Richard “Rich” Rios (85), beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A longtime resident of Plummer, Idaho, Richard lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a willingness to help anyone who needed a hand.

Richard was born on August 19, 1940, in San Jose, California, to Felipe and Josie Rios. He was raised in Campbell, California, where he attended school through the eighth grade before beginning work at a young age in the apricot orchards and cotton fields. Those early years helped shape the strong work ethic and determination that would stay with him throughout his life.

At the age of 18, Richard went to work for Owens Corning Fiber Glass in fiberglass production. In September of 1963, he was drafted into the United States Army, proudly serving his country for two years before receiving an honorable discharge. Following his military service, he returned to Owens Corning, where he built a lifelong career as a hot repairman. He remained dedicated to the company and his trade until retiring in 1995.

Richard met the love of his life, Gloria Hendrickx, through mutual friends and family. The couple married in 1962 and made their home in Campbell, California. While serving in the Army after being drafted, Gloria welcomed their daughter, Kamie, in 1964. In 1968, he and his family were blessed with the arrival of their son, James. In 1970, they relocated to San Jose, where they raised their family and built a life centered around love, laughter, and togetherness. In 1994, Richard and Gloria purchased five acres near Plummer, Idaho, and after his retirement they made the move to be closer to Gloria’s family. Their home quickly became a gathering place for family celebrations, holidays, birthdays, and countless cherished memories. Gloria preceded him in death in 2022, a loss Richard carried deeply.

Richard was a true jack-of-all-trades and seemed to master everything he touched. Whether it was electrical work, plumbing, construction, woodworking, or repairing vehicles, there was very little he could not build or fix. He loved tinkering in the garage, changing oil, working on projects, and helping others whenever he could. He also had a remarkable green thumb and took pride in raising plants and trees. Retirement never fully suited him, and before long he found himself back to work at Ace Hardware in Plummer, where he enjoyed visiting with the community and staying busy.

Above all else, Richard loved his family. He treasured gatherings filled with food, laughter, and children running through the yard. Some of his greatest joys came from watching his great-grandchildren play sports and cheering them on from the sidelines. He was also a devoted fan of the Rams and rarely missed a game.

Richard will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Kamie Arista of Plummer, Idaho; his son, James and Janelle Rios of Modesto, California; his sister, Vera Lemmons of Muncie, Indiana; his grandchildren, Yolanda and Mike Bone of Tekoa, Washington, and Reyna and Zack Sifford of Plummer, Idaho; as well as his six great-grandchildren Kenneth, Isaac, Elijah, Dominic, Lilyana and Nissi, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria Rios; and his siblings, Raymond, Philip, Maggie, and Joan.

A Celebration of Richard’s Life will be held on June 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Evangeline Abraham Longhouse in DeSmet. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Mission Cemetery, with a gathering and meal to follow back at the Longhouse.

Richard’s hardworking hands built many things throughout his life, but the greatest thing he ever built was a family who loved him deeply and will carry his memory forward forever. Floral arrangements may be ordered for delivery through St. Maries Floral and Gift, stmariesfloral.com, 208-245-3815.