Daena Anai Rios, 42, passed away on May 22, 2025, surrounded by family, in Wichita, Kansas. She was born on November 13, 1982 in Juan Aldama, Zacatecas, Mexico. She is the daughter of Juana and Heriberto Rios.

Daena, with her parents and siblings, came to the United States in September 1990, starting a new life in Lakin, Kansas. She graduated from Lakin High School in 2001. Right after high school, she attended Garden City Community College, graduating with an associate’s degree. After that, she went on to Fort Hays State University, graduating with a Bachelors in Education. After college, she immediately took on the career of an Elementary School teacher. She made Liberal, Kansas her home in 2011.

She took much pride in her career as a second-grade teacher at Sunflower Elementary in Liberal, Kansas. Her love for education touched the lives of many students and colleagues over the last 15 years.

She enjoyed going out for coffee and food with friends, reading, listening to podcasts and binge watching her favorite shows. Family meant a lot to Daena, as she frequently visited and stayed in Lakin with her family during school breaks. She loved taking her mom and nephew, Romeo out for coffee and lunch any chance she could.

Survivors include parents Heriberto and Juana Rios of Lakin, KS; Siblings, Eddie Rios of Mexico, Brenda Rocio Rios, of Lakin, KS, Rolando Rios of Lakin, KS, Perla Rios of Garden City, KS, Angel Rios of Hays, KS; Nieces and nephew, Juliana Rios of Lakin, KS, Jessica Rios of Lakin, KS and Romeo Rios of Lakin, KS.

There will be no public services held at this time. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Daena Rios Memorial Fund in care of Garnand Funeral Home.

Garnand Funeral Home P.O. Box 91 Lakin, Kansas 67860