Margarita Rios

In Loving Memory of Margarita Rios (Rita) Sunrise March 4, 1951 - Sunset May 7, 2025 Margarita Rios, lovingly known as Rita—a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and cherished friend—passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, at the age of 74. Born in Colón, Panama on March 4, 1951, to Paula Segura and Maxcimo Hernandez, Rita grew into a woman of remarkable faith, unshakable strength, and deep kindness. Her gentle spirit and radiant smile warmed the hearts of all who knew her. Rita devoted her life to nurturing others, not only as a beloved matriarch of her family but also as an Early Childhood Development Teacher at NASA Langley Air Force Base for over 15 years. There, she dedicated herself to shaping young minds with compassion, patience, and joy—bringing comfort and consistency to many military families. Education was always important to Rita. While living in Panama, she earned a bachelor's degree in education. After moving to the United States, she continued her academic journey by studying Early Childhood Development at Thomas Nelson Community College—further equipping her with the knowledge and tools to serve and uplift young children. She was a woman of many passions: an exceptional cook who made every meal an expression of love; a talented seamstress who brought beauty into the everyday through her sewing; and a joyful soul who loved to sing, dance, and praise the Lord with unwavering devotion. Rita's heart was fullest when surrounded by her family, especially during Christmases and birthdays with her grandchildren, which became cherished and unforgettable memories. Rita's legacy of love, faith, and laughter lives on through her devoted husband of 49 years, Hector Rios; her six children—Hector and Kimberly Rios, Osvaldo and Patricia Rios, Rolando Rios and Elizabth Stipes, Eduardo Rios, Tamika Rios and Darryl Griffin, and Armando and Katie Rios; her siblings Rosa Davis, and Lucy and Jeffery Davis; as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who adored her. Rita was a warrior, a winner of a thousand battles. You will live forever in our hearts like a light that never goes out, like a love that never dies. A memorial service honoring Rita's life will be held at Miracle Temple Baptist Church 617 32nd Street, Newport News, Virginia, 23607 The viewing will take place on May 17, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM The ceremony will follow from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Margarita Rios

March 4, 1951 - May 7, 2025