Elva C. Rios

Weslaco: Elva C. Rios, 91, was reunited with her husband and siblings on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023. Elva was born on November 1, 1931 to Santos and Altagracia (Alaniz) Cardoza in Weslaco, Texas.

Elva and her seven siblings grew up in Weslaco. Elva met her soulmate, Raul Rios when she was a teenager. Raul was a friend of Elva’s older brother Ramiro. When Raul returned from serving in the Korean War, he married Elva, and they spent the rest of their lives together. 

Elva and Raul raised two daughters, Edna and Elvia. Elva worked for Siglar Winston and Greenwood for a few years before starting her career working for the City of Weslaco. Even though Elva didn’t have a formal education, she was brilliant. Elva’s knowledge and experience were vital to the city when it came to repairing water and parking meters. She was sought after, and often, our neighboring cities would reach out to Elva for help with their repairs, there was not a meter that she couldn’t fix.  Elva retired after thirty-five years of service. 

Elva read the newspaper daily and was always informed on current events. She collected antique jewelry and loved to shop, especially at Wells of Weslaco and Dillards. Elva was very social. She enjoyed dining at local restaurants, going to dances and parties with her family and friends. 

Elva was a loyal Weslaco Panther fan and was a season ticket holder for many years. Friday night lights were a tradition, and Elva loved to cheer for her home team. 

Elva was a talented embroiderer as well as crafty. She loved gardening and taking care of her plants. Elva enjoyed taking a daily walk. 

Elva was not a fan of flying on airplanes. She made one attempt and never flew again. Elva enjoyed traveling and made many trips to Austin and San Antonio to visit her grandchildren, especially for their birthday parties. 

Thanksgiving was a special day, and Elva always hosted it. She loved having her home filled with laughter and joy. 

Elva was a devout Catholic and attended St. Joan of Arc her entire life. She was kind, considerate, and generous; her smile would brighten any room. Elva was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. 

Elva is preceded in death by her parents, Santos and Altagracia Cardoza; her loving husband of sixty-five years, Raul; siblings, Odelia Garcia, Hortencia Cuellar, Concepcion Ramirez, Ramiro Cardoza, Ernesto Cardoza, and Emma Maser.  

She is survived by her daughters, Edna Zamora (Bill) of San Antonio and Elvia N. Gracia (Antonio) of Weslaco, grandchildren, Monica Delgado (Daniel), Eric Garcia (Ashley), Sandra Melendez (Robert), Christopher Gracia, great-grandchildren, Kailee Rae Martinez, Braelyn Rae Delgado, Scarlett Garcia, Juliet Garcia, Ethan Garcia, Ezra E. Melendez, Christian T Melendez, Estelle M Melendez, and Memphis Garcia, sister, Aurora Galindo (Isaac) and numerous nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be Friday, July 28th, from 1-9 pm, with a rosary at 7 pm, at McCaleb Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, July 29th, at 1 pm, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park in Weslaco.