Viola Martinez

Viola Naida Saldivar Martinez, 95, of Bastrop, Texas, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday,January 5, 2026, surrounded by family and friends she loved like family.

Viola was born on August 1, 1930, in McAllen,Texas, to Jose Saldivar and Esther Gonzalez Saldivar. She was the second of four bright and beautiful daughters. As a child, the Saldivar family moved to Austin, Texas, where Viola attended school and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School. 

She pursued her education at the University of Texas, where she was active in many organizations that highlighted her passion for her Hispanic heritage and for supporting women pursuing higher education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in1979 and her master’s degree in Social Work in1982.

Viola met the love of her life, John Martinez, and they were truly a match made in heaven. They married on January 10, 1953, and were blessed with three sons: John Jr., Robert, and Jose. In 1965, they moved their young family to Bastrop, Texas, settling on their farm along the Colorado River. 

Already a fierce champion for what was right, Viola fought—and won—to have her sons attend Emile Elementary rather than a segregated school. From that moment on, she wove herself into the fabric of the Bastrop community, stepping in wherever she saw a need and making it her mission to serve. She helped create programs to provide food and supplies to families in need—programs that the state eventually funded thanks to her persistent advocacy. 

After graduating from UT (conquering the forty acres), Viola worked for Child Protective Services at the Department of Human Services. She later founded and volunteered with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bastrop, where she worked tirelessly and compassionately—not only rescuing families in crisis, but continuing to walk alongside them until they were truly back on their feet. Many described her as an angel, an ally, a rock, a mentor,a spiritual leader, and a dear friend.

In 1971, alongside her husband and several close friends, Viola helped charter Calvary Baptist Church,where she remained a faithful member well into the1990s. At Calvary, she was active in the Women's Missionary Union (WMU) and countless community-serving ministries. During this time, the River Ministry was born—her passion project. She led devoted volunteers to Falcon Heights, Texas, for week-long Vacation Bible Schools at Falcon Heights Baptist Church, serving the local community and strengthening the church’s outreach programs.

Viola retired from state service in 1989 to care for her husband. After John’s passing in 1993, Viola immersed herself even more deeply in her church and community work. In the late 1990s, she became a member of Primera Baptist Church. In 2003,alongside Brother Harold Welch, she partnered with the Austin Food Bank to establish the church’s food pantry. What began as a ministry serving eight families now serves more than 300 families and remains a tremendous blessing to Bastrop County.

This is who she was— a servant.

She walked through life humming hymns, black coffee in hand, and a pot of beans on the stove for the next potluck. She was an extraordinary artist—painting, carving, wood-burning, sewing, and creating beauty in every medium imaginable. Her home and the homes of her loved ones are filled with her artwork. She was also an exceptional cook whose kitchen was never closed. Anyone who entered her home left with a full belly and a grateful heart. In a labor of love, she compiled her cherished recipes into a cookbook for her grandchildren,ensuring that her Hispanic culinary legacy would live on.

As time passed, and her health declined, Viola begrudgingly slowed down and allowed others to return to her the love, compassion, and care she had freely given for decades. Her church family,friends, and loved ones stepped in to carry on her work. She took this slower-paced life as a chance to travel with her son Jose and his family.

Her son John Jr. spent his later days by her side,taking her to lunch and keeping her company until his passing in 2020. At that time, her son Robert retired early to become her full-time caregiver. His loving commitment to keep her happy and at home until her final breath was the most selfless and precious gift imaginable and speaks volumes about the sons she raised and the respect she inspired.

Viola brought magic to everything she touched. Now as a mother myself, I understand the magic was simply unconditional love. This love manifested in her thoughtful care for everyone she met, forging deep and lasting relationships. It's a powerful legacy of care and connection that continues to inspire.

Over the years, Viola was honored throughout the community with awards and recognition from organizations such as the Bastrop County Democratic Party and the Lost Pines Music Project,each acknowledging her immeasurable impact. 

During the 2020 election, in the midst of the COVID pandemic and with her health in steep decline, her daughter-in-law Christi took her to vote curbside. Christi asked for a quick refresher on how she planned to vote, and Viola replied: “I am a Christian.I am a Democrat. I am a Longhorn.” That quote sums her up perfectly—her unwavering love for the Lord, for people, and for the Texas Longhorns.

A longtime family friend and coworker, Mary Williams, held Viola’s hand in her final days and later shared these words: “Her impact on the community is immeasurable, but her impact on the women she met was profound. She will be remembered as everyone’s loving friend and a source of unconditional love, warmth, and support. Her kindness touched countless lives, and her nurturing spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.” 

We will never look at a sunflower without thinking of her —our hearts overflowing with love, pride,gratitude, and peace—knowing our little sunflower is now resting in Heaven with our Lord.

Viola is preceded in death by: her parents; her sisters Grace Barton and Isabel Vitek; her brothers-in-law Lee Barton, Robert Vela, and George Vitek;her eldest son John Martinez Jr.; and her beloved husband, John Martinez Sr., whom she loved until her very last breath.

She is survived by: her loving sons Robert Martinez(Christi) and Jose Martinez (Cynthia); her sister Irma Vela; her grandchildren Brea Martinez (Tommy Adams), Jason Martin (Jillian Blackwell), Dashiel Greene (Geoffrey), Magnolia Welker (Matthew),Samuel Martinez (Ruby), Andrah Weeks (Michael),Peter Martinez, John Tyler Martinez, Sarah Schaefer (David), Joshua Martinez (Audrey), Jordan Martinez(Hannah Gorczyca), and Matthew Martinez.

Her great-grandchildren include Jackson and Jordan Martin; Cole, Garner, and Magnolia Greene; Noah,Lillian, and Eva Rose Welker; Talan Masters and Blake Martinez; Nathan, Anthony, and William Weeks; River Martinez; Brooklyn Farris; and Ezra and Suede Martinez.

She is also survived by her nephew Jimmy Barton (Robin) and nieces Sara Rather and Melissa Sterns.

A memorial service celebrating Viola’s extraordinary life and legacy will be held at Primera Baptist Church in Bastrop, Texas, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at11:00 a.m. A private graveside service will follow.

Viola lived by the words, “Give me my flowers while I am alive.” In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the food pantry she helped create at Primera Baptist Church.Amen—and Hook ’Em Horns.

—Written with love by Andrah Weeks