Margarita “Pookie” Bates, was born Margarita Martinez to Refujia and Manuel Martinez in Carrizo Springs, Texas on July 20, 1931. She passed away at the age of 81 on Jan. 24, 2013 in Loveland, Colo. She did many things in her life, she worked many jobs and if you were to ask what her occupation was, it would be said that she was a mother. She loved all her children more than anything in the world. Her grandchildren were precious to her, she adored each and every one of them. She always put her family above everyone and everything else. She loved her brothers and sister with all her heart and loved every one of her nieces and nephews as if they were her own children. She was a woman you could depend on when you needed her, she was always there for her family and friends. She will forever be missed.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Refujia and Manuel Martinez; foster parents, William and Mildred King; son, John Allen Martinez; sisters, Connie Cantu and Alishia Padilla; brothers, Robert, David and Jaime Martinez; brother-in-law, Manuel Cantu; nephews, Roddy Rodriquez and Casey Cantu; and her foster sister, Sandy Velez-Hanley.

She is survived by four sisters, two brothers, and one foster sister; Elida Diaz and husband Lupe of Chicago, Ill., Naomi and husband Lalo of Maricopa, Ariz., Belia Martinez of Indiana, Yolanda and husband Pete of Indiana, Manuel Martinez and wife of Chicago, Noel Mickelson and spouse Jon of Chicago, and Katy Drake and husband Ralph of Tampa, Fla.; four daughters, and two sons, Olga Duncan and husband Jimmy of Indianapolis, Ind., Betty Loera and husband Joe of Chicago, Linda Cruz of Roff, Sonia Bell and husband Deon of Loveland, Colo., Cleofe Cruz Jr. and wife of N.C., and Carlos Cruz and wife Yvette of Altus; 18 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews who love her and will miss her very much.

Services provided by Viegut Funeral Home of Loveland, Colo.