Lydia Rico Muñoz passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on May 16, 2017, one week short of her 88th birthday. She was surrounded by her children and numerous grandchildren. Long time residence of Fillmore, she and John moved to Reno, Nevada in 1994 making their home there for the past 23 years. Lydia was born on May 23, 1929, in Anaheim, California to Francisco and Petra Rico, and was the third of six daughters. Her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where they lived until she was fourteen years old, at which time they moved to Fillmore, California. Lydia married John Lopez Muñoz on February 9, 1945; they were married for 72 years at the time of her death. She is survived by her devoted husband John, children: John Muñoz (Jane), Martin Muñoz (Betty), Martha Vargas, Marie Griffin (Ken), Kathy Meza, Peter Muñoz (Debbie), granddaughter Danielle Moore Murdock, whom she and John raised from a young age. Lydia was blessed with 20 Grandchildren, 45 Great-grandchildren and 7 Great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Virginia Jimenez and Gloria Johnson. She was preceeded in death by her daughter, Terri Muñoz.
During the 1960’s, Lydia worked for many years at the Fillmore Citrus Packing House. In the 1970’s she worked in her husbands office, John L. Muñoz Pipe Company. She enjoyed spending time with her family, camping and traveling. She and John traveled to many places including, Hawaii, Mexico, Israel, Egypt and Italy, she most cherished visiting Vatican City in Rome. The family’s fondest memories of her were the get togethers on Mountain View St. in Fillmore for holidays, birthdays and any other special occasion.
Lydia was very active at the Saint Francis Parish in Fillmore. In the 1960’s she was a member of the Guadalupanas, a women’s service organization at the church. They made tamales once a month to raise money for the church. She and her husband were members of the Los Padrinos Club, which started the Black and White dances that were very popular. In the 1980’s she had a circle of friends that Father Norman affectionately dubbed the “Golden Girls”. They would go to morning mass together and then have breakfast at one of the local restaurants or at one of the ladies’ homes, Father Norman joined them quite often. Lydia was an impressive seamstress who made dresses for her sisters and daughters.
A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017, at St. Therese-Little Flower Catholic Church. 875 East Plumb Lane, Reno, Nevada. 89502