April Row

April Ann Acosta Row , 43, of Stamford, Texas, passed away on September 23, 2025, at 12:31 a.m. at The Oaks at Radford Hills Healthcare Center under the care of Hendricks Hospice, after her brave battle with cancer, in the presence of her loving aunts, Geneva and Maria, her mother’s sisters.

April was born on April 5, 1982, in Haskell, Texas, to Ernest and Maria Teresa Acosta. She was the third of fifteen children between her mother and father. April grew up in Stamford until the fourth grade, when her mother moved the family to Anson, Texas. Many may not know that in seventh grade, April played football for the Anson Tigers, an experience she loved. She later returned to Stamford to live with her father. In Stamford, she met Cory, the father of her children. They married and later divorced. April then lived in Abilene, where she met her second husband, Daniel Row. They also married and later divorced.

April was a free spirit, and her sister said those fortunate enough to be loved by her will never forget her. She would do anything to help someone in need. April loved having fun and attending dances from a young age. As a child, when she and her siblings stayed with their grandmother, Pauline “Dynamite” Perez, the only rule was to attend church first, which they always did. April enjoyed cooking, cleaning, and listening to music. Though her life was cut short, she lived it to the fullest.

She was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Pauline Perez and Teresa Gracia; her grandfather, Ben Acosta; her mother, whom she loved dearly, Maria Teresa Acosta; her stepmother, Sarah Arellano Fields; four nephews, Marcus Alexander, Christopher Diaz, Jeremy Allsup, and Juan Torres Jr.; and two uncles and four aunts whom she loved deeply.

April is survived by her father, Ernest Acosta Sr., of Stamford, Texas; her five children: daughters Eliana Willis and Elizabeth Willis, and sons Eli Willis, Edward (EJ) Willis, and Ethan Willis, all of Abilene, Texas; her three fur babies Chole Marie Acosta, Buggie and Prince charming her five sisters: Melissa Diaz, Kristy Acosta, Brittney Mello, Lacy Arellano, and Isabel Torres, all of Abilene; her nine brothers: Freddie Acosta of Dallas, Texas, Devon Fields of Lubbock, Texas, David Acosta of Stamford, Texas, and Ernest Acosta Jr., Alexander Acosta, Augustine Lara, Juan Torres, Duran Arellano, and Jeb Acosta, all of Abilene, Texas. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, some of whom she considered her own, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, some of whom she was especially close to and who spent her final days with her.

Memorial services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at House of God, 204 East McGown, Stamford, Texas. Christopher Bailey, a prison minister and family friend, will officiate. There will be a time of fellowship and a meal following the service at the church.

The family of April wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the nurses, hospice organizations, and especially Angie, her hospice nurse. We also express our gratitude to everyone who sent prayers, donations, or any form of help. Your support is greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.

April’s vibrant spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. John 16:22: “So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice.”

On October 5, 2025, April’s father, brothers, and sisters will hold a special gathering at their father’s home.