Kathleen Ann Rios

It is with great sadness that we announce the worldly departure of our beautiful Kathleen Ann Rios, most affectionately known as Casey. Casey suffered a cardiac event as a result of end-stage rheumatoid arthritis, leaving earthside in peace and comfort on January 1, 2025. She was surrounded by her devoted husband, Albert Rios; loving sons, Tom and Tim Rios, sister, Penelope Kelly, and close family Christina and Bradley Alexander when she left us. She was welcomed to the heavenly side by her sweet daughter Jennifer; sisters, Marianne and Jackie, and her parents Jack and Jane, where she can finally dance again.

Born on November 24, 1955 in Warrensburg, Missouri, Casey was the youngest of four sisters in her family. Her father was an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, and their family moved frequently for his career. Casey graduated from Saguaro High School in Tucson, Arizona, and later attended Central Arizona College. In 1975, Casey married the love of her life, Albert, in San Manuel, Arizona and they danced to their song Color My World by Chicago. Married for forty-nine years, the two of them had three children: Thomas, Timothy, and Jennifer. Their children were the center of Casey’s world, until her seven grandchildren stole her heart, one by one.

Casey spent her career making a difference in her family and community. She was a certified childbirth educator and blessed many families with her knowledge and assuring warmth. She owned and managed a successful Mexican restaurant for fourteen years alongside her husband, and also worked as a bank teller and skincare consultant. In her early thirties, Casey received her rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, which slowly began to interfere with her ability to continue working in these fields.

Casey enjoyed using her green thumb to grow beautiful greenery inside her home, creating a welcoming place for her friends and loved ones to gather. Her door was always open to those in need, and her home served as a safe haven for so many. Before her arthritis demanded she hang up her apron, she loved to cook spaghetti dinners and host gatherings. Casey was an avid Yahtzee player, only to be defeated if she let you win. She also loved playing Uno, Scattergories, and being the spinner for her grandkids’ Twister games, longing to join them on the colorful mat. She loved dressing up, feeling her best in a beautiful dress and classy jewelry.

Casey never failed to show up for her loved ones. She was their biggest cheerleader and strongest shoulder to lean on, dedicating her life to lifting others up. Despite her physical limitations, Casey was fiercely intentional about basking in the many blessings she cherished in her life, holding onto joy at every turn. Her strength and perseverance will live on in each of us, and we will forever be better for the imprint she has left in our hearts.

Visitation, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Sensible Funerals & Cremation, 109 W. Grant Road, Tucson, Arizona 85705.

Funeral Service, 1:00 PM, Friday, January 10, 2025 at Christian Faith Fellowship, 1900 N. Country Club Road, Tucson, Arizona 85716.

Interment, 3:00 PM, Friday, January 10, 2025 at East Lawn Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Road, Tucson, Arizona 85712.