[1] She was born Ventura Martínez in Matamoros and moved to Brownsville, Texas with her family in 1909.
The couple formed a group known as Alonzo y Sus Rancheros; she played accordion and piano and was lead vocalist.
After World War II, the group changed its name to Alonzo y su Orquesta; they performed throughout Texas.
In 1956, the couple opened the La Terraza ballroom in Houston, catering to customers of Mexican descent.
[3] According to historian Deborah Vargas, Alonzo has often been noted as Houston's first lady of accordion.