Michael Rios

Michael Anthony Rios, 62, of Katy, TX passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022, after a most courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 18, 1959, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and lived most of his life in Texas and Kansas. He earned an associate degree in Science from Allen County Community College and was a certified alcoholism/drug addiction counselor. He spent many years working as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor at The Menninger Clinic in Topeka and Houston. For the last ten years, Michael worked as an independent recovery coach.

Michael loved life activities, especially hiking, camping, eating, golfing and spending time with friends and family. Most notable was his involvement in the recovery community. He had an undeniable passion for recovery and helping countless others on their recovery journey. He impacted countless lives with this passion that one can recover from the disease of addiction. He was a proud member of Narcotics Anonymous and had over 29 years clean. He had an infectious personality and could be spotted at a recovery meeting anywhere in the US, spreading the message of hope in his own unique and, at times, blunt manner, but always with love.

Michael is preceded in death by parents Maria and Reynaldo Garza, grandparents Maria and Calistro Peralez, sisters JoAnn Kennedy and Silvia Salazar and brother Armando Gutierrez. He is survived by his daughter, Jessie, and his sons, Gus and Cub; daughter, Mia and spouse, Minda Rios; partner, Wendy Ruppert; grandchildren Jadisyn, Jeytt, and Jaizley Andrasek and Zeno Cano; sisters Anna Maria Hodges (Bill), Mary Ann Garcia, Ave Maria Garza and Rachel Rodriguez; brothers Joe L. Rodriguez (Virginia), Reynaldo Garza (Nancy), plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be held on February 12, 2022 at 11am.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the MD Anderson Cancer Hospital or to the recovery community, as you see fit.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.katyfh.com for the Rios family.