Idell J. Martinez

Idell “Dell” Jean Martinez of Blair, passed away August 3, 2026, at the home of her daughter in Rochester, NY.

She was born September 21, 1936, to John Montgomery Palmore and Ruth Brown in Detroit, MI.

Dell joined the U.S. Navy after high school and served as a Medic for three years. She married Orrin Guy Sumner and, following USN rules, was released from service with an Honorable Discharge. With Orrin, Dell travelled the world. From Guantanamo Bay, during the Castro revolution, to Madrid, Spain, until they settled in Barstow, CA, with their two daughters.

She was a homemaker for many years and earned an AS in Journalism. When they divorced, she worked a few jobs, including Emergency Room clerk, hotel clerk and librarian. Dell met and married Marcelino “Frank” Martinez and returned to her first love – reading. Dell began teaching adults to read. She believed that if you can read, you can do anything! Another passion was quilting. She joined the local guild and made many lifelong friends. Dell was also a member of the Red Hat Society. With them, she travelled from Ireland to Bosnia and returned to Cuba and Spain.

From Barstow to Blair, she made friends, went on many quilting retreats and continued creating a legacy of quilts for her family and friends.

Dell is survived by her daughters: Lee Ann Totzke (John) and Lori Dutille (Martin); her grandchildren: John, James, Laura and Stephanie; and her great-grandchildren: Synthia, Franklin, Gatlin, Kyra, Gabriel, Abagail and Lillian.

She was predeceased by her parents; and her siblings: Dorothy Lishin, Dolores Zinziletta, Ruth Douglas and Wesley Smiley; and her husband, Marcelino “Frank” Martinez.

Per her wishes, Dell will be cremated and a small memorial celebration will be held August 12, 2026, at 1300 in Harris Funeral Home in Rochester, NY. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to your local library or literacy program.