Ascencion Rios

Ascencion P. Rios Jr., passed away on May 6, 2017 in Safford, Arizona. Ascencion was born January 6, 1927 in Globe, Arizona to Mariana and Ascencion Sr, the second oldest of eight children, he attended Solomon Elementary and Morenci schools and was a member of the high school football team. Ascencion served in the US Army during and after World War II, while stationed in Germany he witnessed proceedings of the Nuremberg trials. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to Morenci and worked for Phelps Dodge Corporation in mill operations for 37 years. He met and married his beloved wife, Virginia, recently, celebrating their 69 wedding anniversary. He was very active with American Legion Post 28 as club manager, participant in Annual Christmas activities at the Morenci Park and Food box program, played organized softball, coach Boy Scout Troop 35 basketball team and volunteered in development of the Clifton Picnic Grounds. In 1982 he and his wife moved to Solomon Arizona, to spend his retirement years taking care of his Father and brother. He became an active member of American Legion Post 95, Benificio Propio and helped restore Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and the building of the hall at the Mission in San Jose Arizona under Father T. Warren. He was also an avid North Dame fan traveling to South Bend Indiana to watch them play. Thomas his son preceded him in death in 1978, his parents Mariana and Ascencion Sr., a younger brother Angel, sisters, Dalia, Lilia, and Belia. He is survived by his wife Virginia and children, Raul Rios (Cecelia) of Green Valley, Arizona, Frank Rios (Debra) of Morenci, Arizona and Anthony D. Rios (Susan) of Marana, Arizona. His is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, his sisters, Tillie Gonzales and Christina Deleon and brother, Ramon Rios as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all. Viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m. and Mass of a Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. all at Our lady of Guadalupe Catholic Mission in Solomon with Rev. Father Benjamin Aguilar as celebrant. Interment will be in the Safford Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Family suggests donations be made to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Building Fund.