Angel Rios

On August 2, 1934 Ascencion and Marianna Rios were blessed with their 3rd son, Angel also known as Lito, was born in Safford Arizona. At the age of 10 Angel and his family moved to Morenci, during this time he attended school participating in high school sports. Angel was on the varsity team from his freshman year till his senior year, during that time he took state in shot put. Angel graduated from Morenci High School in 1953. After graduating he joined the Armed forces, Army Division and served during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany during that time and received a Service Connected discharge. Angel returned to the states to reside in Morenci, in 1966 his parents retired and the family moved to Solomon. In 1981 Angels mother passed away leaving his Father, Angel and sister Belia Deleon to live in Solomon. In 1982 Angels brother, Ascencion Jr., and Virginia moved to Solomon to help take care of Angel, his sister and their Father. In 1989 Angel was involved in a Pedestrian Car accident, which resulted in the amputation of his leg. This confined him to a wheel chair but did not stop his caring for others. In 1991 Angels father died at the age of 91. In 2007 he was transferred to Devon Gables Health Care where he resided until his passing on August 27, 2010. During his time at the Health Care Center, Angel came in contact with other veterans from the Safford area and made lots of friends at the Center. He enjoyed playing Bingo, going out to watch the Toros Baseball Team, attending the Candle light dinners, going to picnic with the kids to the monthly dance. Angel would go to the gift shop to get home made Mexican food and was always wanting to pay for everything. The staff would not allow him to pay because they just enjoyed him being around. If he would have any change he would give it to the gift shop so someone else could get something. He was always thinking of others. Angel cared for everyone, if you would go and visit him during eating times he would offer you his plate of food, or would offer other residents his food. At Christmas time he was always very generous to his family. Angel is survived by his siblings Dalia Lopez, Ascencion P. Rios, Lily Barrios, Romon (Ray) Rios, Tillie Gonzales and Christine Deleon. He was preceded in death by his parents. Angel, you have no more pain. Enjoy yourself. You are in a better place. You will be missed-We love you. Services will be conducted Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Solomon. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. with Rosary Service to follow at 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Angel will be laid to rest in the Solomon Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Gila Valley Honor Guard.