Zonia C. Rios

Zonia Rosalinda Carranza de Rios passed away on 11/27/2022 at the age of 76 surrounded by her family.  She was the beloved wife of Ruben Rios, her devoted husband of 54 years.  Zonia was the matriarch of her family of 5 children, and 15 Grandchildren who will always love and cherish her memory.  

Zonia is known for her beauty, intelligence, strength, elegance, supportiveness, work ethic, and most importantly, her love and fierce protectiveness of her family. She was happiest when surrounded by her large family, especially when caring for her many grandchildren.

Zonia began her career as a Registered Nurse (RN) by attending nursing school.  What is most astounding about this is that she did this all while having five children, one of whom she would tow with her to school. She graduated first with an LVN degree to begin earning an income, then continued her studies to become an RN.  She had a 31-year nursing career at Providence Memorial Hospital, Del Sol Medical Center, and the Henderson Clinic at City/County of El Paso.  In fact, for over two decades she worked three (3) full-time jobs to ensure her five children were given the opportunity for a college education.  112 hours a week...FOR.TWENTY.YEARS + !  All for her family!  She retired as Charge Nurse of the Postpartum department at Providence Hospital in 2012 after having helped countless mothers at their most vulnerable time, many of whom still remember her and stop her when they see her to thank her for the positive difference, she made to them.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jesus Manuel and Velia Carranza and her beloved sister Zelphoe/Zelpha Sosa Carranza. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Ruben Rios, who stood by her side until the end as well as her adult children (and children-in-law): Zonia Rivas (Eustacio "JR"), Cindy Najera (Joey), Astrid Lind (Andy), Ruben Rios (Zulema) and Lianee Fernandez (Ernie/Ernesto); her grandchildren, Zonia Nadine and Landus Rivas; Dorian and Derik Munson; Lance and Alexandra Najera; Erika and Paola Sordo; Leiya and Sienna Zarate; Sofia Santillan; Mariela and Itzel Rios; Aidan and Alexa Fernandez.

She is also survived by her close siblings: Martavelia Ramirez, Marisela Carranza, Patricia Carranza, Dr. Manuel Jesus Carranza, and Yadira Carranza.

Zonia will be remembered for the love she showed her family and friends, and the fine example she set for them. For these and her many gifts, we are forever grateful for having had the BEST mother in the world.  

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 03, 2022 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, with a Eulogy Service at 2:00pm and a Funeral Service to follow at 3:00pm, at Sunset Funeral Home-West. A Reception celebrating her guiding spirit will follow thereafter.  A Graveside Service will we held on Monday, December 05, 2022 at 10:30am at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave.

Services are entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West, 480 N. Resler Dr.