August 26, 1948 – February 11, 2025
Memorial services for Carmen Rios Bleyle, 76, of San Antonio, TX and formerly of Mobridge will be at 10:30, Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge. Inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery. Carmen passed peacefully at her home on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, following a brief but brave battle with cancer.
Born on August 26, 1948, in Knox City, Texas, to Domingo and Aurora (Salinias) Rios, Carmen was the second oldest of five children. In her teenage years, her family relocated to Illinois in search of better opportunities. It was there, at age 21, that she met the love of her life, Jacob “Jake” S. Bleyle, through her brother Guadalupe. Jake, though just 15 at the time, declared his love instantly claiming to be 18 and promising that he would marry her one day. True to his word, the couple eloped in Indiana on June 15, 1970.
Together, Jake and Carmen built a vibrant and loving family, raising four daughters, one son, and two beloved nieces. In 1973, they made their home in Mobridge, SD, where their door was always open. Over the course of more than two decades, Carmen and Jake fostered nearly 350 children, offering warmth, stability, and love to each one.
Carmen devoted her life to caring for others, both her own family and the many children who came through her home. She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel welcome, and it was not unusual to find her cooking for ten or more people on any given day. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, filled with the aromas of home-cooked meals and the sounds of laughter and love.
Beyond her nurturing spirit, Carmen was a woman of great personality and unforgettable presence. Petite in stature but mighty in will, she was known for her quick wit, unfiltered honesty, and warm heart. She loved playing cards—especially the beloved family game of Blitz—and found joy in gardening, camping, fishing, birdwatching, and hosting family gatherings. Her infectious smile, strong opinions, and kind soul will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
Carmen was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Jacob S. Bleyle; daughter, Jessica Bleyle; granddaughter, Tasha Simmons; great-grandson, Danilo Guerrero Duarte; her parents, Domingo and Aurora Rios; her sister, Olivia Andrade; and her beloved dog, Daisy.
She is survived by her children: JoAnn (Berry) Schmidt of San Antonio, TX; Joni (Donnie) Swift of Mobridge, SD; Carmen Castello Bleyle of Sioux Falls, SD; Shawn Bleyle of Eureka, SD; Crystal (Laura Cina) Bleyle of St. Paul, MN; and Tabatha Bleyle of Mobridge, SD. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Erica (William Sr.) Clark, Kasandra (Matthew) Conrad, Christopher Simmons, Jacob D. Bleyle, Luis Duarte, Gavin Jamerson Swift, Santana Duarte, Quincey Bleyle, Mack Saxon III, Tyral Bleyle, and Marayha Bleyle, as well as her great-grandchildren: William Jr. and Phillip Clark, Nevaeh, Bella, and Ryder Conrad, and Luciano Duarte.
She is also survived by her sisters, Ernestina Rios of San Antonio, TX, Eloisa (Manuel) Santiago of Dallas, TX, and brother, Guadalupe Rios of San Antonio, TX, along with countless nieces, nephews, foster children, and friends who became family over the years.
Carmen Rios Bleyle leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and community. Her family and friends will forever carry her memory in their hearts.
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