Edward Rios

Edward V. Rios, age 85, Peoria, IL formerly of Sterling entered into the presence of Jesus on Feb. 16th, 2020. He was born in Argentine, KS on Nov. 19th, 1934, the son of Jesús and Angela (Vargas) Rios. He graduated from Newman High School Class of 1953. Ed married Ann Mekeel, his high school sweetheart on Feb. 27th 1954. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2019. He is survived by his children, Patricia Smith, of Peoria, IL. Edward J. (Kathy) Rios, of Rockford IL and Stephen (Linda) Rios of Freeport IL. Six grandchildren Jonette (Greg) Russell of Knoxville, TN, Jesse (Jessica) Wenger of Ottawa IL, Josey Wenger, Peoria, IL. Tara (Dave) Martin, Peoria, IL. Joan Cornell, Denver, CO. and Justine (Jeff) Snap, Rockford, IL. One brother Alex (Delores) Rios of Sterling, three sisters, Louise (Merrill) Baeza, Jessie Garza both of Sterling and Antonia (Eladio) Valdez of Kansas City. Fifteen great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Mary Louise, infant sons Anthony, Angelo, Phillip and James. Also preceding in death were siblings, sisters Juanita Rios Magon, Margaret Rios Sotelo and brothers Ismael and Rafael. Ed is more alive now in the immediate presence of his Lord than he ever has been! He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Visitation will be from 9am-11am on Sat. Feb. 22nd followed by Celebration of Life service at Schilling Funeral Home 702 First Ave. Sterling IL. Pastor Steve Rios, Zion Church of Freeport will officiate. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to B. Ann Rios and Vitas Hospice.