Arminta was raised by her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Matias (Lalita) Gonzalez. She attended schools in McAllen, attended San Antonio College, and received a certification as a Certified Medical Assistant. Most recently, she received certification as an X-ray technician. Her career led her into medical fields with Doctors in General Practice, Plastic Surgery, Allergists and finally in Podiatry.
Minta, as she was fondly known to her family, always had a zest for living in the moment, she had a perpetual smile and a crazy laugh that made people notice her. She truly was unique, a leap year baby and she prided herself in pointing out to her family, how very young she really was in comparison to us. She was up for anything, loved a good bar-b-que, could not handle anything spicy, was a spontaneous dancing machine, loved a cold Miller Lite, she was vain (yes she was, her nails and hair had to be immaculate) and more importantly, she loved her 3 children from her marriage to Juan De Dios Garcia (Big John). Minta raised her kids in the RGV but had relocated to San Antonio a few years ago. She maintained many family and friends here in the McAllen area and also had forged many new friendships in her new home in San Antonio. To say she will be missed does not begin to describe the large void left in our hearts. Our only solace is knowing that one day, we will be reunited with our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many, once more. May Jesus have mercy on her and give her eternal rest.
Arminta is preceded in death by her biological parents, Mr. & Mrs. Raul Rios, who resided in Powell, Wyoming and her maternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Matias Gonzalez, who raised her in McAllen, her oldest brother, Rolando Rios (Powell, Wyoming), her younger brother, Raulito Rios, Jr. (McAllen, Texas), another infant brother who died at birth and her former husband, Juan De Dios Garcia (McAllen, Texas).
Arminta is survived by her children, Juan De Dios Garcia Jr. (Amy), Amanda Garcia, and Jose Alfredo Garcia (Diana). She is survived by 9 grandchildren, Michael, Giovanni, Amber, Jayden, Ayden, Kianna, Kelsey, Jose Jr., Brianna Janelle. She is also survived by her sister, Velma R. Stingley (Dennis), her brothers Juan Rios and Ramiro Rios all of Powell Wyoming. Minta is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews in Wyoming, the RGV, other points in Texas and California. One particular cousin, who she shared much of her life with, is Elda Jo Rodriguez. They were thick as thieves and growing up were inseparable. Because Minta was raised by her maternal grandparents, she was a direct responsibility to her aunt, Socorro, who helped her grandmother, Lalita, throughout Mintas formative years. Hence, our sister cousin.
Per her direct request, there will be no formal burial services of any kind. At this time, her children have indicated that a Memorial gathering will take place in the near future.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com for the Garcia family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18