It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our matriarch, Dolores J. “Dee” Arnold. Dolores, 80, of Winslow, was called home peacefully the evening of Nov. 18, 2023, in Winslow.
Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Memorial Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at the First United Methodist Church, located at 101 E. Hillview St.
Dolores “Dee” Martinez was born on Feb. 24, 1943, in Winslow, to Pete S. and Estefana “Fannie” Garcia (Martinez). Dee attended Roosevelt School on Southside, Jefferson, Wilson WJHS and Winslow High School class of 1961. Dee went on to pursue her associate’s degree, then to NAU for her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Dee worked as a teen at Bill’s Café, for Bill Jue as well as for Mrs. Bates at her two cafes.
Dee moved to California, met and married Randolph “Randy” Arnold in July of 1962. This year they celebrated 61 years of marriage. To this union they added five children, Peter Antonio, Deena Lynn, Michelle (Kirk) Anderson, Stephanie (De’yama) Blackmon and Kevin Arnold. Dee was blessed to help to raise Lawrence and Arthur Martinez, Nicholas, Deborah, Beverly and James Pledger. They were all raised just like brothers and sisters.
Dee worked as a secretary, some of her most memorable places of employment were in Los Angeles. Clifton’s Cafeteria and Lockheed Martin prior to moving back to Winslow. In Winslow, Dee worked as a seamstress supervisor for BVD plant and as a certified daycare provider for numerous years. Then Dee worked in the Winslow School District and as a counselor at the Guidance Center for Alcohol and Substance Abuse. Dee and Randy decided to go ahead and open Lil Randy’s Garage, which they owned and operated for over 20 years. Dee was so proud of her Spanish heritage. Anytime she could, she would teach or show someone how to either speak, write and even cook Spanish dishes. She made the best red chili and tortillas!
Dee has 11 grandchildren, Krystal, Rena, Randy, Christopher and Ree’Chelle (Andres), Dévonte, Damien, De’ Nae Blackmon, Gregory and Christian Arnold; 13 great-grandchildren, Elena, Pablo, Iona-Michelle, Jaime, Aiden, Landon, Millison, Skiilyar, Daniella, Esteban, Julianna, Anthony and Kash; and bonus grandson, Bryan Saucedo (Augusta).
Dee cherished her best friends; called them her sisters. Sister, Molly Montoya (John, Thomas, Amanda), Marilyn Poleheptewa-Mase (Yvonne, Derek), Luz, Roberto Rios (Velia, Lissette, Edwardo, Robert, Victor), Pamela, Anthony Martinez, Lucy, Lindsay Martinez, Josie and Levy Jaramillo, Johnny and Isabel (Lori) Ortega and Gina; and brothers, Richard (Dina) Martinez and Gabriel Martinez.
Dee is preceded in death by her father, Pete; mother, Estefana; beloved brother, Arthur Martinez; son, Peter; daughter, Deena; brothers, Lawrence and Arthur; and grandson, Christopher.
Dee was truly Heaven sent, a saint and our queen. Definitely a loving, caring, genuine soul, all people were drawn to. We love you and will miss you forever. Rest in Heavenly peace Our Queen.
Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow handled the arrangements.
