Natividad Martinez de Salinas entered peacefully into eternal life on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Natividad was better known as Nati, but the titles “Ama” or “Grandma Nati” were music to her ears. Nati was born in Mexico on December 25, 1943, to her parents. Samuel and Jovita Martinez. She lived a meaningful and cherished life, leaving behind a legacy full of love and warmth.

Nati was a hard-working woman who was raised with the old-fashioned values of respect, honesty, kindness, and humility; values she instilled in her family. Her house was immaculate, everything in place, and she taught her children how to cook, clean, and even iron. She was a businesswoman who owned and managed Nati’s Grocery Store for over twenty years.

Nati enjoyed simple outdoor pleasures like working in her yard, planting flowers, enjoying the fresh air, and spending time with all her pets. She loved all kinds of animals such as cats, dogs, birds, and especially her parrot Paco. Her other favorite pastime activities were playing Loteria, Chalupa, and bingo and spending time in the game room as she loved playing the “Maquinitas”. Nati also had a passion for sewing and making crafts, through which she expressed her artistry and creativity.

Nati was also a great cook, her specialty was homemade tamales. Christmas was her favorite holiday, as it was also her birthdate. It was a wonderful reason to celebrate with loved ones, and it gave her great joy to cook and prepare her children’s favorite holiday meal, decorating her home with her crafts while enjoying seeing her family singing, joking, and reminiscing in the unity of family love.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Juan Villarreal Sr., Jose Luis Villarreal, Jovita (Gary) Martin, Miguel Angel (Irma) Villarreal, and Henry Villarreal, along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Nati was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ernesto Salinas; her parents, Samuel and Jovita Martinez; her son; Ricardo “Ricky” Villarreal; her grandsons, Isaac Espurvoa and Jose Luis Villarreal Jr.

Her family and friends will remember Nati as a loving matriarch with a source of strength and joy. She touched many lives with her gentle, yet very humorous spirit and generosity. Nati will truly be missed by all who were fortunate to have known her and loved her.

Nati’s family will receive condolences on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 11:00AM, at Trevino Funeral Home Alice, 120 E. Front St., with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 10:30 AM. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at Roberson Collins Memorial Cemetery, where Nati will be laid to rest in the Peace of Christ.

Honoring Nati as pallbearers are Henry Villarreal, Miguel Villarreal, Juanito Villarreal, Robert Villarreal, and RJ Villarreal. Honorary pallbearers are Ethan Villarreal and Joey Villarreal.

To leave your condolences for the family of Natividad Martinez de Salinas, share your memories, or visit her tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.