Emma Rios

Emma Rios (née Mendoza), 78, passed away on February 4, 2025, surrounded by family, in Dallas, Texas. She was born on April 27, 1946, in Alice, Texas, to Emma Salinas Mendoza and Felipe P. Mendoza.

Emma dedicated many years of her life to her career as a hairstylist, becoming a well-known and respected figure in the communities of Midlothian and Waxahachie. Her warm personality and skilled hands made her a trusted stylist and friend to many. Beyond her profession, she had a deep love for music and was an active member of the Spanish choir at St. Joseph's Catholic Church for many years.

Above all else, Emma cherished her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Thomas Rios, and a loving mother to her children: Martin Rios, Tommy Rios Jr. and his wife Diana, Mary Smith and her husband Tim, and Emma Lisa Baeza and her husband Salvador. She found immense joy in being a grandmother to her eight grandchildren: Meagan, Katie, Salvador Emmanuel, Austin, Isabella, Alyssa, Xavier, and Roel. Her love extended beyond immediate family; she adored her nieces and nephews and shared a close bond with them throughout her life.

Emma is also survived by her siblings: Dalia Alvarado and her husband Arturo, Silvia Mendoza Sifuentes, and Alvaro Mendoza and his wife Jovita. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Irma Gonzales; and her brothers Felipe Mendoza Jr., Oscar Mendoza, and Leonel Mendoza.

Emma will be remembered for her kind heart, loving nature, and unwavering care for those around her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A rosary followed by memorial mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 500 E. Marvin Ave. Waxahachie, TX on March 1st at 11a.m.