Elaine Bigelow Martinez

  Elaine Bigelow Martinez passed away at her home in Orem, Utah, on February 14, 2024. She was born on September 21, 1952, in Heber, Utah, to Rex and Lois Bigelow. Elaine spent her childhood in Wallsburg, Utah, until the age of 10, when her family relocated to Lindon, Utah. There, she graduated from Pleasant Grove High School and took great pride in being a Viking.

Elaine married Steven Nicol, with whom they had two daughters, Stephanie and Jalayne. They later divorced. On June 9, 1972 she married Ken Martinez. Together, they welcomed two sons, Travis Ken and Jason Dale. Their Indianola ranch was her retreat, a haven of tranquility and happiness surrounded by the beauty of nature, a cherished spot where they all love to gather as a family.

She worked at the Ukiah restaurant where she met Ken and also had early morning responsibilities at Albertsons Bakery and Kirks Apples for many years. Elaine had a heart of gold with a touch of a snarky attitude. She enjoyed bowling, reading, watching old westerns, horseback riding, attending the rodeo, camping, fishing, hunting, and listening to 60's music. She loved to dance, and boy could she "shimmy"... Her favorite was Wipeout!

Elaine adored her children and grandchildren, ensuring their birthdays were always special. She took pride in baking many of their cakes herself, infusing each one with her love. The tradition of coloring Easter eggs and participating in lively hunts brought her great cheer. Summer barbecues and water fights were treasured family events, as were the winter activities of tubing and snowball fights. 

Elaine eagerly embraced Halloween festivities, hosting parties and dressing up, although she disliked being scared—a fact that her mischievous kids found amusing, using it as an opportunity to scare her even more. Thanksgiving and Christmas held a special place in her heart, as she cherished the laughter and joy and giving each loved one special gifts.

Elaine found fulfillment as a Girl Scout troop leader and Boy Scout den mother, leading memorable trips to Treefoil Ranch and Camp Maple Dell. Despite her terrifying fear of snakes, she displayed bravery by handling large spiders with her bare hands, a feat that would make many of the kids and adults alike cringe.

Elaine took real pride in how she looked, always making sure her hair and nails were just right. But her favorite scent, White Diamonds perfume, and the jewelry she wore added a personal and beautiful touch to her style.

She embodied incredible resilience, triumphing over breast cancer and bravely facing a deteriorating bone and joint disease from an early stage of her life. Enduring countless surgeries, totaling over 52, she fought valiantly against chronic pain. Now, freed from her suffering, she reunites with her mother Lois, brother Brent, son Travis, and many other departed loved ones.

She is survived by her husband Ken Martinez of Orem; father Rex Bigelow of Lindon; brother Glen Bigelow (Ruth); sisters Cindy (Pete) and Amber (Dave); children Stephanie (Julian), Jalayne (Mike), and Jason (Lisa); eleven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

In loving memory of Elaine, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who found pure delight in watching and capturing the wonder of rainbows, sunsets, and clouds. May she forever bask in their beauty.

A private celebration, honoring her life, for friends and family will take place in May, alongside graveside services at the Orem City Cemetery.

Feel free to share your memories, photos, or moments with Elaine. Your messages are a source of comfort, enjoyment and remembrance.