Melvina M. Lovato, 78, of Citrus Heights, California, died on Wednesday, September 10 surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born in 1947 to Phillip and Delores Martin of the Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico. Melvina was the eldest of three children and grew up most of her childhood living on the Pueblo of Laguna reservation. In 2004, she moved to Sacramento, California with her daughter Maggie and granddaughter Sydney.

Melvina was known for her great sense of humor, big heart, and of course her cooking. As one of her children’s friends stated “...made some delicious beans”.

Melvina is survived by son Joe Martin of Grants, NM; daughter Maggie Abeita of Sacramento, CA; son Valentino Lovato, Jr. of Sacramento; son Martin Lovato of Albuquerque, NM; 10 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.

Melvina is preceded in death by her husband, Valentino Lovato, Sr.; daughters LaDonna Ortiz and Lennette Lugo; her sister Alvita Sarracino and her parents Phillip and Delores Martin.

Melvina’s final resting place will be at the Seama Village cemetery, Pueblo of Laguna Reservation, New Mexico.  Price Funeral Chapel (916-725-2109), directors.