Maria Delores Longoria

Maria Dolores Longoria

December 13, 1942 – August 28, 2025

María Dolores Longoria, lovingly known to all as Tía Lola, passed away peacefully of natural causes on August 28, 2025, in Layton, Utah. She was 82 years old.

Born on December 13, 1942, in Hidalgo, Texas, Lola was the beloved daughter of Juanita Ruiz and José Ángel Longoria. From an early age, she demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility, love, and intelligence. As the eldest child, she cared for her four younger brothers as if they were her own—cooking, cleaning, changing diapers, and managing the household with maturity beyond her years.

Lola was a serious student who loved school and formed lifelong friendships. After graduating high school, she attended a secretarial school and soon began a successful career with the Social Security Administration, where she served as a Federal employee until her retirement. Her dedication and work ethic set a powerful example for her family.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tía Lola served faithfully in many callings and found joy in helping others, especially her family. Her life was one of quiet, steady service.

Lola gave her time to so many people, but among the many, two remarkable women stand out: Lola’s mother, Juanita Longoria, and Lola’s aunt, Virginia Ruiz Tovalin. Lola devotedly cared for each of them for years at a time, remaining steadfastly at each one’s side and rendering attentive, dedicated care during their later years and final illnesses.

She was deeply loved by her many nieces and nephews, whom she treated as her own children. Tía Lola never missed a birthday—she would call and sing “Las Mañanitas” in Spanish, leaving the song as a heartfelt voice message if no one answered. She often took the bus to bring her nieces and nephews on special outings for a treat, always creating simple but magical memories.

One cherished memory comes from a grand-niece who recalls their annual back-to-school trips to the ZCMI mall. Tía Lola would plan the bus route together, have her count out the bus fare, and let her choose school clothes at JCPenney. They’d finish the day with lunch at the food court—throwing a coin in the fountain, grabbing a McDonald’s hamburger and a shake from Orange Julius. These traditions, repeated year after year, became a lasting symbol of Tía Lola’s love and consistency.

Tía Lola was also the heart of the family kitchen. She lovingly taught her nieces and nephews how to make homemade tortillas, tamales, enchilada sauce, and polvorones (Mexican wedding cookies). These were more than recipes—they were expressions of culture, love, and memory. She even created a family cookbook to pass down these traditions, making sure her heritage and her heart would continue in every kitchen. Christmastime was especially treasured, as the family would gather together under her direction to make tamales, turning the kitchen into a joyful, delicious celebration of family unity.

In addition to her love of cooking, Tía Lola was a devoted fan of telenovelas. She delighted in following the dramatic storylines and would often call up family members to discuss the latest plot twists, character betrayals, and cliffhangers. Talking about telenovelas with her mom, aunt and sister-in-laws was one of her favorite ways to connect and share laughter, opinions, and excitement. Her vivid storytelling and reactions made every conversation more entertaining—and everyone knew not to call during her favorite shows!

One of the most memorable celebrations of her life was her 80th birthday, a joyful gathering that perfectly captured who she was and what she loved. Surrounded by her family, Tía Lola was honored with a live mariachi band that knew every song requested—filling the room with the music of her heart. Laughter, music, and memories flowed freely as stories were shared, and her friends and family members came together to celebrate this incredible woman who had touched all their lives. It was a day filled with love, tradition, and the beautiful legacy she had built.

In her later years, she spent time living with family in Kaysville, Utah, where she continued to bless others with her stories, songs in Spanish, and deep affection for her great-grand nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Juanita and José Ángel Longoria; her brother Alfredo Longoria; and her niece Karolina Longoria. She is survived by her loving brothers Jaime Longoria, Alejandro Longoria, and Francisco Longoria and his wife Anne, as well as her dear sister-in-law June Longoria. Tía Lola leaves behind a large extended family who will miss her warmth, her generosity, and her unforgettable birthday songs.

Tía Lola’s legacy is one of unwavering love, service, and devotion. Her presence was a gift, and her memory will continue to inspire and bless generations to come.

Graveside services will be held Friday, September 5, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 S. 200 W. Friends may visit family prior from 12 noon to 1:30pm at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E.