Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, Virginia Rios Lopez, affectionately known as “Quina,” passed away on October 9, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was 104 years old—a remarkable life filled with love, hard work, generosity, and devotion to her family.

Virginia was born on May 21, 1922, in Safford, Arizona, to Concepcion Rios & Monica Ruiz. She grew up with six siblings: Herminia, Manuel, Amelia, Nacario, Manuela, and Porfirio. The bond she shared with her siblings remained a cherished part of her life. 

On June 21, 1952, Virginia married Salvador M. Lopez. Together, they raised four children: David, Daniel, Ruben, and Judi. She created a home where family and friends were welcomed with an open heart and something delicious to eat. Caring for others came naturally to Virginia. In her earlier years, she cared for her mother and her mother-in-law, Gregoria. 

She began working at a young age, cooking and helping with household duties for Don and Carlotta Pace, who embraced her as family. She also worked for Gila Laundry and later retired from the Safford School District. 

Alongside her responsibilities, she found joy in playing softball and riding her bike.  Few things brought Virginia more happiness than her grandchildren. She adored them and delighted in spoiling them with her love and attention. Even in her seventies, she would sit on the floor beside them to play, read, and watch television. She spent many summers caring for them in Safford, Tucson, and Chandler, making everyday moments into memories they would carry throughout their lives. Virginia also found joy in gardening, crocheting, sewing, and embroidery. She took great pride in her immaculate yard, where her beautiful rose bushes bloomed throughout the year.  Those roses were admired by everyone who saw them and reflected the patience and care she brought to so much of her life. 

Her love was also felt around the dinner table. Weekends meant her wonderful pot roast, Thanksgiving brought turkey with all the fixings, and Christmas meant homemade tamales topped with her special red chili sauce. No holiday meal was complete without her beloved baked sweet potato casserole. Even when others took over preparing the main dishes, her family continued to ask her to make that special favorite, and she was always happy to oblige.  Her meals gave everyone another reason to gather, linger, and enjoy being together.  

Virginia’s kindness reached far beyond her own family. She became a second mother to many of her children’s friends, and her neighbors’ grandchildren lovingly called her “Mama Lopez.”  Her welcoming spirit made people feel comfortable, cared for, and at home.  Among the memories her family holds closest are walks to Dairy Queen and window-shopping along Main Street with Tía Amelia, visits filled with conversation as Virginia enjoyed strong coffee with her siblings, and the pride on her face as she watched her children play baseball, her daughter twirl, and each of them take part in the activities they loved. Her many nieces and nephews, who visited her often, also held a special place in her heart.

At 104 years young, Virginia continued to embrace life with gratitude and a desire to keep going. Her strength and love of life inspired those around her. Her family marvels at her lifelong health and is grateful that she experienced little suffering near the end of her life. 

Virginia leaves her family with more than a century of memories and countless examples of how to love through everyday acts of care. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her love will remain in the lives she shaped, the traditions she passed down, and the stories her family will continue to share.

Virginia was preceded in death by her son, David Anthony Lopez, and all six of her siblings. 

She is survived by her children, Daniel (Ann), Ruben (Martha), and Judi; her grandchildren, Joshua (Priscila), Tyler, Raquel, Lyndsey (Alex), Christian, and Daniel Jr.; and her great-grandchild, Nathaniel.

A viewing will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m. at McDougal Caldwell Funeral Home, 112 E. Main Street, Safford, Arizona.  Services will follow at St. Rose of Lima Church, 311 Central Avenue, Safford, Arizona. The eulogy will take place from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m., followed by the rosary from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. and Mass from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Gila Valley Memorial Gardens, 705 S. 1st Avenue, Safford, Arizona.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a reception in Virginia’s honor at St. Rose of Lima Church Hall immediately following the burial.