LANA MARTINEZ
Lana Martinez, age 68, passed away on April 18, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, surrounded by her three children.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Childress with Randy Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at Childress Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.
Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Johnson Funeral Home.
Lana was born in Roswell, N.M., on Feb. 21, 1958, to Don and Shelba Lacy. She devoted herself to helping others and making a difference in their lives, living with compassion, strength and dedication. She was a graduate of West Texas A&M University and was an educator and school counselor for over 25 years, touching countless lives along the way. Lana had a special gift for guiding, supporting and uplifting those around her, leaving a lasting impact on her students, colleagues and community.
She was always willing to help and had a deep desire to take care of everyone around her. Lana’s presence brought comfort, wisdom and love to those fortunate enough to know her. She loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and cheering them on. She also enjoyed traveling and making memories along the way. She always found joy in time spent with family. Lana loved watching college sports and was an avid Texas A&M fan.
Lana was married to her high school sweetheart, Tony, and together, they built a life centered around love and family. They would have celebrated 47 years of marriage this July, a testament to their deep and lasting bond. She is now reunited with Tony in heaven. Lana’s greatest joy was her family, and the love she gave will continue to live on through them.
Lana was preceded in death by her father, Don Lacy; brother Clay Don Lacy; husband Tony Martinez; and infant son Mark.
She is survived by daughter Lynsi Ballinger, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; son Joe Clay Martinez and wife Erika, of Childress, Texas; daughter Lacy Rodriguez and husband Ignacio, of Childress; grandchildren Ethan Leija, Bailey Martinez, Erick Leija and wife Sheyenne, Erynn Lara and husband Gene, Jacob Rodriguez, Hayden Rodriguez, Katelyn Rodriguez and Caleb Rodriguez; great-grandchildren Erick Leija Jr., Elijah Leija, Easton Leija and Hazel Martinez; her mother, Shelba Lacy; and siblings Lori Gillem and Linda Lacy, along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lana’s memory to We Can Care, P.O. Box 7, Childress, TX 79201.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
