Viola Franco Martinez, of Mason, passed away on Sunday, October 24, at the age of 79. Mrs. Martinez is survived by her children: Arnold F. Martinez and wife Maria of Mason, Julian Martinez and wife Rosalinda of Mason, Phillip Martinez and wife Ange of Mason, Janie Lopez and husband Baldamar of Plainview and Albert Gatica and wife Jackie of Haltom. She is also survived by 32 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Martinez was preceded in death by her husband Rojelio Martinez and a sister Dora Torres.

Viola was born in Fort Collins, Colorado on April 2, 1931 to Alberto Franco and Clorinda (Baca) Franco. She moved to Mason in 1948 and married Rojelio Martinez on April 4, 1949. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. In earlier years Viola and Rojelio moved around Texas working at various farms. She was a hard working woman with a deep devotion to her family. Viola liked to crochet, embroidery and sew. She enjoyed watching TV, listening to music and gardening.

A Rosary will be held on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. at Mason Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason. Interment will follow in the Crosby Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Daniel Gil, Tony Diaz, P.J. Martinez, Robert Lopez, Timothy Martinez, and Gregory De La Cerda. Honorary pallbearers are Travis Newsom, James Martinez, Michael Hinojosa, and Christopher Hinojosa.