Ariel Rios

Ariel Rios, born on October 5, 1939, in Montémorelos, Nuevo León, México, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Ariel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and father-in-law, serving as the heart of his family. He shared a beautiful 59 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Celia Rios. Their love story began with love at first sight in 1964 in Los Angeles, California, culminating in their marriage in 1966. Together, they raised their family in California before relocating to Harlingen, Texas, in 1982. Ariel dedicated 45 years of his career to the steel industry before retiring at the age of 62.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Israel and Dolores Rios, and his siblings: Dora Celia Maldonado, Rebecca Correa, Israel Rios, Leticia Coello, Benjamin Rios, and Gerardo Rios.

He is survived by his loving wife, Celia Rios, and their five daughters who cherished him dearly: Dora Celia Vasquez; Sandra Gonzalez (Joshua); Gracie Bouls (Poul); Arely Tamez (Aldo); and Denise Sanchez (Adam). He leaves behind ten beloved grandchildren: Valerie (Hunter) Chase, Elizabeth Vasquez, Joshua Ariel, Arely, and Alexa Gonzalez, Ruayda and Sami Bouls, Lola Marie Tamez, and Adam Jay and Leah Sanchez. Additionally, he is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Ariel was truly one of a kind. Charismatic, warm, and full of life. He had a way of making everyone feel comfortable the moment they met him. His smile, quick wit, and genuine love for people naturally drew others to him, and he was often the life of the party. Well respected, deeply liked, and widely trusted, he lived with strong morals and integrity. He believed in the importance of family, faith, and tradition, and he took great pride in creating meaningful traditions that brought everyone together. Above all, he cherished his family. He was immensely proud of his daughters and the family they built together, and devotedly cherishing his wife for 59 wonderful years. Nothing brought him greater joy than his ten grandchildren, who were truly everything to him.  His sense of humor, positive outlook, and love for others will forever remain in our hearts.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Rolando Posada, who served as his trusted primary care physician for over 15 years.

The Rios family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 6 o’clock Saturday evening. A private burial service for immediate family will be held on Sunday at Mont Meta Memorial Park.