Phyllis Emily Martinez Lenzini

Phyllis Emily Martinez Lenzini, 90, Monte Vista, passed away July 5, 2021 at Conejos County Hospital in La Jara, Colo.

Phyllis was born Jan. 7, 1931, near Pagosa Springs, Colo., to Julian and Margarite Martinez. She was the second oldest of five children. She worked at Jackish Drug Store in Pagosa where she met Al Lenzini. They married on Dec 19, 1949, and settled in Monte Vista, Colo., to start their family and open Southwestern Auto Supply, Inc.

Phyllis cherished her family and looked forward to her summers spent at the family cabin surrounded by loved ones.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Margaurite Martinez; Peggy Murray, sister; Irene Linse, sister; husband, Al Lenzini; and grandson, James Michael Bearss.

She is survived by her brothers, Joseph Hugh Martinez, Chico, Calif., and Denny Martinez, Pleasanton, Calif.; children, LaRee (Jim) Bearss, Buena Vista, Colo., Peggy Pepper, Monte Vista, Colo., Don Lenzini, Monte Vista, Colo., and Steph (Laura) Murphy-Lenzini, Monte Vista, Colo.; grandchildren, Zach (Catherine) Bearss, Buena Vista, Colo., Jessica Bearss, Nampa, Idaho, Josh (Cailin) Bearss, Buena Vista, Colo., Ben (Emily) Bearss, Bozeman, Mont., Justin (Ragen) Pepper, Monte Vista, Colo., David (Kelly) Pepper, Virginia Beach, Va., Allison (Ben) Rue, Monte Vista, Colo., Evan (April) Lenzini, Glendale, Calif., Christina Mace, Lyons, Colo., and Simone (Jesse) Phillips, Salida, Colo.

She also had 17 great-grandchildren, with two on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family.

 The family has chosen a small, private service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc., a program designed to help veterans, both locally and nationally.

Funeral arrangements have been handled through Rogers Family Mortuary. To leave online words of comfort, remembrances and condolences for Phyllis’ family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.