Monica Nicole (Hunter) Martinez, age 42, of Clinton, was born December 13, 1982, in Clinton to Scott A. Breitling and Gayla (Hunter) Tucker. She passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 28, 2025, near Custer City.
Monica was raised in Clinton, attended Clinton Public Schools, and graduated in 2001. She continued her education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), earning her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education in 2008, and most recently obtained her master’s degree in reading from Grand Canyon University. Monica was a passionate educator, teaching second grade at Clinton Southwest Elementary School for seven years before joining Taloga Public Schools as a Kindergarten teacher in August of 2015, where she remained until her passing. She loved her students as if they were her own and was fiercely protective of them.
She took great pride in being a Taloga Panther and found joy in reading, crafting, and shopping—especially Black Friday shopping. Monica had an infectious laugh and a kind, gentle soul. She loved making people laugh until they cried and cherished every moment with her family. Above all, she deeply loved her children and family, always ensuring they knew how much they meant to her.
Monica was preceded in death by her father, Scott Breitling; her Dad, Michael Tucker; her uncle Terry Hunter Jr., lovingly known as “Bubby”; her Papa Al Underhill; and her Papa Terry Hunter Sr., whom she affectionately called “Papa T.”
She is survived by her mother, Gayla Tucker of Clinton; her son, Kyran Kent Martinez of the home; her daughters, Karlee Shantel Martinez and Kreelyn Estelle Basler, both of the home, and Madison Kaelen Martinez of Clinton. Her grandmother, Carol Underhill. She is also survived by her uncle, Bryan Hunter, and his wife, Staci Hunter, and her cousins Bailey, Brecken and Blake Hunter; as well as her beloved granddaughters, Leila and Talia.
A funeral service to honor Monica’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday at the First Christian Church in Clinton, officiated by Rev. Keith Russell. Services are under the direction of Lee Hometown Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Lee Hometown Funeral Home.
Monica’s kindness, infectious laughter, and steadfast love for family and students created ripples of warmth that will resonate for generations. As the enduring strength of her love will forever impact the lives of the people, she loved the most. Her memory is a cherished treasure, a testament to a life lived with an unwavering devotion.