Our beloved Inez Marie Cota, affectionately known as Nezzie, passed away peacefully at her home on April 1, 2025. She was surrounded by the love of her family as she took her last breath.

Inez was born in Del Norte, Colorado on April 20, 1937 to Andrea (White-Vigil) and Ben Martinez. She grew up in humble beginnings with her 15 siblings, whom she stayed close with all of her life. On October 25, 1958 she married the love of her life, Nicholas R. Cota, in St. Joseph's Catholic Church. They spent many happy years together while raising their 5 children in a red bricked home on 803 23rd Street in Ogden.

Inez was the kind of woman who loved others with her whole heart. She turned that tiny home into the central gathering place for friends, family and community members for over half a century. It was a home filled with love, laughter, and especially food. And there was always room for everyone. Any knock at the back door was always met with, "Come in! Who is it?". But, before sitting down for a visit she would make sure that everyone had something to eat, whether her guests were hungry or not. Cooking was Inez's love language and it always drew in the crowds. When she wasn't using the stove, her grandchildren could be seen using the oven door as a table while swarms of adults found spots in the kitchen, dining area, and living room. Her food and the loving way she prepared it will forever be cherished and missed.

Inez was a social butterfly. She looked forward to visits and phone calls from loved ones every day. In recent years, she enjoyed using the FaceTime feature on the Ipad and was able to keep up with everyone by following Facebook. She truly cared about what was going on in everyone's lives and made sure to let us all know how loved we are, every single day. At events, she was always the life of the party, making sure all had a good laugh and left with a smile. She loved camping, fishing, trips to Wendover, family gatherings, and sitting on the back porch with loved ones gossiping and reminiscing about days gone by.

It's no surprise to those who know her that Inez lived a life of service. She worked tirelessly to help the community as a Social Worker with Head Start. In fact, she was recognized in the Standard Examiner for 30 years of service with special recognition for how she opened her home 24 hours a day to help those in need. Her family often witnessed her giving food, money, advice, and moral support to anyone in need. In her later years she loved spending time with children and often babysat for family and friends.

Inez was an amazing lady. She accomplished so much in her life, but her greatest joy and proudest achievement was her family. As the matriarch, she was truly the rock of our lives and held everyone in love beyond measure. Everyone wanted to be her favorite, and we all thought we were because she made us feel that way with every visit, meal, card, and phone call. She did everything with a full heart and no nonsense attitude. She was the epitome of selfless love.

Inez is survived by her children Nicholas (Lori) Cota, Lupe (Derk) Sawley, Josephine (Vince) Mander, and Michelle (Jose) Abrego; brother Poncho (Virginia) Martinez; brother Archie (Rosie) Martinez; sister Josephine Martinez; sister Rosie (Donna) Martinez; 11 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and 2 on the way.

She was preceded in death by her honey Nicholas R. Cota; son Rudy Cota; James (Jim) Larose; son-in-law Jose Abrego; grandchild Laundo Abrego; great-great grandson Slate Scoffield; 4 brothers; and 7 sisters.

Please join us in celebrating the legacy of love that Inez left behind. A viewing will be held on April 6, 2025 at Leavitt's Mortuary from 5pm-7pm. A Catholic Mass will be held on April 7, 2025 at 11:30 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church followed by graveside services at the Ogden Cemetery. A luncheon at Leavitt's Mortuary in the Atrium will take place from 1pm-4pm.