Leonila Rios Obituary (1929 - 2022)

Our dear mother, the matriarch of the Ríos family passed away July 19, 2022 at the age of 93. Born in Hebbronville, Texas on March 15, 1929, raised in Ciudad Mier, Tamaulipas, Mexico by her parents Martin Hinojosa and Isaura Chapa. Leonila married the love of her life, Alvaro Rios on January 18, 1953. Leonila was a loving, independent, spirited and courageous woman. The young couple journeyed to Lansing Michigan to start her family. In 1974 they moved to Mission, Texas to be closer to their family in Mexico. Leonila had a hard work ethic, pride in her language and culture, her faith and love for her family. Our mother valued education and provided us opportunities to learn and grow. She taught herself to read, write and speak English. She was our model for success. She was one classy lady, "La Dama". Her family was her pride and joy. Her favorite saying was "Yo no tengo hijos feos" meaning she loved all her children so much that they were the most beautiful in her eyes. To cherish her memory are her eight children Rosa Elia (Richard) Thill, Alvaro Jr. (Sandy) Rios, Raquel Rios, Jesus (Anita) Rios, Arnoldo Rios (Joanne, Kerry), Rebeca Rios (Gustavo Moreno), Romelia Elena Ríos, Martín (Sheri) Ríos. Leonila's 15 grandchildren Adriana Thill (Sean), Elisa Wells, Ricardo (Christina) Rios, Alvaro III (Megan) Rios, Armando Rios, Jerry (Rita) Silva, Sara Silva (John), Mercedes (Eric) Martinez, Martin Joel Rios, Daniel (Samantha) Rios, Brandon Ríos, Andrew Ríos(Haley), Austin (Serina) Ríos, Adrian Ríos and Kaleigh Ríos. Nine great grandchildren, Cecilia, Isabel, Donovan, Maximus, Adicela, Alaina, Aydan, Nico and Lillianna. Additionally extended family, various in-laws, many nieces and nephews. Our mother, Leonila Rios was the last of her Hinojosa family generation. She has entered Heaven to be with her her husband of 60 years and her granddaughter Elisa. Our Mother is in Heaven with all her family and friends who went before her. Our family is grateful to our sister Romelia Elena for the years of devotion and caring for our loving mother. A light has left our lives. We will treasure all the loving fun memories and life lessons our mother taught us. We will never be whole again until she holds us in Heaven. "Truly I tell you, today you will be in paradise." Luke 23:43