A beautiful woman left us to be with the Lord on Sept. 13, 2015. She went peacefully surrounded by her children and grandchildren after suffering for over seven years from many medical problems. She was born on Dec. 13, 1919, in Lucero.She is preceded in death by her husband Ernesto P. Hays, who died in 1979 and awaits her at the gates of Heaven. She is also preceded in death by her parents: Begnino Martinez of Guadalupita, and Josephina Montoya of Ocate; brothers: Fred Martinez, Herman Martinez, Joe Martinez and Manuel Martinez, a cousin who was raised as a brother. Also preceding her were her brothers-in-law: Leo Hays, Adolfo Hays, and Arthur Hays; her father-in-law: Manuel Hays; sisters-in-law: Mary Martinez, Christine Martinez and Vivian Martinez.Josephine was a loving, humorous and caring person, loved by many friends, co-workers and family. At the age of 59, she lost the love of her life, Ernesto P. Hays, and at that time she went to work for the State Agency on Aging Senior Employment Program. She worked part-time as a Foster Grandparent then for the next 13 years she worked at the Senior Citizen Center as a receptionist and also provided free income tax services to the seniors of Las Vegas. It was quite an adjustment for her as she had been a housewife all of her adult life raising her four daughters and babysitting her grandchildren whenever she could. She always welcomed her children's and grandchildren's friends for lunch or dinner as she was a generous and kind woman. She went out of her way to make her children's friends comfortable and participated in many of their indoor and outdoor games. She is remembered for taking her children to Dairy Queen and Storrie Lake on Sundays or providing money for them to go to the movies. Josephine was the rock of her family, always making sure money was saved for summer vacations. She made sure they went to Disneyland, the ocean, Mexico and to many other places.Josephine, a lifelong member of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, was active in the and was the State Commander from 1978 to 1979. She also served in many other offices such as state treasurer and was the state convention chairwoman when the convention was held in Las Vegas in 1985.With children in tow she attended several national conventions to places such as Los Angeles, Denver, Detroit, and her favorite place, Honolulu. As a member she volunteered restless hours of her time to assisting the needy, especially veterans. She played a major role in assuring many WWII veterans were approved for their veterans benefits by writing letters to state senators and representatives as well as congressmen. Josephine was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and the Catholic Daughters of America. She prided herself in the fact that joined the Senior Olympics in her 70s and excelled in the sports she entered. She won state championships and received blue ribbons in eight-ball pool, basketball throw and shuffle board which qualified her to go to nationals in Orlando, Fla. Josephine stayed active as long as her health permitted. In 1988, she retired from her job at the senior center. She lived life to the fullest and was blessed to have lived so many happy years.She is survived by her four daughters: Gloria and Ernest Martinez, Margaret and Mike Chavez, Darlene Hays-Coca and Yvonne Hays and Ernest Martinez; grandchildren: Mark and Kim Martinez, Joycelyn and Martin Encinias, Amanda and Lawrence Gonzales, Barbara and Dr. Vidal Martinez, Mikey Chavez, Sam and Lucinda Coca, Ernesto and Amanda Madrid Coca, Andres and Amanda Coca, Chantelle, Brandi, and Molly Martinez; great grandchildren: MartyJo, Marvin and MarkyLyn Encinias, Lawrence and Jessica Gonzales, Nathan and Alyissa and Sean Gonzales, Ethan Martinez, Michael and Jerry Chavez, Sammy III, Eboni, Devon Coca, Enrique Cordova, Mikayla and Isaiah Coca, Andre Cocoa, Sapphira, Amethyst and Dylan, Lyrica and Terrilyn Martinez; great-great- grandchildren: Isaiah Gonzales and one great- great-grandson: Tomas due in November. She is also survived by her three loving cats, Claire, Lucky and Suzy who miss her very much. Also surviving is her brother: Ben and wife, Helen Martinez, of Albuquerque; sister: Flora Hays of Denver; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to thank Sol Amor Hospice Care and Amber Care Hospice for the tremendous job they did in caring for Josephine.Special thanks to Sol Amor nurse Shirley and CNA Rolinda. And thanks to nurses: Alberta, Jennifer and Addie as well as CNA Ramona from Amber Care. Your attention and care was truly appreciated. A very special thanks to Father George Salazar for his prompt home visit to administer her last rites on such short notice.Funeral services for Josephine will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church as follows: Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. on Sunday. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Monday. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.Share a memory of Josephine with her family at www.nelsonfuneralhomelv.com.Funeral arrangements for Josephine have been entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home; 801 Douglas Avenue; Las Vegas; 425-6551.