Born: Tuesday Jun-17-1947
Died: Friday Aug-08-2025
Funeral: Thursday Aug-21-2025

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Alicia Martinez Castro, age 78, passed away surrounded by her loving family. She was blessed with the opportunity to say farewell and kiss each one goodbye as she departed to her heavenly home. A devoted matriarch, Alicia was the heart of the family — a woman of quiet strength, deep faith, and unconditional love. Born with a nurturing spirit and a servant’s heart, Alicia built her life around caring for others and loved her family deeply. She was a steadfast believer in Jesus Christ and lived her life as a reflection of His love — offering kindness, patience, and grace to everyone she met, leaving a lasting impression on their hearts. Alicia’s greatest joy and accomplishment was her family. She poured wisdom into generations, led with gentleness, and created a home filled with warmth, prayer, laughter, and love. Her legacy is carried on through those she raised, mentored, and loved so deeply. She will be remembered for her incredible resilience, her unwavering trust in the Lord, and the strength of her love — a love that has left an indelible mark on every life she touched. Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing Alicia is now at peace in the presence of our Savior. Alicia was born in a tiny house off “el calle 23” in McAllen, Texas to Sgt. Arturo and Graciana Martinez after her father’s return from his brave service in WWII. She grew up in her beloved hometown of McAllen surrounded by her large extended family then migrated to Washington during her adolescence. She graduated with her high school diploma from Walla Walla High School in Walla Walla, Washington in 1965. After graduation, she moved to Indiana to pursue nursing school. She worked as a nurse assistant then returned to Washington when her father became ill. She met Jesus S. Castro in Washington then later moved to Idaho where they were married for 25 years. Out of this union she was blessed with five children. She raised her family in Rupert, Idaho, working intermittently as a Mary Kay consultant while working at local potato processing plants after migrating to various states for agricultural work. Alicia was very talented and creative and used these skills to help others and contribute financially to her home; giving haircuts and permanents to friends and family and helping people as a seamstress; sewing beautiful dresses and clothing for her family and others. She also enjoyed babysitting and loved to cook and host family gatherings. She worked for 18 years in the office at Budget Auto Sales in Burley. She also worked at Parkview Rehabilitation Center helping nursing home patients as a loving companion prior to retirement. She loved caring for her youngest granddaughter Noelia along with traveling, gardening, thrifting and shopping throughout her retirement. She enjoyed helping friends and family with whatever their need was, and her favorite saying was ‘si de algo les servi, me da placer’ (if I was able to be of any service, it brought me great pleasure.) She instilled this spirit in her children and was very proud of their every achievement. She will be greatly missed by her surviving children Irene Sanchez (Manuel S.) and their children Ariana, Manuel Jr (Sarah), and Michael; Jesse M. Castro Jr (Linda) and their children Jesse III (Jasmine) and Christian; Teri Rodriguez (Phil) and their children PJ and Daniella, Liza Castañeda (Leo) and their children Natalia, Ezekiel (Conner), and Noelia; her five great grandchildren Izaiah, Alaia, Maleena, Giovanni, and Eliani; her sisters Maria Concepcion/ Concha Lopez (Bonifacio), Angelita Martinez, and her brother Alfonso Martinez (Vicki); her numerous nieces and nephews; her extended Castro family; and her honorary granddaughter Deeana who loved her dearly. She is preceded in death by her beloved son Gregorio Castro, her beloved parents, Arturo and Graciana Martinez, her beloved siblings Maria Luisa (Nena) Vasquez, Arturo Martinez Jr, Anna Maria Farias, Amalia Martinez, her beloved great granddaughter Benny Marie Sarah Sanchez, and her beloved nieces and nephews Velma Caro, Gina Martinez, Francisco Ramirez Jr., David Ramirez, Sylvia Lopez, Lucas Farias Jr., Jose Mercado, Andrew Foster, and Alexandria Ramirez Henderson. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Thursday, August 21st, at Grace Community Church in Rupert, Idaho, at 11:00 am followed by interment at the Rupert Cemetery. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the excellent care and compassion of the staff at Teton Cancer Institute in Idaho Falls and Cassia Primary Care Clinic in Burley. They are also thankful for the many friends and neighbors who supported Alicia in countless ways throughout her journey; thank you for blessing our beautiful momma. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

Condolences:

Oh sweet Alicia!!!! The first time we talked on the phone during Covid , you expressed your love and trust in the Lord. We would wave and chit- chat, til you got sick. Then I was blessed to really know you more then, we laughed and shared stories and I left lifted being near such a woman!!! To the family, I can’t wait to see her again and have time with her, share joy and food together. I am grateful you had such a wonderful woman in your life, I am so sorry for the grief of missing her. But her legacy and sweet memories will comfort, and the power she had in faith …. that she counseled you with, is available to you also. Remember her well, know her Savior… and the closeness to her in your heart will grow deeper then you can imagine! Til we meet again Alicia my new dear friend. Thank you for sharing precious time with me and letting me into your home and heart! I miss you thru joyous tears! Kerensa DeHart

My Condolences to all the Castro/Martinez Family.
We became friends since High School. I was a year behind you but that didn’t matter. We would see each other at the dances and hung out at school. Sometime, along the way, you became my sister in law and my protector. I felt like I always had your back and I am grateful to you for that. That’s what a true friend is. I will think about you and miss you. Until we meet again. Irma P. Garcia

So sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and all the family. Keeping you in my prayers. May she rest R.I.P. Janey Gonzalez

My condolences to the Martinez/cCastro family, Tia Licha it was a big pleasure meeting you and spending time with you and Liza and her family when you came to the Rio Grande Valley to see my mom your sister in which you had not seen for a very long time. Loved every minute we spent and when we would talk on the phone. I am not saying bye but until we meet again love you and will miss your phone calls Tia. Alvarita Cano & family

My condolences to the Martinez family and the Castro family: my cousins Irene, Teri, Liza, and Jesse and all the grandchildren. Wishing you strength and blessings during this difficult period. Thank you for my primos, Alicia, and may you have eternal rest. Julie Castro

I’m so sorry for your loss. I Loved your mother! What a great example she was to me. When I first met Alicia, I loved her the moment I met her. She was gentle, humble and her smile was contagious. We worked together at Ore-Ida. As time went by we both went our separate ways, but she always thought of me as her best friend. I will truly miss her, but her memory will always be in my heart. I’m so glad I had the opportunity of knowing your dear mother. I know we will see each other again. Adalinda Maisey

My dear Tía Licha will forever be missed. She was an amazing aunt who made my Grandma Nena and Mom and our family so happy whenever they were together. We will always treasure her loving voice saying Mijita to everyone and the way she encouraged me to stay strong through life’s hardest moments. Her memory will live in our hearts forever. Love Eva Gamboa,Nataley Guajardo and familia.  

My most sincere condolensces to the family. Prayers fir all her loved ones. Knowing her daughters, says alot about the great lady she was. Im glad to know she knew christ as her savior. So until we meet again, prayers for all her LOVED ones, for strength and peace durjng this trial, thru the name of JESUS CHRIST, &REM. the beautiful memories she left while on Earth. GODBLESS. Angie Valdivia

Irene & Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with all of you. You'll always those precious memories of her. God Bless. Ana Hollinger