Modesta Rodriguez Rios

 March 4, 1935 – July 9, 2026

Modesta Rodriguez Rios, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as they sang her favorite hymns. She departed this life embraced by her family and strengthened by the assurance of her unwavering faith. Her life was a beautiful testimony of love, service, and steadfast devotion to God and to those she held dear.

Born on March 4, 1935, in San Angelo, Texas, Modesta later made her home in Dallas, Texas, where she built a life centered on faith and family. After raising her children, she followed her passion for caring for others by becoming a beloved childcare provider. To generations of children she was lovingly known as "Wella", and she had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel loved, accepted, and valued.

Above all else, Modesta cherished her family. As a devoted homemaker, she created a home filled with warmth, kindness, laughter, and genuine hospitality, where everyone was welcomed with open arms and a home-cooked meal. She was an exceptional seamstress and crocheter, and lovingly created quilts, blankets, and keepsakes that will continue to wrap her family in cherished memories for generations to come. Whether preparing a favorite meal, stitching a handmade gift, or simply spending time together, she found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved.

Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren were the light of her life. She celebrated every milestone with pride, delighted in sharing stories, and created memories that will forever be treasured. She also passed down family traditions by teaching many of them how to make tamales and homemade tortillas, ensuring her love and heritage would continue through future generations.

Modesta was a devoted Christian whose faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and knew the Scriptures well, drawing strength, wisdom, and peace from God's Word. One of her favorite Bible verses was Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." She was always ready to encourage others with a kind word, a heartfelt prayer, or a verse of Scripture. Her joyful spirit brightened every room she entered, and her wonderful sense of humor, along with her honest and often delightfully blunt observations, brought smiles and laughter to countless people throughout her life.

Though her earthly journey has ended, her loved ones find comfort in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ, trusting that she was welcomed into her heavenly home with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:23)

Modesta will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her love, faith, and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Isaias Rios Jr.; her daughter, Irene Lara, and son-in-law, Juan Lara; her son, Juan Rios, and daughter-in-law, Hilaria Rios; her daughter, Rachel Rios Vela; her daughter, Velia Gonzales, and son-in-law, Jorge Melgar; and her daughter, Irma Gonzales Skaggs, and son-in-law, Reagan Skaggs. She is proceeded in death by her daughter Olga Rios Reyna, and devoted life partner, Eusebio Gonzales. She leaves behind a legacy of 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren, along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her love.