Mary Simona Rios

The family of Mary Rios invites you to join us for a celebration of her life and incredible legacy. Visitation will be from 5:30 PM – 8 PM on Tuesday, February 26 with a Rosary being recited at 6:30 PM at Earthman's Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday February 27th at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 1124 Beech Street, followed by graveside services at Memory Gardens.

Mary Rios was born on October 28, 1922 and passed away, surrounded by family and friends, on Saturday, February 23, 2013. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dionisio and Felicitas Prado, her husband, Rafael Rios Sr., brothers Nicholas Prado, Frank Prado, sister Esperanza Medina, daughter-in-law Angie Rios, grandchildren Jesse Lopez Jr., Melissa Maldonaldo, Kathy Rios Young and great-grandchild Seth Young. She leaves behind her children, Ralph Rios Jr. (Angie+), Rosalie and husband Jesse Lopez Sr., Thomas Rene Rios and wife Barbara, Patricia Maldonado and Robert Rios. Grandchildren: Rodney Rios, Jerry Rios, Candace Rios Chapa (Leo), Rosemarie Lopez Hernandez (Carlos), Belinda Lopez, Alan Lopez, Amanda Rios, Felicitas Rios, Megan Rios, Chastity Jeffers, Joey Rodriguez, Richard Rios, Timothy Maldonado, Christina Rios Sprague, Melissa Rios Bunch (Kyle), and Mark Rios. Great-grandchildren: Josh & Zachary Young, Marcus, Julian & Layla Chapa, Stefan & Jessie Hernandez, Erika Lopez, Dylan & Ryan Lopez, Michael Young Jr., Julian Garcia, Olivia Delacruz, Jayden Cardona, Davin Lowe, Kaden Jeffers, Yuliana Rios, Kaylee Maldonado, Kyleigh & Julie Brown, Zoey Sprague, Haley & Emily Bunch. Great-great-grandchildren: Cheyenne Young, Gavin, Soriah & Sophie Montemayor. Also, her special honorary daughters, Rosie Garza Blanton and Loli Lujan Gutierrez. Numerous nieces, nephews and extended family also continue her legacy.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Rios, Alan Lopez, Timothy Maldonado, Stefan Hernandez and Kyle Bunch, Honorary pallbearers include Richard Rios, Jerry Rios and Godson, David Acosta.

Maria Rios was born in a boxcar on the east side of Houston near Navigation street. Her father, Dionisio was working for Union Pacific and they were housing the families in unused boxcars until other housing could be found for them. Despite only having a sixth grade formal education, she taught herself to read and write at much higher levels in both English and Spanish. She married 'the boy next door,' Rafael Rios on November 17, 1940. In the midst of World War II they welcomed their first son Ralph Jr.. A daughter, Rosalie, followed barely a year later and a few years later she was then gifted the temporary care of Loli Lujan whom she loved as a daughter. After fifteen years she and Rafael were blessed with three additional children, Rene, Bobby & Patty. They also proudly hosted and loved like a daughter, Rosie Garza while she attended elementary school in Baytown in order to learn English as a second language to benefit herself and her family. Mary was always a great supporter of education and encouraged everyone to take advantage of the educational opportunities they had because these were so limited when she was growing up.

Nineteen grandchildren, 24 Great-Grandchildren and four Great-Great-Grandchildren were just a few of her large extended family who gathered annually to celebrate her famous birthday parties. Complete with Mariachis and dancing she happily celebrated her 90th birthday in October with over 300 family members and friends in attendance. Even as her body began to grow older, her wit and sharp mind never diminished.

Her family was her greatest joy and enduring legacy. She helped care for her sister, Esperanza, during her final battle with cancer and always had a special place in her heart for her sister's children. She was visited every day by her special cousin, Lucy DePalma until Lucy was no longer able to drive. She had a standing Saturday hair appointment to have her hair set so she could attend Mass every Sunday morning. With grace and style she always carried herself with the upmost dignity. She was a role model for us all and we will greatly miss her strong spirit and gentle heart.

The family would like to thank her caregiver, Maribel Medellin and Mayra Gomez, and Dr. Robert DeStefano, her personal physician of more than 32 years.

She prepared us well for her passing by teaching us how to live and enjoy each and every day with our families. We invite you to celebrate her life with us and remember her as she dances in heaven with her beloved Ralph.