Cristina Alicia Rios (nee Bernal) was born on March 19, 1929 in Pleasanton, TX.  Cristina moved with her family to El Paso, Texas and lived on Yandell Street with her Mother (Alicia), Father (Manuel) and two sisters, Martha and Ysaura.  Cristina attended El Paso High School where she met her future husband Raimundo Ruben Rios. Raimundo proposed to Cristina while he was deployed with the Navy and they were married when he returned on leave on June 10, 1953.  Raimundo and Cristina had four children, Raymond, George, Phillip and Lydia. They raised their children in San Diego, California on Millikin Ave. Cristina worked for the County of San Diego in the Department of Revenue and Recovery (retired).  She also completed her Associates Degree at Mesa College in San Diego while working and raising her children.

Cristina was a wonderful mother, always putting her children first. Her children have loving memories of her attending their sports events, dance recitals, and various other childhood activities. She was particularly proud of her son George' talent for the arts and for her son Phillip's high scholastic achievements.  Cristina's son Raymond was a very loving son to her and Raimundo, visiting them as often as he could after moving out of San Diego. Cristina would often comment about how much she enjoyed her lunches with Ray when he was in town. For Lydia, well Cristina was her biggest fan. Cristina was the ultimate dance Mom attending all of Lydia's dance recitals and events.  Cristina was the editor of the Curie Elementary newsletter when her daughter Lydia attended the school. Cristina also adored her grandchildren often commenting on how proud she was of each and every one of them.

Cristina and Raimundo loved to camp and were members of the M and M Camping Club for many years.  They had many friends throughout their lives. Cristina was an exceptional cook! You didn't visit Cristina's home without her preparing a meal for you.  Cristina was a devoted member of Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church and attended service regularly for as long as she was able.

Cristina is survived by her son George Edward Rios, her son Phillip Andrew Rios (wife Patricia Rios) and her daughter Lydia Cristina Rios-Bretschneider (husband Alan Bretschneider). Cristina is also survived by her sister, Ysaura Enriquez.  Cristina has loving Grandchildren Reed Daniel Rios, Evan James Bretschneider, Gabrielle Lydia Rios, Kara Cristina Bretschneider, Elyse Patricia Rios and Taylor Maria Bretschneider. Preceding Cristina in death was her husband Raimundo Ruben Rios, her son Raymond Ruben Rios (wife Sheryl Lynn Rios), and her sister Dr. Martha Bernal.

Cristina was a wonderful friend to many and she will be truly missed.