Mrs. Maria Sanchez, age 60, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

She was born on October 8, 1965, in Los Ranchos de Pejan, Mexico, the daughter of Gustavo Rios and Maria Elena Puga.

Maria was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She cherished time spent with her family and friends, and she especially loved being with her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

In addition to her parents, She is survived by her devoted husband of over 50 years, Armando Sanchez; her sons, Anthony Sanchez, and Victor Sanchez and his wife Janet Delgado, all of Dalton, Georgia; her daughters, Guadalupe Sanchez, Mayra Sanchez and her husband Cesar Zaragoza, Doris Sanchez and her husband Antonio Zaragoza, all of Dalton, Georgia.

She is also survived by her sisters, Yolanda Rios, Teresa Rios, Margarita Rios, Amparo Rios, Maria Rios, and Cristina Rios, all of Oxnard, CA.

Maria leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Chloe Zaragoza, Guadalupe Emiliano, Noah Sanchez, Lesly Zaragoza, Mayra Zaragoza, Kaitlin Zaragoza, Amy Zaragoza, Jesse Zaragoza, Cristian Zaragoza, and Victor Sanchez, all of Dalton, Georgia; her great-grandchild, Mateo Rendon of Dalton, Georgia; and her special grand-dog, Toby Sanchez.

A Mass to celebrate the life of Mrs. Maria Sanchez will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Refugio officiating.

Click here to view celebration of Maria Sanchez

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., and again on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, Dalton, Georgia.

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