Frances Vella Martinez

Frances Vella Martinez, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of the Prescott community, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026 with her daughters by her side.

Born in New Orleans, Frances grew up immersed in the city’s rich musical traditions. From the age of sixteen she performed with the New Orleans Opera, an experience that began a lifelong love of music and the performing arts. She attended Loyola University in New Orleans, where she earned a degree in Medical Technology. While working in the laboratory at Louisiana State University School of Medicine, she met the love of her life, Evaristo “Bub” Martinez. They married in 1954 and welcomed daughters Jaime Lee and Vella in New Orleans. In 1961 the family moved to Prescott, Arizona, where they later welcomed their third daughter, Marianna.

Frances became deeply involved in the cultural and civic life of Prescott. A devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, she was a founding member of the Prescott Art Docents and performed in melodramas and musical productions with the Prescott Fine Arts Association. She remained a passionate supporter of opera as one of the original members of the Prescott Friends of Arizona Opera. Her love of gardening found expression through the Alta Vista Garden Club and the Yavapai Rose Society, while her artistic talents shone in fine china painting and needlework. She also gave generously of her time to the Yavapai Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, the Prescott Doll Club, and many other organizations. Above all, her deep faith anchored her life; she devoted many years to the study of Scripture and the fellowship it brought.

Frances carried herself with grace, elegance, and a touch of theatrical sparkle that reflected her New Orleans roots and her enduring love of beauty. She enriched the lives of all who knew her and leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Jaime Gipe, Vella (Jeff) Austin, and Mara Loftus; her grandchildren Jerome (Moira) Gipe, Ian (Talidy) Gipe, Emily (Greg) Covotsos, Madison Austin, and Kate Loftus; and six great-grandchildren, Solia, Jasper, Stella, Tegan, Julius, and Olivia. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Evaristo Martinez; her parents, Frank and Paola Vella; her siblings Joseph Vella, Rosalie Pinke, Antoinette Savarese, and Rosemary Perrone; and her son-in-law Jon Gipe. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Colett, Maria, Rosetta, Elaine, and Valeria for the devoted care they gave her.