Lioba Z. Rios

Lioba Zapata Rios, 86, of San Angelo, Texas entered into God’s loving embrace on Sunday, January 10, 2026, surrounded by her children and husband. She was lovingly known by the name “Loy” by friends and family.

Born in Stanton, Texas, on October 28, 1939, to Macario and Jesusita Zapata, a life rooted in family, faith, and devotion was formed from an early age. She married her husband Trinidad Medina Rios on June 6, 1961.

Preceding her in death were her loving son Ricardo Zapata Rios, parents Macario and Jesusita Liserio Zapata, her brothers and sisters, Demetrio, Estefana, Antolin, Prudencia, and Macario Zapata Jr.

A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, she is survived by her loving husband, Trinidad Rios of 64 years of marriage; sons, Alfred Rios and wife Diana of Christoval, Texas, Estevan Rios of San Angelo, Texas, and daughter Leticia Villareal and husband Jade of San Antonio, Texas. Her grandchildren are Alfred James Rios (Andi), Joshua Rios, Richard Rios (Marisol), Marissa Rios, Matthew Gonzales, Anissa Rios, Krista English (Michael) and great-grandchildren are Maddox Rios, Heidi Riddle-Rios, Jaxson Rios, Ronnie Rios, Paxton Rios, Preslee Rios, Paislee Rios, Justin Marshall, Christopher Gonzales, Ezekiel Rios, Jocelyn Peek, Jeremiah Best, Gabriel Rios, Destry English, Amari Best, Oliver English, and Levi English. She is also survived by one brother, Antonio Liserio Zapata and wife Maria, and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She found peace and purpose in tending to her plants, joy in gathering for lunch with her nieces and cousins, praying the rosary daily, and fulfillment in cooking for those she loved. In her later years, she also discovered a new interest in watching and exploring various programs and videos on YouTube, making arts and crafts, and sewing. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Gutierrez Funeral Chapels / North, 1002 North Oakes Street, starting at 3:00 p.m. followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m.  Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with interment to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons Alfred James, Joshua, Richard, Matthew, Maddox, and Justin. Honorary pallbearers are Jaxson, Paxton, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Gabriel, Christopher, and Amari. 

Care and arrangements are provided by Gutierrez Funeral Home / North, San Angelo, Texas.

‘With trust in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom Lioba was devoted through daily prayer of the Holy Rosary, we commend her to Almighty God. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.’

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lioba Z. Rios, please visit our floral store.