Guadalupe "Lupita" Rico

Guadalupe “Lupita” Rico, a beloved matriarch and treasured member of the Weslaco community, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, at DHR Hospital in Edinburg, surrounded by her devoted family. Born on December 1, 1933, in Weslaco, Lupita lived a long and joyful life defined by resilience, deep faith, and an unwavering love for those around her.

From a young age, Lupita’s vibrant spirit and strength of character shone brightly. She attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic School and later, Weslaco High School, always carrying herself with grace and quiet confidence. Her pioneering roots ran deep—her parents were the proud owners of Benitez Drive-In, a beloved local landmark located north of Weslaco, and they operated several successful theaters throughout the Rio Grande Valley. It was during those formative years that a young man named Tony Rico was captivated by Lupita’s beauty, charm, and warmth. From the moment he met her, he knew she was the one. On December 23, 1953, they were married at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey built on love, devotion, and faith.

Lupita dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her role as a wife, mother, and later, grandmother. She skillfully balanced home life with her children’s academic and extracurricular pursuits, always ensuring there was a warm meal on the table and a home full of laughter, music, and encouragement. Her children remember a home alive with celebration—especially New Year’s Eve parties and lovingly planned birthdays. But more than the events themselves, they remember the love that filled every corner.

To her grandchildren, Lupita was the epitome of a cool, spirited grandma—always present at games and milestones, the loudest cheerleader in the stands. Her radiant smile, infectious laugh, and impromptu dance moves brought joy to every family gathering. She was as stylish as she was nurturing, always polished and elegant, yet warm and approachable.

Lupita had a magnetic personality—fun-loving, witty, deeply kind, and endlessly curious about the world around her. She kept up with local news and enjoyed spirited conversations on just about any topic. Her joy for life was evident in the way she cared for her garden, lovingly tending to her plants, and in her zest for adventure and travel. Annual beach trips to South Padre Island were among her favorite family traditions, and she brought laughter and energy to every getaway, whether to Las Vegas or beyond. Her travels took her across the country and around the world—New York, New Orleans, Disney World in Florida, Hawaii, Cancun, Jamaica, St. Thomas, and even Rome, a journey she deeply treasured. A proud Dallas Cowboys fan, she cheered with passion, especially alongside her grandsons. Music filled her heart, dancing lit up her soul, and she found endless inspiration in cooking shows that sparked creativity in her kitchen.

Her faith was the anchor of her life. A devout Catholic, Lupita prayed the rosary twice daily for most of her adult life. Her spirituality was woven into her identity, guiding her actions and comforting her through every season. Her grace, generosity, and inner strength reflected a soul full of compassion and purpose.

Lupita was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Antonio “Tony” Rico; her parents, Miguel and Guadalupe (Hinojosa) Benitez; her siblings Miguel Benitez (Viola), Reynaldo Benitez (Estela), Hector Benitez Sr. (Aurora), Delia Rodriguez (Robert), Rene Benitez, and a sibling who died in infancy; her grandson, Christopher Rico; and many cherished nieces and nephews, including Diana Benitez, Hector Benitez Jr., Reynaldo Benitez Jr., Luis Benitez, Ronnie Rodriguez, Jim Benitez, Dr. Rene Benitez, Dr. Omar Benitez, Sandra Benitez, and Perla Benitez.

She is survived by her loving children: Noe Rico (Linda), Livia Reyna (Ezequiel “Zeke” Jr.), Carlos Rico (Diana), and Sandra Avila (Celestino “Cele”), her sister-in-law, Elva Benitez, her grandchildren: Antonio “Tony” Rico (Veronica), Lisa Calderon (Joe), Dominic Reyna (Suzette), Kristen Reyna (Javier Tijerina), Ezequiel “Zeke” Reyna III (Erika), Carlos Rico (Eunice), Joshua Rico (Audrey Gonzalez), Gabriella Rico, David Martinez (Selena), Rico Avila, Celestino Avila III, and Nicolas Avila; and her great-grandchildren: Derek Rico, Emerie Rico, Christopher Calderon, Cadence Calderon, Caleb Calderon, Aziel Reyna, Elyana Reyna, Jacynda Rico, Amari Rico, Levi Rico, Ellie Rico, Malaki Castro, Darius Castro, Zechariah Rico, Isadore Rico, Melody Martinez, and soon-to-arrive Antonio Ezequiel Reyna. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who adored her, as well as her best friend, Minerva Sandoval.

Visitation will be held at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, beginning at 1:00 PM, with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco. Following the mass, Lupita will be laid to rest in the mausoleum beside her beloved husband at Highland Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers will be Carlos Rico, Dominic Reyna, Tony Rico, Ezequiel “Zeke” Reyna III, Joshua Rico, David Martinez, and Rico Avila, and honorary pallbearers, Celestino Avila III and Nicolas Avila.

Lupita leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and joy. She touched countless lives with her compassion, her laughter, and her grace—and her memory will forever be a blessing.