Mateel Nellie Tovrea Martin, long time resident of Santa Fe, Texas, passed peacefully from this world in her home on the morning of December 26, 2024, at the age of 90, to be with Jesus, the Lord, our God.

Mateel married her late husband, Paul Martin, Sr., December 22, 1953. They were members of the Good Sam RV traveling group where they traveled making memories of adventures with their grandchildren. As a dedicated teacher, Mateel touched many lives at Alvin Junior High, where she taught for more than 30 years. She was a long-time member of Arcadia First Baptist Church of Santa Fe. Mateel was a skilled quilter, spending hours creating beautiful masterpieces she shared with family and friends.

Above all, Mateel lived for her family and her family lived for her. As the matriarch of her family, she left a legacy to be admired and adored. Mateel is survived by her son Paul Martin, Jr. and his wife Christine Martin, son Doug Martin, daughter Lori McWhirter, daughter Carol Allen and husband Mark Allen, and daughter in-law Jacky Kirst; grandchildren Brandy Kenney, Nick Martin, Amy McLawchlin, Jamie Nichols, Keith Martin, Daniel McWhirter, David McWhirter, Katie Brown, Mark Allen II, Dean McWhirter and Cassie Kettle; sister Merrium Battistoni, 23 great-grandchildren and many special friends.

Mateel is preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Mateel Tovrea, husband Paul Martin, Sr., and brother Allen T. Tovrea. We are so incredibly grateful for the kind, loving and compassionate care Laura LaBry, RN and Francine Robinson, CNA, of Magnolia Hospice Care, provided her at the end of her life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mateel's memory to a charity for United States veterans of your choice.

A memorial service will be held on January 11, 2024 @ 2:00pm at Arcadia First Baptist Church. 14828 Highway 6, Santa Fe, Texas 77517. A Celebration of Life reception will follow at 6311 Avenue M, Santa Fe, Texas