Rita Roylene Martinez, 64, of Coleman, died Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Coleman County Medical Center.

She was born Rita Roylene Stubbs on September 17, 1958, in DeQueen, Arkansas to Leroy Stubbs, Sr. and Geraldine Davis Stubbs.  Rita grew up in DeQueen, where she graduated from high school.  She later graduated from Cassatot Community College in DeQueen.  Rita taught English to Spanish speaking children and worked as a translator, often helping law enforcement.  She later became an over the road truck driver, which only enhanced her love of traveling.  Rita moved to Coleman 23 years ago and in 2006 she met Henson Garvin.  Together, they owned and operated Homestyle Laundry, had rent houses and operated a trailer park.

Rita was proud of her Western Cherokee Nation heritage and loved her friends and family dearly, especially her nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  Over the years, Rita and her siblings would often get together by phone and have prayer.

Preceding Rita in death are her parents, an infant sister, Carla Stubbs, her precious aunt, Nora Smith and the love of her life, Henson Garvin.

Left to cherish her memory are her seven siblings, Tressie “Teri” Merworth of Coleman, Peggy Vaughn of Gillham, Arkansas, Leroy Stubbs, Jr. of Dequeen, Arkansas, Russell Stubbs of DeQueen, Arkansas, Tim Stubbs of Ardmore, Oklahoma, Donette Harrison of Coleman and Freddie Stubbs of DeQueen, Arkansas.  Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, including Sherry Miller, Teresa Sims, Mike Denson, Leann Hendricks as well as many friends and her constant furry companion, Lucy.

The family is planning a memorial service to honor Rita this summer in Coleman and on her birthday in DeQueen.

Memorial contributions in memory of Rita may be given to the Coleman Senior Center, P. O. Box 785, Coleman, Texas  or the Arkansas Children’s Foundation at www.archildrens.org.

We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with Rita’s family by signing the virtual guestbook on her tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com.  Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Martinez family.