Martina Rios

Martina Alvarado Rios was a thoroughly devoted wife and mother. She worked hard for her family at home and on the job. In many selfless ways, she put others first and always treated people as she wanted to be treated. With a listening ear and an open door, she showed hospitality that made everyone feel welcome. Martina lived her life with remarkable optimist, because she trusted the wisdom and goodness of God. She thanked God every day for what she had.

Martina was one of four children born to Martin and Gabriela (Lucero) Alvarado on November 1, 1924 in San Bernardo, Durango, Mexico. She grew up with strong religious convictions and a vibrant, positive spirit. But one of her enduring memories of childhood was negative. She hated tennis shoes, because that was all she ever wore when she went to school. Martina completed school through the 6th grade, yet she learned many more lessons of life from her family and community. She was industrious, generous and kind.

Martina was in her early 20s when she met the man of her dreams. Eusebio Rios was tall, dark and handsome. When they first laid eyes on each other at a local dance, they fell in love immediately. After a brief courtship, Martina and Eusebio were married on May 23, 1948. For the first 15 years of their marriage, the two of them spent many months apart. Eusebio was a Bracero, a guest-laborer in the United States, earning a living to support his family. For Martina and Eusebio, their love and commitment remained strong, even when necessity put many miles between them.

Seven of Martina and Eusebio’s children were born in Mexico before the family immigrated to Michigan in 1963. With the help of Eusebio’s employer, Louis Padnos, the family settled in Zeeland. Eusebio continued to work at Padnos, devoting 30 years of his career to the company before retiring in 1986.

Martina and Eusebio were blessed with three more children, who were born in Zeeland.

All the while she raised her ten kids, Martina worked full time. She was employed at H.L. Hubbel for 25 years until they closed. She was given a grandfather clock for her 25 years of service. The clock was very special to her for sentimental reasons, but there was no doubt in the world that Martina’s most cherished gift was her family. Martina then worked for Herman Miller for another 10 years. Because of how hard Martina and Eusebio worked, they instilled in their children the same work ethic.

Martina was also a full time mom. She was totally devoted to her family and they knew it. Martina loved to cook and insisted on making hot meals that gathered her family around the table. She made sure everyone was well fed before she served herself. Even when she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatments, Martina still took excellent care of her family while working her full time job.

The Rios family had a lot of fun together. Every other Christmas, they all went back to San Bernardo, Durango, Mexico for a whole month to visit the children’s grandparents. What a great time to be together! Martina and Eusebio also took time for just the two of them. Throughout their married life, they enjoyed the activity that first brought them together. They loved to dance, gracing the floor with their fluid movements.

Martina and Eusebio were most beautiful to one another in time of need. When he became ill with emphysema, she was right there for him. Eusebio was in Metropolitan Hospital for three years in the assisted breathing center. During that entire time, Martina went to the hospital everyday just to see his face.

Martina was ever faithful and deeply committed to her beloved Eusebio, right up to his death in 2001. She missed him dearly, but with a resilient spirit, she devoted herself to family and friends. Martina never missed a Tulip Time Parade until Eusebio died. She took time to travel, but Martina also enjoyed being home. She liked to crochet, play loteria, listen to her favorite singer Tom Jones, or watch “telenovelas”. Everyone knew not to bother Martina during a certain time of the day because her stories were on. If someone happened to come during that time, she just invited them to sit down until her shows were over. In great and small ways, Martina lived her life with joy and delight.

Martina Rios passed away just two days after celebrating her 83rd birthday. Her loving family has the example of Martina’s faith to rely on during their time of grief. They thank God for her and all they ways she touched their lives.

Martina Rios, of Holland, died Saturday, November 3, 2007 at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband Eusebio of 53 years, and two sons-in-law-Richard Marty and Walter Wayne Eaves. Surviving are her children-Oscar and Julie Rios, Richard and Elva Van Regenmorter, Rene Rios, Luis Eusebio Rios, Edward and Susana Klein, Estela Eaves, Alfonso and Molly Rios, Jose Franciso and Alisia Alanis, Dolores Rios Carrillo, and Roberto Rios all of Holland; 30 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren; sister-Petra Alvarado of El Paso, TX; in-laws-Felix and Natividad Berdecia, Gabriel and Shirley Rios, and Albino Rios Sr. all of Holland, and Luis and Lucia Leon of Mexico; and several nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Father Charles Brown officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Visiting will be 7-9 pm Wednesday at the church with wake prayers at 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland. Arrangements are by the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes-Northwood Chapel. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory of Martina, archive a photo or sign the guestbook.