Elizabeth Rios

The Lord Jesus Christ called his faithful and loyal servant, Elizabeth Valenzuela Rios, home on Monday, June 26, 2017, at Greater Regional Hospice Home in Creston.

Funeral celebration of life services for Elizabeth, 36, will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, at Lenox Community Center in Lenox. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until service time. Interment will be held in North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials may be given in her name. Memories may be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home, 124 S. Main St., of Lenox where we "Celebrate Life."

Elizabeth Bermudez Valenzuela Rios was born Feb. 14, 1981, in Los Banos, California, the daughter of Adalberto Valenzuela and Maria (Bermudez) Valenzuela. She grew up in the Dos Palos, California, area attending school and graduating from West Side High School. After graduation, she worked in various fields driving a tractor during harvest time. She attended the Apostolic Church in Dos Palos where she met and fell in love with Jose Rios. The couple were united in marriage Aug. 30, 2004, in Los Banos, California. Born to bless this union were seven children, Carlos, Jonathan, David, Ashley, Evalynne, Esteban and Eliana.

While the family was still living in California, Elizabeth attended nursing school. She worked in various homes caring for individuals. In 2013, the family moved to Lenox. She worked at Michael Foods for a couple of years. In 2016, she went to work for the Lenox public school system as a translator. This was a position she truly loved. Helping children and adults communicate and learn gave her such joy. In 2015, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Having a “never give up” attitude, Elizabeth fought hard through both chemotherapy and radiation.

Through the Make A Wish Foundation, Elizabeth was able to have a life long dream of a “fairy tale wedding” come true. On Aug. 20, 2016, at the Lenox Community Center, Elizabeth and Jose renewed their vows, recommitting their love and lives before their family and friends in the community.

Elizabeth had a deep love and passion for her children, family and God. Besides translating for the community, she also enjoyed a deep faith in her Lord and Savior attending the Apostolic Church in Des Moines. Elizabeth was a fantastic cook and loved socializing with anyone.

Left to cherish the memories of a wonderful wife, mother and friend is her loving husband of 12 years, Jose Rios of Lenox;  her seven children, Carlos Cortez of Lenox, Jonathan Rios and fiancée Carolina, and their daughter (Elizabeth’s only grandchild) Sonia, of Merced, California, David Cortez of Lenox, Ashley Rios of Merced, California, Evalynne Valenzuela, Esteban and Eliana Rios, all of Lenox; four brothers, Antonio Valenzuela of Lenox, Frank Valenzuela and girlfriend April of Bedford, Junior Valenzuela and wife Maria of Lenox and Ramon Valenzuela and wife Maria of Dos Palos, California; in-laws, Jose and Marita Solano Rios of Guadalajara, Mexico; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Elizabeth in death are her parents, Adalberto and Maria Valenzuela and one brother, Israel Valenzuela.

Although Elizabeth will be greatly missed,

her love and inspiration will live on through her family.

May she be at peace in God’s loving care.