Manuel Rios

Manuel Hernandez Rios Manuel was born in Durango, Mexico to Fortino and Maria Rios on December 9th, 1926. He passed away on Aug 30th, 2016 surrounded by his family. In 1944, Manuel moved to Harlingen, TX where he met the love of his life Antonia Rodriguez while working at a restaurant. They were married February 23, 1949 and started their family shortly after. He loved his wife dearly and always took care of her. They remained together for over 67 years of marriage. In 1962, he moved his family to California and eventually settled in Woodlake. He built his family their home with (through) the self-help program, many (of his) children helping with the build. Manuel continued to work on his house throughout the years with plans of painting his house this year. (There) they raised their ten children while he worked as a handyman. After their kids had grown, they went on to become foster parents to over 180 children, some of whom remained in touch with them and are considered part of his family. Manuel enjoyed life and lived it to its fullest. He enjoyed going to Pismo Beach and walking along the shoreline of the ocean with his wife. He loved to cook breakfast for his family on weekends and piece together puzzles in the evenings. He loved Jehovah God and honored him every day. He was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness on April 11th, 1970 in Ventura, CA. Manuel is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Salvador, two sisters Maria and Francisca, and his beloved son Gilbert Rios. Manuel is survived by over 180 family members (ranging) from children to great great grandchildren, his sister (Maria) and many nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his wife, Antonia. Three daughters: Irma (Jose) Sanchez, Araceli (Greg) Morentin, and Cindy. Six sons: Jesse, Manuel, Joel (Evelyn), Ruben (Mary), Rudy (Michelle) and Danny. He also leaves behind his granddaughter Zulema (John) Price whom he lived with for many years. He will be greatly missed by all but we will always cherish the wonderful memories. There will be a memorial service for him on Friday, September 9th at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Woodlake, CA at 4 PM. His viewing will be on Saturday, Sept 10th at 1PM at Salser and Dillard Memorial Chapel with services at 3PM. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Manuel Rios

December 9, 1926 - August 30, 2016