Rose Hawkins

Maria del Rosario Santos Hawkins was born October 7, 1948 in Laredo, Texas.  Rose was the third of seven children of Domingo Santos, Sr. and Elodia Rios Santos.  She grew up in Laredo with her large family where she attended and graduated from Nixon High School.  Academics came easy to Rose as she had a constant thirst for knowledge. Reading was a favorite past time of hers and the topics were numerous.

She was married to Billy Hawkins from August 22, 1968 to November 21, 1985.  In July 1969, she gave birth to her son, James Hawkins and then in January of 1971, gave birth to her daughter, Janie Hawkins.  Probably her most favorite role in life second only to being a Grandma.

Life is an Adventure could surely be seen as her personal motto.  She was always up for a new adventure and open opportunities.  Travel was most definitely a favorite hobby.  From coast to coast, mountains to desert and of course her favorite, tropical islands.  She was up for riding motorcycles through the desert, hiking in the mountains, strolls through wildflower fields, shopping through local markets.  Just add water and she was there.  She loved her adventures in and around the water.  Snorkeling, scuba diving, boating or just splashing around with the kids, she was ready to go.

Later in life, Rose and her sister Tonie embarked on what was supposed to be her retirement years.  Crafting had always been a big part of her life and so naturally, they put that craftiness to good use.  Since She and Tonie both enjoyed going to craft shows, they decided to be a part of the craft show scene.  Combining two of her favorite hobbies, travel and crafts, they hit the road with the big white suburban loaded with all the items they made by hand, night after night.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Ana Villarreal, and her brother Jose Francisco Santos.

Her survivors include son, James Hawkins and his spouse Janet Hawkins of Houston, Texas, her daughter Janie Hoover of Bayfield, Colorado.  Her surviving siblings include, Carmen Vasquez of San Antonio, Domingo Santos, Jr. of Austin, Yolanda Sendejo of Utah and her youngest sister and roomie Tonie Santos of Odessa, Tx.  She was blessed with five grandchildren, Kayla Hoover of Durango, CO., Elizabeth, Rylie and Preston Hoover of Bayfield, Colorado and Caelen Hawkins of Houston, TX.

Rose passed away on April 13, 2021 at the age of 72 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.  She always provided support and love for her family.

Rose’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Basin Orthopedic Surgical Specialists (B.O.S.S.) and Texas Oncology – Odessa West Texas Cancer Center.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to West Texas Gifts of Hope (westtexasgiftsofhope.org).