Rosie was born on September 4, 1929, in San Luis Obispo.  Her father, an employee of the Southern Pacific Railroad, relocated the family to Lompoc, California, during the 1930s.  Rosie's attended El Camino Elementary, Lompoc Jr. High School, and Lompoc High School.

During her teenage years, she competed for the title of Lompoc Valley Rodeo Queen, a competition held annually as part of the 4th of July celebrations, which featured a street parade and various activities. The rodeo grounds were situated in what is now recognized as Crestview Terrace, eventually evolving into the Lompoc Flower Festival.

When she was 22 years old, Rosie met her future husband Frank Martinez while he was stationed at Camp Cooke, now known as Vandenberg AFB.  During their 34-year marriage, they raised two children, Arthur and Stella, in the Lompoc Valley.

Rosie pursued a career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), while Frank dedicated his service to the City of Lompoc as a Police Officer. Upon his retirement, he went to work for the County Marshall before his passing at the age of 56 in 1986.

Known for her impeccable sense of style, Rosie was recognized for her penchant for accessorizing every outfit.  There wasn't a great purse or pair of shoes that she didn't have multiple colors!  Her love for fashion extended to her professional endeavors postretirement, where she thrived in the apparel industry in Solvang, particularly at Ann's Place & Wilson's Western Wear and the Casual Corner in Santa Maria.  Rosie took great joy in assisting her clientele in looking and feeling their best.

Rosie also took great pride in caring for her home and gardening.  Daily she could be seen out walking her dog.  Living independently in Lompoc until the age of 92, Rosie decided to move to Texas in July 2022 to be near her son and his family while receiving additional care at a newly established Assisted Living/Memory Care facility.

Embracing her social nature, she swiftly adjusted into the new community, forging friendships and enjoying the daily activities.  Her routine included outings for ice cream or meals, salon appointments for her hair and nails, and enjoying the live entertainment and crafts.  She was endeared by both staff and residents as "Miss Rosie."

Rosie is survived by her two children, Arthur Martinez of Texas and Stella Martinez-Wells of Lompoc, and her younger brother, Ed Diaz, also residing in Texas.  Additionally, she leaves behind three grandchildren—Haley Martinez and Taylor Martinez of Texas, and Blake Martinez of California—and two great-grandchildren.  Preceding her in passing were her siblings: Josie Martinez, Connie Rojas, Camerino Diaz, and Raymond Diaz.

After succumbing to a sudden illness on December 20, 2023, Rosie's final resting place will be beside her late husband on March 1, 2024, at the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery. A memorial service, including a rosary, is scheduled at the Starbuck-Lind Mortuary in Lompoc at 1 p.m., followed by interment at the cemetery.