Audrey Price, Carinn Archuleta, and Jude Densley, whom she considered to be her own children.
Martha was born in Clinton, Oklahoma, raised on a wheat farm and cattle ranch in Corn, and no matter where she lived, she was a lifelong proud Oklahoman. She passionately carried these early farming and ranching experiences into her academic and professional career. Martha received her BS in Animal Sciences from Oklahoma State University in 1984, her MS in Animal Sciences (Nutrition) from New Mexico State University in 1986, and her PhD in Nutritional Sciences from University of Illinois in 1990. She was a Professor of Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Sciences at Utah State University, and Director of the Master of Dietetics Administration Program. She was awarded Distinguished Professor of the Year in March of 2026.
Beyond her storied and celebrated professional career, Martha lived her life in service of community and Christ. She was devoted to her Catholic faith, participating in her parish’s Bell Choir, Lector Program, and Women’s Guild. She served on the Board of Utah Refugee Connection as Treasurer. Martha was also a dedicated volunteer with Catholic Community Services. She served as a mentor to many refugee families for over 15 years, even being awarded Volunteer of the Year. She taught English as a second language to Spanish-speaking immigrants and served as Secretary of the Board at Top of the Hill Junior and Senior Girls School in Kenya.
Her vast intellect and her generous heart were evidenced by the myriad awards from various academic institutions, volunteer services, and charitable organizations.
Martha loved skiing, traveling, camping, hiking, spending time with family, her dog Phoebe, the beach, sunsets, and her dear friends. She was immersed in love, adventure, laughter, gaiety, and fun.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann Catholic Church in Salt Lake City on July 10th at 11:00 am, followed by the Rite of Committal and interment at Mount Cavalry Catholic Cemetery. The services will be preceded by a friends and family gathering at 10:00 am at St. Ann. The mass will be broadcast on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83841038687. A luncheon will follow at St. Ann’s at approximately 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Martha’s legacy with the following:
· Support the family through Meal Train (https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/3r51zl)
· Donate to the Martha Archuleta Scholarship at Top of the Hill Girls Senior School in Nyahururu, Kenya (https://topofthehillgss.org/donate/). Please make a note in the donation that it is specifically to the Martha Archuleta Scholarship.
· Donate to a forthcoming scholarship to be named after Martha at her alma mater, Oklahoma State University, which would support students from the indigenous nations of Oklahoma.
Tributes
The times that Martha met me for coffee were so special to me. Also the time she and William drove with me and my granddaughter one summer to visit relatives in Montana. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Beverly Fanestil
May warm memories forever comfort your heart. Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Lane Hinkins
I will always remember the times you and Tristian visited us in San Diego, our conversations about the refugee work we did and your love for people and the marginalized. You had a heart of gold. I will miss you.
Christina Trego
I have loved working with Martha over the years at Utah State University. She was an amazing woman who was kind and caring. She cared so deeply about her students and wanted to see them succeed. I will miss visiting with her. My most sincere condolences to her family and friends.I have been fortunate to work alongside Martha at Utah State University over the years. She was an extraordinary woman whose kindness and compassion touched the lives of so many. Her genuine care for her students and dedication to their success was truly inspiring. I will deeply miss our conversations and the warmth she brought to every interaction. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.
Elisa Taylor
I have known Martha for many years through Professional Associations and wth research projects. I was a Professor at Colorado State University, and together we had research funding. I enjoyed my visits to New Mexico collaborating on projects. She was a joy to work with and dedicated to those we served especially the Hispanic audiences and those with limited income. My sincere condolences to her family.
Jennifer Anderson
Jennifer Anderson
Autumn & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Although we never got to meet Martha, reading about her life was inspiring. She was obviously committed to continuous learning and serving others. We can all aspire to carry those traits with us into our future careers in healthcare. We are thinking about you all from a distance.
Sincerely,
The P4 Program
The P4 Program
We will always remember Martha as a dear neighbour and friend. Kind, caring and compassionate, we could not wish for more from the neighbour next door. William and Martha are the epitome of kindness and compassion. We are so saddened by her passing, and for the terrible loss for William, Autumn and Tristan. We will miss Martha immensely, and we send our prayers to the family. Our lovely neighbours, please know we are always here for you.
