Andrew and Ila Martinez Memorial Scholarship in Public Service

This scholarship was established in memory of Andrew and Ila Martinez to provide financial assistance to selected students. Andrew “Andy” and Ila Martinez were longtime residents of Huntsville, Texas and were well-known and well-respected members of the community. Married for 63 years, Andy and Ila shared a life dedicated to their faith, their family and to serving others. Andy was a small business owner and an ordained Baptist minister. Ila was deeply involved in public service, serving as an elected member of the Huntsville City Council, a member of the Huntsville Independent School District Board of Trustees, and Chair of the Republican Party of Walker County. Above all, Ila was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and homemaker. She also served as an elected member of the Republican Party of Walker County Executive Committee and was a founding member and officer of the Walker County Republican Women’s Club. In their later years, Andy and Ila could often be found at Republican Party Headquarters, stuffing envelopes, assembling signs, and welcoming visitors and candidates to Huntsville. Committed to public service throughout their lives, they believed in giving back to their community and helping those in need.