Ernesto Rios, 86, of Hart, TX, departed this earthly world surrounded by his family and entered heaven's gates on October 24, 2022. Mass services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2022 at St. Johns Nepomuceno Catholic Church in Hart, TX with Monsignor Arturo Mesa officiating. Interment will follow at Hart Cemetery. A rosary will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at Bartley Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m.

Ernesto Rios was born on February 27, 1936, in Orange Grove, TX to Concepcion and Celedonia (Gonzalez) Rios. He attended school in Orange Grove and met the love of his life, Maria Rivera. They married on July 31, 1954, and shared 62 wonderful years together up until her passing in 2016.  In 1968 they moved to Hart, Texas where Ernesto was a long-time resident. He was a farm laborer for many years and then worked for Frito Lay up until his retirement.

Ernesto enjoyed watching and rooting for The Dallas Cowboys along with listening to conjunto music. After his retirement he enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden and loved sharing with friends and family. He was especially proud of his peach trees. Ernesto gave the best advice, and you could count on him to always speak his mind. What he said, he meant, and what he said he'd do, he would do. A man of his word.

He will be remembered as a loving father, "Welo", brother, uncle, cousin, and dear friend. Ernesto will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory is his children; Esperanza Rios Martinez and husband, Ruperto, of Robstown, TX, Juanita Esmeralda Rios of Hart, TX, Ernesto Rios Jr. of Sunray, TX, Norma Rios Carrasco and husband, Demetrio, of Hart, TX, Selia Rios Barajas and husband, Angel, of Hart, TX, sisters; Elida Perez, Selia Torrez, and Elena Rodriguez, his best friend; Johnny Carrasco. Ernesto was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Ernesto is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years; Maria Rivera Rios, his parents; Concepcion and Celedonia (Gonzalez) Rios, brothers; Eloy, Reynoldo, and Abel, and a sister; Eudelia.

The family wants to express gratitude to the Interim Health Care nurses and caregivers, Dena Bye, Heather and Christina, for the excellent care they provided, during Ernesto's illness. Also a special thanks to everyone's support and prayers during this time.