Martha Patricia Cruz Rios passed away on February 16, 2026, in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

She was born on November 3rd, 1958, in Ebano, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, to the late Arnoldo Cruz-Ceballos and Eufracia Rios-Garcia; a devoted wife, loving mother of three, cherished sister, and proud great-grandmother, passed away surrounded by the love of her family.

Paty was the heart of her home -a woman whose warmth could be felt the moment she walked into a room. She carried a joyful spirit and a smile that seemed to live in her face, no matter the circumstance, she remained loving, positive, and ready to lift others up. Her kindness was not occasional: it was who she was. As a spouse, she was a steadfast partner and best friend, as a mother, she was nurturing, strong, and endlessly supportive. To her siblings, she was a source of laughter, comfort and loyalty. Becoming a great-grandmother brought her immense pride and happiness. Paty always put others before herself.

Her presence brought light, and her absence leaves a space that can never be filled. She leaves behind her husband Jose Gerado Mendez, her son Jose Gerardo Mendez Jr, her daughter, Ericka Patricia Mendez and her daughter Martha Iveth Mangiaracina, she also leaves behind her daughter-in law Edith Reyes, her sons-in-law Shelby Mangiaracina and Jesus Dávalos; her grandkids Fernanda Mendez, Gerardo Mendez, Sofia Mangiaracina, Natalia Mangiaracina, Leonardo Davalos and Emilio Davalos, as well as great-grandson Santiago Ojeda.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved and always remembered for the joy and compassion she shared so freely. Her legacy lives on in the family she adored and in the countless lives she touched.