09/03/2026
Hilda B. Hernandez Riojas, 91, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and matriarch of her family, passed away on August 31, 2026. Born in Del Rio, Texas, she lived a life defined by strength, family, tradition, faith, and plenty of laughter.
Hilda was the eldest daughter of Castulo and Concepcion “Concha” Hernandez. She grew up alongside her siblings Castulo “Cacho” Hernandez Jr. and his wife, Consuelo; Deacon Arnoldo “Songie” Hernandez; Olga H. Gutierrez and her husband, Dr. Alfredo Gutierrez; Deacon Eliezer “Chicho” Hernandez and his wife, Manuela; and Juan “Johnny” Hernandez.
The Hernandez family owned and operated Hernandez Bakery, located catty-corner from Brown Plaza, also known as La Placita, in Del Rio’s San Felipe neighborhood. The entire family worked at the bakery, which became the center of countless family gatherings and the source of Hilda’s legendary sweet tooth.
Family members would gather on the bakery steps to enjoy events at La Placita throughout the year. The younger cousins played and chased one another while the adults laughed, told jokes, caught up on neighborhood news, and enjoyed simply being together. Those gatherings helped establish the deep sense of family and tradition that Hilda carried throughout her life.
Hilda was an adventurous and strong-willed child who was never afraid to take risks. A tomboy at heart, she enjoyed playing marbles and flying kites. When she was feeling especially mischievous, she would climb a tree and remain there for hours while her parents waited patiently below for her to come down. She also regularly won wrestling competitions with her brother, earning her the nickname “Campeona.”
Hilda met her future husband, Salomon Riojas, when they were in the ninth grade. They married on Christmas Day in 1954 at Guadalupe Church in Del Rio. Their marriage spanned more than 71 years, and together they raised four children: Rebecca “Becky” Barrera, Salomon Riojas Jr., Sylvia Cyprian, and Ruben Riojas.
Hilda once said that among the happiest moments of her life were marrying Salomon and welcoming their first child. This also inspired a long-running family joke: the firstborn was always special, the youngest would forever be “the baby,” and the children in the middle were “chopped liver.”
A proud graduate of the San Felipe High School Class of 1953, Hilda remained a Mustang throughout her life. She looked forward to attending the San Felipe Exes reunions and especially enjoyed dressing up for the Black and White Ball.
For nearly 20 years, Hilda worked at Laughlin Air Force Base, where she was the Director of Business Operations in the 47th Contracting Squadron. Following her retirement, she and Salomon traveled across the country in their RV. Their adventures included Las Vegas and trips through New Mexico, Tennessee, Louisiana, and numerous other destinations.
Hilda’s greatest devotion was always to her family. She loved to cook, particularly during the holidays. She eagerly researched new recipes, although she often returned to the traditional meals and side dishes her family knew and loved. As the family grew, gathering together to make tamales and buñuelos became a treasured tradition that brought multiple generations into the kitchen and created memories that will continue long after her passing.
Hilda was a member of the ACTS faith community. She loved listening to Vicente Fernandez, enjoyed playing computer games, and rarely allowed anything to stand between her and a trip to the Kickapoo Casino in Eagle Pass.
Even as her health declined and doctors encouraged healthier habits, Hilda never lost her honesty or sense of humor. She readily informed them that she hated exercising and had absolutely no difficulty eating or sleeping.
Hilda is survived by her devoted husband of more than 71 years, Salomon Riojas; her children, Sylvia and Robert Cyprian and Ruben and Rita Riojas; her son-in-law, Jesse Barrera; and her brothers, Deacon Arnoldo “Songie” Hernandez and Deacon Eliezer “Chicho” Hernandez.
Her grandchildren are Jessica Hilda Rodriguez (LaShawn), Becky Marie Morales (Victor), Jesus Salomon Barrera Jr. (Stephanie), Nina Nicole Jones (Craig), Cheyann Cole (Aaron), and Rita Serena Riojas.
Her great-grandchildren are Nevaeh Marie Barrera, Kenneth Rayford Alexander, Romeo Barrera, Franky Martinez, Julie Martinez, Daniel Anthony, Katalia Shay Gavin, Jesse Ryan Barrera, Rebecca Ariana Barrera, and Arlo Jones, and her great-great-grandchild is Aaliyah Martinez. Hilda is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews, along with many extended family members whose lives were shaped by her love and presence.
Hilda was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Rebecca “Becky” Barrera; her son, Salomon Riojas Jr.; and her siblings, Castulo “Cacho” Hernandez Jr., Olga H. Gutierrez, and Juan “Johnny” Hernandez. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with those she loved and missed.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Guadalupe Church, followed by interment at San Felipe Cemetery in Del Rio, Texas.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Marylou Navarro and Vicenta Richter of Paloma Hospice in Del Rio. Their kindness, compassion, and devoted care during Hilda’s final months made them a true part of the family. May God bless them and the entire Paloma Hospice team. They are truly angels who walk among us.
Hilda’s family will remember her as a strong-willed and devoted woman who loved deeply, worked hard, honored her traditions, and held her family together across generations. Her stories, humor, recipes, faith, and enduring love will remain with all those fortunate enough to have known her.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Memorial Oaks Funeral Homes, Del Rio, Texas, (830) 778-2020. Serving families with dignity and respect.
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