Denise Wadsworth Rios

Denise Wadsworth Rios, a native of Nevada and long-time Las Vegas resident, passed away on July 24, 2014, at Summerlin Hospital after being diagnosed with cancer. She was born May 17, 1952 in Las Vegas, Nevada to Leonard and Melba Wadsworth. She spent her early years living in Alamo, Nevada, playing with friends and siblings in the ranches, fields and natural hot springs of the Pahranagat Valley. The family relocated permanently to Las Vegas in 1959. Denise found her partner for life when she married George Rios on February 3, 1973. They lived in the historic Huntridge neighborhood for 32 years, where they raised two daughters, Ginger Rios and Daniella Rios. George & Denise were married for 41 years. Denise graduated from Valley High School in 1970. Although she worked in cabin services at a charter airline for several years, her true calling in life was as a passionate mother, homemaker and caretaker. Her home was always a favorite of children, her own as well as those of friends and relatives, who gravitated towards her natural kindness and compassion. She also cared for her ailing brother and parents before their passing. She was a gentle soul, and the person you could most count on during times of illness or grief. Denise was an avid and accomplished tennis player, who won many trophies and awards in local tournaments. She also enjoyed taking trips to the beach, eating good food and tending to her plants. She was known for her green thumb, and her roses were legendary. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her husband George Rios; her daughter Daniella Rios; her sister Andrea Vaden, and her two granddaughters. As heartbreaking and unimaginable as this loss is, we know that she is now reunited with her elder daughter, Ginger Rios, who died tragically in 1997.