Martha Centeno

Martha C. Centeno

Age 85 of Joliet, and formerly a resident of Grundy County, passed away Wednesday March 26, 2008 at Sunny Hill Nursing Home in Joliet.

Born May 01, 1922 in McAllen Texas, Martha was a daughter of the late Maximillian Ramat and Celestina Luarca. She was raised and educated in McAllen and lived in Grundy County until moving to Joliet in 1979. Martha had previously worked at Saratoga Truck Stop in Morris and was formerly employed with both Crawford Bus Service and Trinity Services in Joliet. She bowled on a bowling league in Morris and in her free time was known for her love of crocheting, embroidery and going to the casino. Martha loved animals and was especially fond of birds. In January of 2007, she was sponsored by Joliet Area Community Hospice and proudly earned her High School Diploma through Joliet Catholic Academy along with 9 other seniors. Martha was a very strong woman who raised six children by herself and had a big heart. She was friendly, would speak to anybody and was always available to help others. Martha's family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Sunny Hill Nursing Home, as well as Joliet Area Community Hospice for their special care and attention.

Survivors include her husband Pablo Centeno of Chicago; six children: Carmen (Ben) Minor of Joliet, Eddie Valdez of Coal City, Jesse Valdez of Joliet, Max (Laura "Mike") Valdez of Coal City, Teresa (Robert) Cortez of Diamond and Manuel Ramat of Joliet. (16) grandchildren; (17) great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews and friends, as well as special friends: Velia and Phillipe, Gracie, Edice Redmond and Hope Valdez.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Maria Ayala.

Visitation will be held on Friday March 28, 2008 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Tezak's Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Road (US Route 30 at Ingalls) in Joliet. A funeral prayer service and rosary will follow on Saturday March 29th at 10:00AM in the funeral home.

Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Joliet and pallbearers will be: Eddie Valdez, Jesse Valdez, Max Valdez, Manuel Ramat, Jeff Mierzwa and Javier Cortez.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Martha's memory to Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431 or Sunny Hill Nursing Home Activities Fund, 421 Doris Avenue, Joliet, Illinois 60433-2569.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com