Eduardo "Tata" L. Rico

Eduardo (Tata) L. Rico left on Saturday December 24, 2022, a day before celebrating his Tata Dios Birthday.  He was born in Saucillo, Chihuahua, MX on October 13, 1949.

Eduardo Rico was preceded in death by his parents Angel and Maria Rico, wife Elvira Rico, brother Ramon Rico, and sister Eusebia Hagans.

Eduardo was an active Catholic Church member. He played in the church choir for many years and was also a member of the Mariachi Unido until Covid hit and many restrictions limited him participating.  He loved playing his guitar from a young age till present.  He would play at family gatherings and anywhere he was asked to and had also had an amazing voice, which will to be missed.

Eduardo never met a stranger, he was well known all around town, especially because of his huge smile showing his pearly whites.  He was the biggest jokester, constantly making people laugh.  He was popular at all the local Mexican Restaurants and food trucks.  His spots were Roques, Antojitos Karla and Los Agaves, they knew him so well, he made his own menu.  Eduardo was a hardworking, loving, caring, generous, and humble man.  He loved all people and animals.  He made sure to land a helping hand where it was needed.  Eduardo opened the door to his home for anyone that needed a place to stay and made sure no one ever went hungry, not even a stray.  So many people are a success thanks to his hospitality and lending hand.  Whether it was a place to stay, a form of transportation or financially, he did so much for so many without expecting anything in return.  We, his children, will try to continue his legacy.  He left us big shoes to fill and maybe amongst all of us we will be able to succeed to do so.

Eduardo came to Loving, NM where he met his wife Elvira Rico of 45 years, at the young age of 25.  He worked in the farming industry for a short period of time before starting his life long career as a machine operator with Belen Santa Fe Railroad in February 23, 1975. He retired in 2009 after dedicating them 33 years of his hard work.

He lived to serve anyone that crossed his path but most importantly he loved his children, Ofelia Acosta (La Shory), Eduardo M. Rico Jr. (El Boi), Guillermina Rico (Guille), Laura Lissette Flores (Chiquito).  He always called them by their nickname he gave them, never by their birth name.  No one will ever be able to emphasize them like he did and they will miss that every day of their life.

He is survived by his children, Ofelia Acosta (Frank Fierro), Eduardo M. Rico wife Nyleen Rico, Guillermina Rico (Joel Olivas), Laura Lissette Flores (Josh Asbury), and Zachary Rodriguez, brothers Javier Rico wife Esperanza Rico, Manuel Rico wife Patricia Rico, Hector “Carlos” Rico wife Olga Rico and Pedro Rico, sisters Ester Rico, Elia Guerrero Rico husband Alex Guerrero, Evelia Rico and Edwina Rico, 23 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Monday, January 2, 2023 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home.  A rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM, Tuesday, January 3, 2023 followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at San Jose Catholic Church with Fr. Juan Carlos Ramirez officiating.  Interment will follow in Loving Cemetery, Loving, NM.

Pallbearers will be Eduardo M. Rico Jr., Zachary Rodriguez, Frank Fierro, Joel Olivas, Raul Rico, and Saul Magallon.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Javier Rico, Manuel Rico, Hector “Carlos” Rico, Jose Angel Olivas, Joshua “Panchito” Flores, and Joel Olivas Jr.