Blanca Estela Rios

Our beloved mother and cherished friend Blanca Estela Rios, age 78 entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Our mother played many roles, but her greatest achievement was her role as a single mother of six. She was a teacher of life, and a natural and compassionate caregiver. Our mother was fearless and the most courageous woman we will ever know. She was passionate about helping people who had less than her, and she was generous and kind in doing so. She loved God and everything in nature. Mom’s absence will be felt forever by those of us she has left behind.

Blanca is preceded in death by her parents: Servando Rios and Estela Ortiz, her sons: Ricardo Enrique Veloz and Jose Luis Veloz Jr., and her siblings: Ricardo Rios, Luis Raul Rios, and Ovidia McNally, her granddaughter; Johnnie Marie Boatright.

She is survived by her children: Nancy Thelma Veloz, Angel Alberto Veloz, Rafael Arturo Veloz, and Erika Estela Veloz; a sister; Lucy Gallegos, 10 grandchildren: Angelica, Eric, Alec, Christian, Roman, Francisco, Allen, Dylan, Sophia and Brayden and 2 great-grandchildren: Tiffany and Audrey. She is also survived by many extended family and friends to cherish and honor her memory. Maria Gardea, her caregiver, will always hold a special place in our hearts.

A Holy Rosary will be held from 10:30 am on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 324 Lincoln St., Anthony, NM. A Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am. A Graveside Service will be held at  12:15 pm at Anthony Community Cemetery, N. 4th Street, Anthony NM.

Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-West, 480 N. Resler Drive. Please visit her online memorial at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.