"I have been so Blessed to have known Vicky. She was the most Selfless person I have known, she never left anyone behind. She Loved Her Church Santa Cruz and Her Family and Her Friends! There was nothing impossible for Vicky when it came to helping others. I never imagined how painful it would be without her until death took her away. Our Memories will always be in my Heart as well as my families where there is a special place for her. Heaven has gained a Great Soul, and I know she is Singing with the Angels Choir in Heaven. Be at Peace My Friend! Great Job Good and Faithful Servant of God! Okay Mija, I won?t say Goodbye but See You Soon! May You Rest In Peace! "
In loving memory of
Virginia Y Riojas
August 26, 1948 - February 7, 2021
Virginia (Vicky) Ybanez Riojas, Our precious and beautiful Sister loved by family and so many friends; took the stairway to Heaven to be with Jesus on Sunday, February 07, 2021 at the age of 72 after battling pancreatic cancer. She loved and touched so many.
Our Vicky was born on a beautiful morning on August, 26, 1948 to Leopoldo and Cruz Ybanez. She married John E. Riojas on October 30, 1976. They made their home in Buda, Texas.
Vicky was raised in Lamesa, Texas, graduated from Lamesa High School and moved to Austin, Texas in 1970. She worked for the State of Texas, Parks and Wildlife Division. She attended Austin Community College and earned an Associate's Degree. She later worked and retired from the City of Austin as a Lead Realtor.
Vicky was a very loving and caring person: full of life and love for family and friends. Incredibly giving...always helping others. She was a special gift of love and life. She loved to sing, dance, and exercise. She was known as the Dancing Queen. She taught Jazzercise in the 80s and later line dancing at the Buda Senior Citizen's Center. She taught Ballet Folklorico to the Reitmeier Kids. She was a great mentor and teacher to the kids and one of them became an orthopedic surgeon and two others became priest.
She is a member of The Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda, Texas for over 48 years, including being a member of the Spanish Choir, The Onion Creek Senior Nurse Home Center, and The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. She's an honorary member of the Legion of Mary and was honored to sing at their first Saturday mass. She was past president and an active member of the Guadalupanas of the Guadalupana Society at Santa Cruz Catholic Church. On the first Saturday of each month, she sang at the Santa Cruz Chapel with the choir. Her life was a living example of the Bible verse, Ephesian 4:32 - "And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ." She was a very loving caring Sister.
Vicky is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, two brothers and her loving husband. She is survived by three brothers, Ismael, Joe, Gilberto, and five sisters, Carolina, Angelita, Antonia, Clara and Mary. Nieces, Germaine, Raquel, Amanda, Rosie, Sara, Nora, Dorothy, Barbara, and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Ybanez family wishes to thank everyone for all their love, prayers and support during Vicky's fight. She was an extraordinary, strong, humorous, and loving person who loved to dress up, dance and have fun. She loved her family, friends, and church. She will be deeply missed.
A Rosary will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 15, 20201, followed by a service celebrating Vicky's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, March 15, 2021 at the Santa Cruz Catholic Church, 1100 Main Street, Buda Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Santa Cruz Catholic Church. Condolences can be sent to 502 Kingfisher Creek Drive, Austin, TX 78748.
Tributes
"I just can?t believe mijita, (as you called each of us) you are gone. I wake up in the morning thinking I?ll never see you again accept in the channel of my mind. I wish it to be just a bad dream and I?ll wake up. I?m so sorry for being so selfish as I know God has you in His arms. ??"
"Vicki it\' saddens us to your passing, you\'ll be next to your husband who adored and loved you very much. We will miss you very much. You were a wonderful wife to my brother, you were wonderful to our mom. We all miss you we love you will always remember the kindness you showed to all of us. God bless you Vicki. "
"Vicky was a Saint because she was married to a Great Saint in her husband Deacon John (Sonny) Riojas! However, no one cared for the needed like Miss Vicky. Miss Vicky was loved and we all will miss her beautiful smile and hugs. No one worked harder for the church and community like Miss Vicky. Our condolences to her family whom she loved so much! Sincerely, Dr. Lee & Thelma Polanco and their spiritual Godparents to Trace Polanco, MD and Stephen Polanco"
"So sorry for your loss. Vicky was a very special lady . She loved her Zumba."
"Vicky,
I remember growing up a house away from you and Johnny. You were a great friend, neighbor and member of the community. Going over to see your horse and getting those buddy bars are forever with me. We will miss you dearly and know you are reunited with Johnny and resting in peace. We love you.
-Andrea Mendoza-Wood and Family."
"Gracias por tu cariño y entrega desinteresada a nuestra familia. Te amamos y honraremos cada momento compartido. Dios te bendiga en la eternidad. "
"My condolences to the Ybanez Family on the loss of their beloved Vicky. Thank you for sharing her with us. My dearest, Awesome Blossom, you have left a void in my heart, but I am filling it with the many wonderful, fun- filled memories you helped create for me and my family. It was truly a joy to be counted among one of your friends because to you friends became family. You were part of my family for so many years. Thank you for all the times we shared, all the celebrations, the church activities, the singing and dancing. Oh the dancing we did. We kicked up our heels in my kitchen, senior citizen hall, parties and of course our beloved Santa Cruz Hall. Your were the motivator and inspiration in my life. We shared our joys, accomplishments, and our sorrows. Heaven is truly rejoicing at having their singing angel home. I will miss you my big sister!"
"Oh Vicky! How I love you! We are sad, but we know YOU are glad. We are lonely, but you have become holy. We miss your laughter, but know you are FINE hereafter. We imagine you dancing - while to Jesus, you are advancing! We carry you in our hearts; to you, our blessing imparts. Be at peace and send us your love; fly Angel, fly like a Dove! Your spirit will be with us always, and with God unending days! Oh Vicky! How I love you! "
"My condolences to the family. I was priveleged to know sweet and caring Vicky. She was responsible for our line dance group to perform our X-mas line dances at Santa Cruz Church. Her and I were working on creating a line dance to one of her Zumba dances. Was so much fun. I will always remember her and I was priveleged to have her as a friend. Now she is another one of God\'s saints. ????????"