Maria Martha Iñiguez

Maria Martha Iñiguez, age 69, a longtime resident of Stockton, California, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, in Stockton, CA surrounded by love after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Maria was born on November 11, 1956, in Ocotlán, Jalisco, Mexico, to Rafael Iñiguez and Maria Ruiz Iñiguez. At the age of 15, she migrated to the United States with her father. From a young age, Maria demonstrated remarkable strength and determination, working in a factory and later laboring in the fields alongside her siblings. She eventually made her home in Stockton, California, where she built a life rooted in faith, family, and unconditional love.

A strong and devoted single mother, Maria raised her four children with unwavering dedication, generosity, and resilience, always emphasizing the value of education, hard work, and perseverance. Through her guidance and sacrifice, she ensured that each of her children pursued a college education and went on to become successful in their own paths. She earned her GED and worked for many years as a Textile Care Specialist, taking great pride in her work and her steadfast work ethic.

Outside of work, Maria found peace and joy in nurturing her beautiful garden, where she lovingly cared for a wide variety of flowers and plants. She delighted in tending to her birds and dogs and enjoyed selling Avon and Princess House, cherishing the connections she formed within her community. Selfless by nature, Maria always placed the needs of others before her own. One of the many ways she shared her love was through crocheting—carefully creating handmade blankets for newborn babies, including her grandchildren and loved ones, each stitch a symbol of her warmth, care, and devotion. Maria also found great joy in cooking for her family and friends throughout the year, especially during the holidays. Her capirotada during Lent was a cherished tradition. She deeply valued cultural celebrations and family traditions, including Las Posadas, Rosca de Tres Reyes, and preparing tamales, pozole, and ponche during the holidays. She also loved the outdoors and created many treasured memories while camping with her family.

Maria was a faithful member of St. Linus Catholic Church, where her Catholic faith guided her life and sustained her through both joy and hardship. Above all else, her greatest passion was her family. She was a loving and devoted mother to her four children and a proud grandmother to six grandchildren, with another grandchild on the way. Her warmth, strength, and selfless love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Maria is survived by her loving children, Mitchell Rios, Tracy Rios De La Torre, Rueben Rios, and Santiago Rios; and by the spouses who became family to her, Veronica Rios, Juan De La Torre, and Meghan Rios. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Sarah Rios, Isabella Rios, Leila De La Torre, Diego De La Torre, Everleigh Rios, Sunnie Rios, and an unborn grandchild. Maria is further survived by her beloved parents, Rafael Iñiguez and Maria Iñiguez; her five brothers, Jose Ramiro, Rafael, Ricardo, Alfredo, and Adalberto; her two sisters, Maricela and Rosalba; and many extended family members and dear friends.