SAN ANGELO - Lioba Zapata Rios, 86, of San Angelo, entered into God’s loving embrace on Jan. 10, 2026, surrounded by her children and husband. She was lovingly known by the name “Loy” by friends and family.
Born in Stanton, on Oct. 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, Estevan Rios of San Angelo, and daughter Leticia Villareal and husband Jade of San Antonio.
Her grandchildren are Alfred James Rios (Andi), Joshua Rios, Richard Rios (Marisol), Marissa Rios, Matthew Gonzales, Anissa Rios, Krista English (Michael) and greatgrandchildren 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 and recitation of the Holy Rosary was Jan. 14 at Gutierrez Funeral Chapels. Funeral Service was Jan. 15 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with interment following at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers were grandsons Alfred James, Joshua, Richard, Matthew, Maddox, and Justin. Honorary pallbearers were Jaxson, Paxton, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Gabriel, Christopher, and Amari.
Care and arrangements are provided by Gutierrez Funeral Home / North, San Angelo.