Last Survivor of the Bootmaking Rios Family Passes Away
Belinda Rios Hinojosa, the last surviving member of the original Rios family who brought the boot business to the City of Mercedes, passed away on July 31, 2022, under the careful and loving care of her children. Belinda Rios Hinojosa was born on February 20, 1930, in San Benito, Texas. She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Ann White (Tracy) and her son, Claudio A. Hinojosa, III (Barbara). Her grandchildren were her greatest treasure, and she left a legacy in them. She is survived by her six grandchildren: Elayne Bustamante (Daniel), Benjamin Hinojosa, Kaylin Lara (Leonel), Payton White (Melda), Ana Alicia Hinojosa, and Isaac Hinojosa. Belinda Hinojosa had one great grandson, James Daniel Bustamante and grandchild White due February 2023. She is preceded in death by her husband, Claudio A. Hinojosa, Jr., parents Zeferino and Otila Leal Rios. She is also preceded in death by her brother, Elifalet Rios (Mildred Werbiski Rios).
Belinda Hinojosa dedicated over 35 years to Mercedes Independent School District as a Kindergarten teacher. In her role as teacher, she touched the lives of many children in Mercedes. She retired from teaching in order to stay home and care for all six of her grandchildren. She and her husband provided day to day love and care for them for many years.
Belinda Rios Hinojosa was the daughter of bootmaker, Zeferino Rios. She would recall stories of working in the boot shop and helping to create boots for a President, movie stars, and dignitaries. She loved to garden, knit, and play the piano. Belinda was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mercedes where she faithfully worshipped and served.
The family would like to thank Jovita Cardenas for many years of love and care. Additionally, the family would like to thank DHR Hospice with special thanks to Henrietta Peynado.
Celebration of Life Services are as follows: Visitation at Garcia and Trevino Memorial Funeral Home located at 439 S. Vermont Ave. in Mercedes, Texas on Thursday (08/04/2022) from 1:00-8:00. Church Services will take place at First United Methodist Church located at 204 W. 16th St. Mercedes, Texas at 10:00 am with burial services to follow at Highland Memorial Park located at 6705 FM 88 in Weslaco, Texas.
Belinda Rios Hinojosa was strong in her faith. In place of flowers, the family requests your donation to First United Methodist Church in Mercedes, Texas.
Another pillar gone. What a distinguished looking lady.! I knew her husband well and the Rios family. They were highly admired. She was a teacher when the social system was awry. Discrimination was rampant. Those that worked well in the system had to have been supermen and women. Belinda was above it all. She carried herself untouchable. What a model for our community ! Rest in peace.