Mark, Maggie and Anna Crowley
My dear friend, you will be missed. Love, hugs, and prayers for the family.
Joy DeLeon
It is with profound sadness that I read this news. I am from the island of Malta (in the Mediterranean) and knew Martha as longtime member and President of the Society of Nutrition Education and behavior (SNEB). She was one of the leaders at the Society who always had a ready smile for international members, and she was extremely supportive of facilitating their involvement and actual nomination to various leadership roles. Martha certainly was an inspiration to me as I moved from Board member to SNEB President. I was humbled by her trust and her willingness to listen to my perspectives. She will be missed by many for her practical knowledge, caring attitude and altruism.
SUZANNE PISCOPO
I was lucky enough to catch you all leaving for New York City early that holiday morning!
I went up extra early hoping to surprise you all by dropping off a surprise gift and almost missed you! You all were up and Tristan was already coming out the door with his baggage! Martha had made breakfast burritos for you all to take with you to the airport! It was obvious she had to be up extra early to do so!
And she immediately opened her bag and offered me a couple of them!
Martha was always thinking of others first!!
We all will miss you dearly Martha!!
I am so very sad to the remaining family left behind with such a horrible loss at this early time! We have been part of your family for my entire life! And share your grief and sadness!! I will be here for anything you will need or want at anytime you call!
Prayers and love for Martha
Thoughts and condolences for the families!
Love eternal MLT IV
Martin Luther Turner IV
William and family,
We are sending a message of hope and peace in this very difficult time.
Love,
Mike and Joanne
Mike Rector and Joanne Maass
Martha was a special soul with a selfless existence to serve and support others. She saw the best in others and helped them become the best versions of themselves. Her willingness to give her time and her talents made her a role model for so many in our profession. Her legacy will live on through the work of all of those who's lives she's influenced.
Chris Taylor
May Martha’s memory be a blessing.
Derek McLean
William, Autumn and Tristan,
Blessings of peace and comfort to you all. Thanks for streaming Martha's service, so we could pay respects for her beautiful life.
Camille and Jeremy Mardis
What a wonderful celebration of a beautiful person and life. Prayers for you , William, as you embark on another journey. Your family and friends will always be there as you grieve your loss. Know that you were and are loved.
Vicki Turner
William, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I hope you find peace and healing through loving memories of your life together. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With love Cassandra
Cassandra turner gallegos
Will & family,
My deepest condolences! Martha is a shining light who brightened our world & showed what we can do to help & serve each other for the greater good. I feel blessed to have known her & to know you. May she continue showing you & the rest of us the path to peace & through the grace of God be an advocate for God’s kingdom on Earth. Peace & blessings always!
Paul H. White
Paul White
William, Autumn and Tristan. May you find solace and comfort in the love and memories that Martha, wife and mother, has left you. Her legacy of love and caring for the less fortunate, her boundless service to so many throughout the world is a testament of her soul and goodness passed on during her life so well lived in service to others. My love to you. Turner
Martin L Turner III
Arch I just got through reading this what a shock this is David and I have never met your wife but my thoughts are with you bud so sorry to see she passed so young so text me please and we will catch up
David Everill
WOW! Have a lot of catching up to do in Heaven!!! What an incredible life making an incredible influence on a lot of people! Her faith in Christ is obvious in the way she lived. “Well done good and faithful servant…!”
Prayers for the family,
Steve Ensz
CBA—Class of ‘79
Steve Ensz
Dear William, Autumn, and Tristan,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you all and sending our love and prayers.
Sincerely, Meg, Andrew, and Matthew
Meg Lunt
I was sorry to hear that we lost Dr. Archuleta at SNEB's annual business meeting on Friday morning. She was a delight. I always appreciated her candor at our meetings and her leadership in our Society. I also enjoyed her work and passion for things outside of work including her hometown and her current residence. She will be missed and but her legacy lives on.
peace and prayers, Sheila
Sheila Fleischhacker
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