Rosie Rodriguez, age 86 of Tucson, AZ, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in the comfort of her own home, after living a life marked by compassion, strength, and deep devotion to her family.

Early Years

She was born on January 24, 1940, in Phoenix, AZ to Francisco and Rosa Flores. She was the 4th child of 5 siblings and the only daughter. As she helped with working on her parents farm, she attended Santa Cruz Valley High School in Eloy, Arizona. There she flourished with extra curricular activities, such as Choir, Drama, Pom Pom, Pep Squad and attending dances with her friends.

Love and Family

In 1958, while attending a dance with her friend Dora (Roy's cousin), she fell head over heels and met the love of her life, Roy Rodriguez. As their love blossomed, they spent the next year in a long distance relationship traveling back and forth from California to Eloy. Months later, on November 28th 1959 they married at Santa Elena Church in Eloy, Arizona.

Several years later, they were blessed with their son Ron, who was the first grandson born into the Rodriguez clan.Seven years later Rachel was added to the family, whom she called her miracle baby. They moved into their forever home in Tucson AZ in 1971.

Rosie enjoyed the outdoors and sports, spending many evenings attending her children's competitions and backyard bbq parties with friends.

Rosie was known as the neighborhood caretaker, often providing meals for all the kids in her cal-de-sac, then piling them up in her 1957 Chevy to take them to the nearest drive-in. She was also a renowned team mom for the little league games that Roy coached.

Rosie loved celebrating the holidays, making costumes, food, and decorating - both at home and with her children's schools. She devoted her time to many volunteer activities that allowed her creativity to flourish and brought joy to those around her.

Nearly every Sunday, the family would visit with their Nana & Tata (Roy's parents) and enjoy the company of their cousins.

Later, as Ron and Rachel married and started their families, they were blessed with 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Her family was her greatest joy of her life. They were her heart, her home, her blessing and loving them was her proudest role.

Passions and Professions

Rosie led a life of kindness and compassion that left long-lasting impressions in the many forms of community work she took on. Starting in 1973, as a co-founder of the Los Ninos Little League in Tucson, she helped establish the robust program to be the success it is, still today.

Rosie wore many hats and dabbled in all kinds of professions, ranging from hair stylist to working at a Christian bookstore. While she succeeded in everything she did, Rosie found her calling in at the Tucson Urban League. For over 20 years she was dedicated to the community service the Urban League provided. There she lived and breathed the mission of promoting social and economic equality to those less fortunate.

She was passionate about her faith, family, and friends and she cared deeply about her country and her community. She was passionate about her prayers everyday with her prayer partner Addie and was always striving to learn in her journey as a child of God.

Legacy

Rosie touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. She gave her family a love that was unconditional, and she carried a warmth that made everyone feel welcome and at home. Being in her presence meant feeling cared for, supported, and deeply loved.

Through her words and her example, Rosie taught those around her the true meaning of kindness, resilience, and the importance of loving one another. The values she lived by continue to guide her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing that Rosie's legacy lives on in the lessons she shared, the compassion she showed, and the strength she inspired in others. Her love helped shape the people we are today and will continue to bind our family together in the years to come.

Rosie's greatest legacy is the unwavering devotion she had for her family. Her selflessness, gentle wisdom, and generous spirit will be remembered always. The love she gave so freely remains with us, carried in our hearts and reflected in the way we care for one another.

She leaves cherished memories with her husband, Roy Rodriguez of 66 years. Her 2 children: Ron (Gena) and Rachel (Greg). Her grandchildren: Roberto (Sarah), Francisco (Amanda), Daniel, Gregory, Taylor, Ashley, and Matthew. Her 5 great-grandchildren: Aneisa, Danielle, Addison, Romeo, Justin and her sweet precious dog, Baby. Her brothers: Frank (Rosemary), Richard, Gilbert (Connie) and sister Socorro "Cora" Flores.

She is at peace with her brother Santiago "Art" Flores and sister Irma Flores.

Excerpts from Rosie's Prayer Journal:

Lord Jesus, I continue to thank you for all the blessings you have given my family throughout the years. My family, my brothers and friends but most of all YOU. I don't know how I could have done it without you. I love you so much.

Your daughter, Rosie

I know we're here for a time and when you call me home I want to say here I am, your humble servant Rosie. Thank you for your love and understanding

Always your daughter, Rosie

Lord, I could write a book on all you have done with my life. I guess I've kept you busy. I thank you for never giving up on me. I love you so much and I pray for your forgiveness and that I be filled with your mercies and grace.

Your daughter for all eternity, Rosie