Lorenzo Salas Rios 65 years of Arenas Valley, NM passed away peacefully into the Lords Hands on December 25, 2025 in Mountain View Regional Medical Center surrounded by his wonderful wife, children, sister, family friends and the hand of the Healthcare team and Prayer Warriors. Lorenzo, also known as "Larry" or as some of you friends might have known him as "Giant" was born on August 10, 1960 in Hillcrest Hospital in Silver City, NM.
Larry was a unique individual, someone who you would never forget. Someone more compassionate than some received, a man who stood tall, strong and proud. He was raised in a li le Town by the name of Santa Rita NM. Son of Manuel M Rios and Ernestina S Rios. Larry was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather great grandfather, Tio, friend, a server to anyone in need. He was a simple man who didn't need anything but the best but was a walking talent as more than a gift with his hands. He wasn't the strict type always more "The Cool Guy" or very laidback type of man. The Gentleman determined who could and would be able to Fix anything. Larry began his first job at the age of 8 delivering the newspaper, He had his mind on a puppy but also turning into a life lesson that would change his life of learning the value of working that nothing would be free in this world. With growing up in cold winters in the hills he started learning how to drive at the age of 8, taking on the role next to his dad being his shadow gathering wood. As Boy turned into man Larry was young to learn how to be a mechanic, he learned more than what it was like to work on cars. He knew what it was like to build and accomplish. What it was like to learn the works of a tradesman, from construction, to electrician, welder, rock wall builder, plumber, farmer, if it broke, he carried that knowledge how to "Fix it."
Larry and his family then moved to Turnersville where later worked in a General Store. He worked along with his parents, stocking and delivering groceries to local customers. As time moved forward so did the Rios Family relocating next to Bayard on Yucca Street. If you remember that truck you knew he was around the corner, cruising and driving that old 49 loud and proud more than mile away as far as the Hideaway. He had that natural attention by that big smile and charm. Across the Cobre High used to be that old Phillips 66 gas station. Eyeing the one what he soon learned to be was his wife, Rosalie Pedraza. Waiting patiently, he purposed and married the love of his life happily married 46 years. Larry and Rosalie began their journey together, moving to California with his brother Ray and then returning to New Mexico. He started working at the UV Mine in Fierro, sadly layoffs- happened. Alex (Sonny-Boy) Madrid a good primo of the family was in a bad tragedy. Larry and Rosalie then went to Albuquerque to support Mary Madrid (their Great Aunt). With no work and nothing but survival skills Larry started placing applications in Albuquerque. God opened the doors for a call that soon turned more into "moves". With Support and spirit through their faith Larry was blessed with a little job as a security guard working at a Chariot Hotel. As one door opened so did many more as he was blessed again, he was called up for another Security Guard position in a Private School Academy. Life flew forward for them, receiving what was more than his first Born, "Little Larry". Life turned more into responsibilities as he was brought back into the Grant County territory lands in 89'. With the loss of a Father a son "Larry" chose to step up conclude with Rosalie to return to Bayard with his mom. Larry worked side jobs, until he got another call at the Arenas Valley Airport. With some money into their pockets Larry and his little family then moved towards Parra Trailer Parks. Ambitions and dreams Larry was simple that didn't need no more than one drawer maybe 3 shirts, pair of pants and his boots. Goals were nothing but the simple life, except when he wanted not one but two loves the 38' Dodge. Larry at first was denied his car. Sadly, the owner had passed away and Larry returned to communicate once more with the widowed wife. Larry received his New Car. In 92' Larry and Rosalie then found property in Arenas Valley. Along came his daughter Loriann. New Journeys and good times established in his shop with his friends. A couple more years past and in 95' Daniel was born. Larry then proceeded further in the mining career what was known as Phelps Dodge which is now Free-Port McMoran. He lived along his wife, children family and friends. Retiring in 2015 he grew into what many remember him as today. Larry loved his wife and children. He believed in God but had his way of showing it. He took pride with his hair, boots, and cars. Watching TV he enjoyed Gunsmoke, Andy Griffith, leave it to Beaver, I dream of Jeanie. He loved Mobster Movies and just any movie that had a classic old car. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and cutting the wood with his boys. His memories live on through not only through his family, but amongst those who witnessed a definition of a good person, a good man. His legacy lives on through the teachings and knowledge that he offered and shared for others. He will be greatly missed, but who he was what he was about what made him most happy was his cars. He loved always hearing the sound of the motor, the sound of the pipes, seeing the shine of the chrome. With that shop door open you knew he was working on something for his friends or family members. You knew he was around. Lord knows the gifts given in talents. God allows us to make choices in life. Larry always chose to serve, and he did so with pain, serving quietly and without complaint. Many will share memories of him, and those memories will never die. Larry's legacy will forever live on.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rosalie of the family home; two sons, Lawrence "Larry Jr." Rios (Valerie Jaurequi), Daniel Rios; one daughter, Loriann Rios, (Emerald Begay); his sister, Stella Holguin; mother in-law, Rosie Pedraza, sisters in-law, Ramona and Rick Munoz; Bonnie and Angel Arzola, brothers in-law, Genaro and Priscilla Pedraza, Robert Pedraza; granddaughters, Alaynah Rios, Trinity Rios, grandsons, Izzy Jaurequi, Elijah Jaurequi, Loyal Grado, RJ Udero, Maddox Udero, great grandson, Isen Rodriguez; his God-daughters, Deseree Pedraza, Janelle Munoz and Nicole Valencia; along with loving cousins, nephews, nieces far and near. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Raymundo "Ray" Rios, Antonio "Tony" Rios, father in-law, Genaro Pedraza; brother in-law, Frederick "Freddy" Holguin, Tia, Rafelia Gomez Holguin, Cousins, Carmen Rodriguez, Ermie Morales, Abel "Boy" Rios Jr.; nephews/great nephews, Ray Rios Jr., Michael Rios and Ritchie Rios along with other members and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, January 2, 2026 at 9-10am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary being recited by Deacon Art Gutierrez will commence at 10am. The funeral mass will follow at 12 noon at Our Lady of Fatima Church with Father Martin Okonkwo officiating. Concluding service interment will take place at Hanover cemetery. Pallbearers are Lawrence Rios, Daniel Rios, John Jay Chacon, Willie Andazola, Sonny Young, Roger Duarte, Frederick R. Holguin Jr., Larry Vallejos, (extra) Godsons, Adam and Joseph. Honorary pallbearers are Siete Torres, David Ramos, Robert Pedraza, Genaro Pedraza, Angel Arzola, Rick Munoz, Tuti Ortiz, Frankie Amador, David Amador, Henry Torres, Pete Salas, Jonny Jay Perez Jr., Alfonso Santa Maria, and the rest of his friends.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love' ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
