Sally "Celina" Martinez Santistevan

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sally “Celina” Martinez Santistevan, on Saturday morning, February 17, 2024, at McKay Dee Hospital. Sally was born on August 6, 1926, to Alfonzo and Adela Martinez in Aguilar, Colorado. Sally was the 3^rd of 17 children born to her mother Adela. Later in Sally’s childhood she was to live and be raised by her Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Ruben Sandoval of Walsenburg, Colorado.

After the starting of WWII, Sally moved to New Mexico to work for the Army as a truck driver delivering unknown materials on base. In 1943 Sally had her first child, Caroline. After the war, she returned to Colorado where she met a tall ex-soldier, Arthur Santistevan, who persisted in trying to get the attention of this lovely feisty young lady. Finally, she agreed to go on just one date and the rest is history. On September 23, 1947, they were married in Walsenburg, Colorado.

After traveling from one state to another, they arrived in Sacramento, California. Where Arthur began training to be a crane operator. Thus was the beginning of a truly great experience for both of them. Ten years later after being on the road for many years, they decided to settle down and make a permanent home in Ogden, Utah.

In 1966, these crazy kids decided to embark on their next great adventure and adopt three young children. That’s where Ruth Ann, Patrick, and finally little Ruben came into their lives and life was never the same.

Sally enjoyed most of what raising three energy filled kids brought to her life. Sally was a Brownie Troop Leader, baseball coach, taxi driver, nurse, chef, and part-time boxing referee. In her spare time, she worked as a waitress at many fine restaurants and hotels such as the Ramada Inn and the Ben Lomond Hotel.

She had many hobbies and interests. She enjoyed camping and fishing, sewing, and crossword puzzles. The thing Sally really enjoyed the most was crocheting; it didn’t’ matter if it was an afghan for the couch, doilies for the end tables or the many dresses for Barbies. She could do it all.

Later on, after saying goodbye to her beloved Arthur, time started to take its toll. Sally walked a little slower, her eyes began to weaken, and hear less and less. Finally, memories faded away. Sometimes time can be so cruel. Now she is gone.

Sally is survived by her son, Rueben (Lila) Santistevan; grandchildren, Brian Santistevan, Scott Santistevan, Angela (Cameron) Smith, Angelia Jones, Misty (Clark) Rollins, and Justin (Danette) Randolph; great-grandchildren, Aya May Santistevan, Rylee Smith, Nikki Smith, Damien Smith, Brody (Nevada) Sanzone, Destiny (Jared) Gibbs, Mystery Hobbs, Juliana (Shayne) Andreasen, Kewanee (McKenzie) White, Kahili (Taurus) Clay, Haley Rollins, Hayden Rollins, Jordan Randolph, and Jaylee Randolph; great-great-grandchildren, Echo Sanzone, Murphy Sanzone, Shayne Andreasen, Kasper White, and Xander Clay.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur; daughters, Caroline and Ruth Ann; son, Patrick; grandsons, Robert and Tymen; mother and father; Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Ruben; brothers, Moses, Steve, and Frank; sisters, Mary, Gloria, Molly, and Odelia.

I would like to especially thank my wife Lila Santistevan and my daughter Angela Smith for the excellent love and care the two of them showed and gave to my mother, it wasn’t always easy, especially the last four months. A lot of people, regardless of whether they were family or not, would have thrown up their hands and told me that I better hire someone else. Thank you for all of your kindness and love you have shown to mom. That is something that will never be forgotten,

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit with family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

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