October 27, 1943 — September 14, 2024
A Mass of Christian Burial for Martha Isabel Rios, age 80, of Enid, will be, 2:00 PM Friday, September 20, 2024, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, with Father Mark Mason officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 6-7 PM, at the funeral home. Friends are also welcome to come to sign the guestbook and view Martha during the hours of 8:00 am to 9:00 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, prior to the funeral.
Martha Rios, a beloved figure in the Enid, Oklahoma community and the owner of the renowned Mama Tita’s Mexican Tacos, passed away on September 14, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on October 27, 1943, in Quirigua, Izabal, Guatemala, to Federico Franco and Emilia Calderon, she passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in Edmond, Oklahoma, surrounded by her family.
Martha’s journey brought her to the United States at the age of 42, accompanied by her children. She quickly became a pillar of support for her family and a cherished member of her community. Known for her tenacity and unwavering dedication, Martha began her career in various roles, including as a seamstress, cook, and businesswoman. Her path was marked by resilience, hard work, and an infectious smile that endeared her to all who crossed her path.
In Enid, Martha established Mama Tita’s Mexican Tacos in 2013, a restaurant celebrated for its quality food and unique recipes. Under her stewardship, the establishment became a favorite gathering spot, where the aroma of homemade dishes filled the air and the warmth of her spirit welcomed friends and family alike. Even as she transitioned into retirement, Martha's entrepreneurial spirit never waned; she often returned to the restaurant, ensuring that her legacy lived on through her daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters who took on the day-to-day operations.
Before her impactful venture in Enid, Martha’s journey was marked by a significant chapter in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she worked as a cook in various casinos and balanced her role as a caregiver. It was in this bustling city of opportunity that her bond with the Thurber family deepened, solidifying her position as more than just a babysitter, but rather a cherished member of their family.
Tom Thurber recalls how Martha, affectionately known as Tita, joined their family during their time in California and remained a constant presence through various life changes, including the challenges of parenting and the joys of shared celebrations. Her unwavering support and love for those around her exemplified her nurturing character.
Throughout her life, Martha was a source of inspiration. People who knew her, like friend Florelee Day, admired her positivity and motivation. “She’s just a neat person,” Florelee reflected, noting that her resilience and cheerful disposition in the face of adversity were remarkable traits that many aspired to emulate.
Martha’s commitment to her family and community is also reflected in the outpouring of gratitude from her loved ones who celebrated their mother’s indomitable spirit and the dedication she maintained throughout her life. Her contributions to the community, both near and far, will be felt for generations to come, as the recipes from Mama Tita’s continue to nourish and bring joy to countless customers.
Martha Rios is survived by her loving children, Miriam Rios Day, Heydy Harrington, Marlyn Lewis and husband Gene, and Edelberto Rios and wife Wendy. Many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward her legacy of hard work, love, and authentic connection also survive her; Darline, David, Karla, Vinicio, Gabriela, Andrea, Alex, Kevin, Jonathan, Guillermo, Christian, Yessica, Fernanda, Madeline, Maria Jose, Andrew, Natalie, Nadia, Gabriel, Melanie, Aaron, Mia, Kamden, Melanie, Sebastian, Jacob, Sofia, Matias, Nathan, Camila and Viviana. In honoring her memory, they reflect the values she instilled, ensuring that the spirit of kindness and perseverance remains at the forefront of their lives. Siblings who survive Martha include Oscar Calderon, Elizabeth Franco, and Nidia Ramirez. She is preceded in death by her parents, Federico Franco and Emilia Calderon, sister, Elfa Teresa Franco; granddaughter, Dominique Cerezo; Marco Antonio Franco and Zoily Calderon.
As the shutters close on this chapter, the legacy of Martha Rios will continue to thrive through her family, her restaurant, and the countless lives she touched along the way. Her indelible mark on the community of Enid, Oklahoma, will not be forgotten, as her story weaves into the fabric of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Memorial contributions in Martha’s name may be made to the American Heart Association of Oklahoma, the American Lung Association and the National Kidney Foundation of Oklahoma with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodian of the funds.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
