Elena Rios Lopez

Elena Rios Lopez of Bakersfield, California, received eternity’s reward on June 26, 2016. Elena was born in Monterey, Nuevo León, Mexico on August 18, 1936, to Librado and Venancia Rios; she was one of twelve children. In 1954, Elena moved to the United States to pursue a better life. Soon after, her son suffered a life-threatening accident and she found herself in need of a miracle. She responded to her friend’s invitation to attend a small revival. On this memorable day in 1971, Elena met her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and her life was forever changed. On April 21, 1973, she married the love of her life, Manuel D. Lopez. Together, they raised their seven children, teaching them the value of hard work, honesty and respect. Her biggest accomplishment was modeling her love for the Lord. Elena frequently stated the best gift she received was the gift of salvation—which changed the course of her family’s life forever. She firmly believed in the words the Psalmist David wrote: “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”- Psalm 91:15-16. This is a truth that Elena proclaimed until the day the Lord called her home.

Elena was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel. She is survived by her children Arnulfo, Alvaro, Enedina, Maria Elena, Etelvina, Esmeralda and Ceasar; 19 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren and two great, great-grandchildren. Celebration services will be held Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. and Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at The Church-Bakersfield, 4040 Niles Street. Her final resting place will be Hillcrest Memorial Park.