Elva was born on June 17, 1940 in San Miguel de Apodaca, in the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico to parents Eustacio Hernandez and Agustina Elizondo Hernandez. She moved to Weslaco, Texas with her parents as an infant. She attended Weslaco public schools and later met the love of her life, the dashing Rojelio (“Roy”) H. Rios. Elva and Roy would marry on September 4, 1960, at First Baptist Church Weslaco. She passed away one month short of their sixty-sixth wedding anniversary. Elva and Roy moved to Grand Prairie, Texas in 1968 where they raised their family and lived until her passing. Elva dearly loved her husband Roy and her four children, and provided a warm, loving, Christian home to them, but above all others Elva loved her Heavenly Father, and loved sharing her faith with others. Elva and Roy were devout Christians and were dedicated to their church and served as leaders until health concerns prohibited them from doing so. Elva’s favorite Bible verse was Psalm 23 and her favorite hymn was When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.
Elva is survived by her husband Roy; her children David H. Rios (wife Sandra) of Dallas, Texas, Norma Puckett (husband Ronnie) of Grand Prairie, Texas, Silvia Esparza (husband Randy) of Grand Prairie, Texas and Aida Rios of Cedar Hill, Texas; her brothers Juan Hernandez of Weslaco, Texas and Fernando Hernandez of Weslaco, Texas; her sister Eustolia Arriaga of McAllen, Texas; her grandchildren Ramon Cavazos, Jessica Rios, Analeise Chapa, Alyssa Manellari, Erika Esparza, Jacob Esparza, Amy Esparza, Abigail Esparza, and Isaac Arredondo; her great grandchildren Aldren Sparkman, and Liliana Sparkman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Elva was preceded in death by her parents Eustacio and Agustina Hernandez; and her brothers Geronimo Hernandez, Rolando Hernandez, Nestor Hernandez, and Gregorio Hernandez.
Elva’s viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Lakeview Baptist Church located at 2401 SE 14th Street, Grand Prairie Texas 75051. A Spanish service officiated by Pastor Elias Montalvo will follow the viewing.
A Celebration of Life for Elva will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 10:00 am at Moore Funeral Home located at 1219 North Davis Street, Arlington, Texas 76012 with Dr. Charles Kendall officiating. She will be interred in Moore Memorial Gardens following the Celebration of Life.
Pallbearers
David H. Rios, Honorary (son)
Ramon Cavazos (grandson)
Jessica Rios (granddaughter)
Jacob Esparza (grandson)
Isaac Arredondo (grandson)
Randy Esparza (son-in-law)
Ronnie Puckett (son-in-law)
