Lilia Rodriguez, daughter of the late Abel and Juanita Rodriguez, went home to be with the Lord onAugust 5, 2026, at the beautiful age of 98.

Born on June 30, 1928, in Marathon, Lilia later made Alpine her home. She devoted much of her life to serving children, families, her church, and her community. She began working at the Alpine Community Center, where she supervised the kitchen. After completing specialized training in Kentucky, she became an instructor for the Pre-K program.

Lilia later moved to El Paso, where she opened the Houchen Day Care Center on the city’s south side. What began with just one student grew under her loving leadership into a thriving center serving more than 100 children by the time she retired as its supervisor. Her life’s work touched generations of children and families and remains a testament to her compassion, determination, and dedication to education.

After returning to Alpine, Lilia continued serving her church in every way she could. She loved studying and sharing the Word of God, and her faith was the foundation of her life. She was especially proud that her children came to know the Lord. Her greatest joy was seeing her faith and teachings carried forward by her family, including her 12 grandchildren, 25 greatgrandchildren, and 10 greatgreat- grandchildren.

Lilia was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Daniel Rodriguez Jr.; her son, Joel Rodriguez; granddaughter Bobbie, and her siblings, Celia Terrazas, Esperanza “Pinni,” and Patricio Rodriguez.

She leaves behind her children, Sarah Moreno, Amelia Rodriguez, Berta Primera, and Connie Mendez; her brothers, Daniel and Eugenio; her sisters, Eliza, Noemi, and Elida; and the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will continue her legacy.

As we mourn Lilia’s passing, we also celebrate her remarkable life - 98 years filled with faith, service, love, and devotion to family. Her influence lives on in the countless children she nurtured, the community she served, and the generations of family who continue to follow her teachings. Her life was a blessing; her memory will be treasured, and her legacy of faith will endure.

A memorial will be held Saturday, August 15, at 1 p.m. at the Alpine Memorial Funeral Home.