Antonia Riojas

Antonia Rodriguez Riojas went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 27, 2024 at the age of 88. Her loving family were by her side.

 Antonia is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Antonio C. Riojas of Taft, Texas; her daughters, Rosaura (Abel) Salinas of Corpus Christi; Rosalva Turincio of Corpus Christi, Roselia (Glen) Searcy of Taft; Roselma (Gilbert) Rios of Taft; her sons: Rene (Ana) of Plano and Robaldo (Raquel) of Taft: Sister Rosalinda (Pedro) Arroyo of Portland; Brother: Carlos (Mary) Rodriguez of Portland; her 20 Grandchildren, 45 Great-grandchildren, 9 Great-great-grandchildren and two on the way.

 Antonia grew up with her parents, Teofilo and Maria De Jesus Ramos Rodriguez, 5 brothers and 2 sisters in Taft, Texas. She was born on January 4, 1936. She is preceded in death by both parents and brothers Antonio Rodriguez, Bernardo Rodriguez, Juan Rodriguez, Alfredo Rodriguez, Bonifacio Rodriguez and Salvador Rodriguez and sister Minerva Lopez; granddaughter Rosalva Hinojosa, son-in-law Arturo Turincio, Great-grandsons Xavier Robert Lopez and Gilbert “Lil G” Anthony Rios.

 Antonia was a do-er. If you wanted something done everyone knew Antonia would help take care of it! She had active roles in her church as a Eucharistic Minister, and Catholic Daughters of America where she was a member and served as Regent and recording secretary at the Local Court Regent and a Guadalapana. She organized, planned and cooked funeral meals at her parish with the help of committee members.

 She volunteered in many community organizations such as Boy Scouts serving as Leader and was also a member of the Greyhound Band Boosters and Athletic Booster Club. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Post #9318 in Taft wherein she served as President for many years.

 Never one to settle and wanting to set a good example, Antonia earned her GED as an adult. Antonia worked at the Taft Hospital working herself up to the position of Purchasing Agent up until the hospital closed. Afterwards, she worked at the Retama Nursing Home until her retirement. After retirement, she went into business for herself catering at weddings, Quinceaneras and private parties. She was an excellent and accomplished seamstress who would make the dresses for an entire wedding party and/or Quinceanera. She planned her family’s wedding and Quinceanera. She handled the decorations, flower arrangements, boutonniere for weddings Quinceaneras. She made all the grandkids costumes and costumes for the church’s live nativity. Antonia designed and custom made a Quinceanera dress for her granddaughter Marie and designed and custom made a wedding veil for Becky. 

 She lived a beautiful, dignified life. A woman of exquisite taste, she provided comfort and solace while asking little in return. Nothing brought Antonia more joy than knowing her children and grandchildren were happy and safe. Her family adored her and loved her very much. Antonia lived a full life for she gave and gave and gave during her lifetime, and even now after her passing through memories of her. What a wonderful legacy to leave behind. She loved her family so much for they brought her joy and happiness and laughter. She poured out her love to all in every way she knew how. 

 Thank you, Alma Moreno, for all your kindness and attention to our mother. We appreciate it more than we can say.

 A Celebration of Antonia’s Life and visitation will be held at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Aransas Pass, TX 78336 on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Holy Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at 120 E Escobedo St #2633, Taft, TX 78390 with burial to follow at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery.