Dolores “Lola” Rodriguez, 91, of Crookston, Minnesota, died peacefully on December 9, 2024,
at her daughter and son-in-law’s Euclid home, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on March 23, 1933 in Dolores, TX, Lola was known for her strong Catholic faith, beloved cooking, and
unconditional love. Lola grew up in a humble home in Laredo, TX, the daughter of Genaro and
Lorenza Rodriguez. Her early years were defined by hardships, including the Great Depression
and her mother losing her eyesight when Lola was six. Guided by her mother’s voice and a
small stool built by her father, Lola learned to cook, perfecting dishes like migas and papas con
huevos, which became symbols of her care for others.
At 16, while at a dance, Lola spotted a well-dressed young man who’s dance moves caught
everyone’s attention- Alfonso “Poncho” Rodriguez. The two quickly fell in love, married, and
raised five children while navigating many challenges together, migrating between Texas and
Minnesota for seasonal farm work. In 1962, they relocated to Crookston, where they lived
together until Poncho’s passing in 1993.
Lola’s home was her sanctuary, and her kitchen was its heart. Known for her delicious meals,
she brought her family together with warmth and love. Whether serving afterschool hot
chocolate to her niños or fresh pinto beans for visiting familia, Lola made sure no one left her
home hungry. Lola filled many more bellies than just her family’s, working for 27 years at the
University of Minnesota Crookston, where she fed countless students and their appreciation
brought her great joy.
Lola is survived by her five children, Sylvia Santos (Pedro) of Clifton, NJ, Tito Rodriguez of
Wildwood, Florida, Francisco Rodriguez (Ceci) of Longmont, CO, Rosa Rodriguez (Efren Leon)
of Woodbury, MN, and Ileanna Noyes (Dan), of Euclid, MN; her grandchildren, Alexandro Leon
of Woodbury, MN, Adrian Leon of Woodbury, MN, Stephen Noyes (Marie) of Minneapolis, MN,
Dakota Rodriguez of Longmont, CO, Joshua Noyes (Larissa) of Minot, ND, Alina Noyes (Justin
Schill) of Grand Forks, ND, and Diego Rodriguez of Longmont, CO; and three
great-grandchildren: Quinley, Rory, and Mika Noyes. She is also survived by siblings Maria
Luisa, Genaro (Leonor), and Carmen; sister-in-law Belia Flores; and numerous loved ones who
will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Genaro and Lorenza; siblings
Luis Rey, Santana, Paula, Simona, and Catalina; and beloved husband, Poncho.
A celebration of Lola’s life will be held on Saturday, December 14, at 10:30 AM at the Cathedral
of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston, MN with a meal to follow and visitation one hour
prior to service A second service will be held in Laredo, TX through Hernandez Lopez Funeral
Chapel with a burial service to follow. “Grandma” Lola will be remembered by all, and she lives
on through the fideo, tamales, mole, tortillas, and chocolate cake her children and grandchildren
continue to cook for others.
