Sammye Martinez

Sammye Mills Martinez, 72, of Benton; a loving daughter, wife, mother and friend was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday April 16, 2013 after a well fought battle with a lengthy illness. She was born on December 18, 1940 in Benton, Arkansas to the late Eugene Van Mills and Omega Allen Mills. Sammye is survived by her husband of nearly 51 years, Alex Martinez. He was a gracious caregiver who would never leave her side and lovingly cared for her during her illness. She is also survived by a son and his wife, Lex and Mallory Martinez; daughter and her spouse, Celita and Creighton Simmons and six grandchildren, Collin Mills Simmons, Cain Alan Simmons, and Olivia, Alexander, Molly and Elle Rottman. She took great pride in her role as "Mimi." Sammye did not have any siblings but her cousin, Dr. Gary Mobley was like a brother to her and her cousins Nell, Jamie, Dixie and Joy were the sisters she never had and so were her 8 sisters-in-law. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews who brought her great joy and many friends whom she loved dearly. Sammye will be greatly missed. A visitation will be held Thursday April 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home and a memorial service scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday April 19 at Ashby's with Dr. Rick Grant officiating. The family would like to thank the Hospice House for their loving care of Sammye. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice House in Bryant, Ar or to First Baptist Church Building Fund in Benton, Ark. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.