Valentina Gaytan

Valentina Gaytan Martinez a long-time resident of the Robstown and Corpus Christi area, passed away May 18, 2020 at Corpus Christi Medical Center – Doctor’s Regional.

Born February 14, 1954 in Robstown, TX to Juan Martinez and Paula Rodriguez. She was a goal driven individual who had passion for business, politics, and family. She opened and ran several successful businesses such as her two restaurants, furniture stores, second-hand shops, and sold her famous delicious candy apples. She was a very strong and prideful woman who had a strong voice in the Robstown community and would one day use her gifts to become the first Hispanic woman to be elected into office for the city’s utility board. She always had the vision and the drive to be the best she could possibly be in order to serve her community and her family; her voice will always be remembered. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law and friend.

Valentina is preceded in death by her husband, Pablo Gaytan, parents, 1 sister, Maria Martinez, 2 brothers, Fernando Martinez and Jesus Martinez, one brother-in-law, Baldemar Zepulveda.

Left Behind to cherish her memory is her children; Rudy De Los Santos (Angelica), Paul Adam Gaytan and Sandra Arvizu (Gavino), grandchildren; Rudy De Los Santos Jr., Ashley Smith, Samantha De Los Santos, Mellany De Los Santos, Tina Ann Hernandez, Inez Pena, Alex Arvizu, Gabriel Arvizu, Gavino Arvizu. Brothers and Sister; Modesto Martinez (Anselma), Jose Martinez, Juan Martinez (Julia), Beatrice Zepulveda. Six great grandchildren; Camille De Los Santos, Rudy De Los Santos III, Giovani De Los Santos, Xavier De Los Santos, Natasha Pena and Noah Hernandez. Sister-in-law; Rosa Martinez.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Corpus Christi Funeral Home. There will be an additional visitation held from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2020 at Corpus Christi Funeral Home, a Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. that same evening. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at Corpus Christi Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Robstown Cemetery, 4757 Co. Rd 69, Robstown, Texas 78380.

Due to COVID-19 limitations, Rosary and Funeral Service will be limited to immediate family only (50 people). A livestream of the services will be available for friends and family to view from their home.

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