Rosa Vargas-Godino

Rosa passed away with love, faith, and her family by her side. Born in Gonzales, Texas, she lived with fierce determination, deep faith, and a love that held generations together. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she was the person her family turned to, whatever the circumstances, knowing they would find comfort, honesty, and the strength to begin again.

Among Rosa’s greatest accomplishments was raising seven children as a single mother. She worked hard at the beef plant, providing for her family through sacrifice and perseverance. Her courage reached beyond her own needs as she fought for equal rights for her fellow Latino workers, standing up for fairness, dignity, and respect.

Though Rosa had little opportunity for an education herself, she refused to let that hold her back. Through grit and determination, she built a life of purpose and accomplishment. She knew how far she had come and wanted education to open even more doors for her family. She pushed them to learn, recognize their potential, and pursue the opportunities she had worked so hard to make possible. She was immensely proud of her family and never missed a chance to share their accomplishments with others. Their successes were her joy; their setbacks were a reason to draw them closer. She was always ready to pick them up, dust them off, and encourage them to try again. As she often said, “Fall down seven times, get up eight.”

She was the glue that held her family together, and she always made room for more. Rosa welcomed children and grandchildren beyond her own, helping raise and guide them with wholehearted devotion. With her, belonging was never a question.

Rosa also knew how to enjoy life. She loved dancing, singing, and the thrill of a little friendly gambling, including football squares, cards, Bingo, and slot machines. She cheered for her Denver Broncos, treasured family barbecues, and loved watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren play sports. Being there for her family, in the stands and throughout their lives, mattered deeply to her.

Her faith sustained her through it all. Rosa loved going to church, trusted in God’s will, and lived with gratitude for every day He granted her. That faith gave her the strength to meet hardship and still find reasons to celebrate.

Rosa is survived by her children, Linda Mendez (Gary); Fernando Rodriquez; Lisa Urquizo (Lupe); Joe Rodriquez; and Cory Godino Vargas; and her granddaughter, Kayla Ceniceros, whom she adopted and raised as her own. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, the many others she embraced as family, and two beloved grand-dogs.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Louisa “Lulu,” her son, Eddie, and her six siblings. Rosa loved the song “Seven Angels,” believing it reflected the bond she shared with her siblings. With her passing, those seven angels are now together.

Rosa’s legacy lives in the family she raised, the workers she stood beside, and the many people who found a home in her heart. Her family will remember her whenever they gather, celebrate one another, or find the courage to get back up. She gave them a lifetime of love and the strength to carry it forward.

An open viewing will be held Thursday, October 8, from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the Rosary from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Heer Mortuary Chapel, 225 E. Platte Ave. in Fort Morgan.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 9, at 10 a.m. at St. Helena Catholic Church, 917 W 7th Ave. in Fort Morgan followed by burial. A reception will follow at the American Legion, 121 Nelson Road in Fort Morgan.