Felix Tobar Rios

Felix Tobar Rios, age 80, longtime Clinton resident, was born May 2, 1945, in Paducah, Texas, to Victor A. Mendez Sr. and Elvira (Tobar) Mendez, and passed away peacefully in her Clinton home on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Felix was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. As a young child, she lived briefly in Paducah before traveling across the country with her family working in the fields—chopping cotton, bailing hay, and living a life of hard work and dedication. At a young age, she married the love of her life, Faustino Rios Jr., and together they made their home in Clinton, Oklahoma, where they raised their family.

She was known for her love of BINGO, visiting the casino, cooking big meals for her grandchildren, and dancing whenever she could. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family—especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to her life.

Felix was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Elvira Mendez; her son, Tino Rios; daughter, Angie Flores; two sisters, Betty Rios and Martha Ruiz; a brother, Robert Mendez; and an infant son, Domingo Mendez.

She is survived by her children, Joe Rios and his wife Candy of Tennessee, Victor Rios of Clinton, Kristi Rios and her husband Jose Rodriguez of Mississippi, Alphonso “Proa” Rios of Clinton, and Elizabeth Rivera of Clinton. She is also survived by her siblings, John Mendez and his wife Christina of Wichita Falls, Texas, Lynn Mendez also of Wichita Falls, Joe Tobar and his wife Lily of Colorado, and Victor Mendez Jr. of Clinton. In addition, she leaves behind 24 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, numerous great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

A Rosary service will be held at 6:30 PM on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at the Lee Hometown Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 18, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Clinton, with burial to follow in the Clinton Cemetery.

Services are under the direction of the Lee Hometown Funeral Home.