Jesus Rivas Rodriguez, 78, of Defiance, passed away on  Friday, March 11, 2016 at Defiance Regional Medical Center.  
  
He was born on April 10, 1937 to Pedro and Maria de Jesus (Rivas) Aguirre in Mexico. On December 27, 1976 he married Amabilia (Garza) Rodriguez, who resides in Defiance.  

Jesse was a member of St. John Catholic Church in Defiance, and VFW Post #3360. He was a hard worker, having spent ten years working in a Wauseon Foundry and worked for 26 years at General Motors in Defiance, where he had many good friends. He spent his retirement years with his loving wife and children. He enjoyed traveling to Mexico to visit relatives, cooking out, and tending to his garden. He will be sadly missed by many.
  
Jesus is survived by his loving spouse of 40 years, Amabilia Rodriguez of Defiance, sons, Edward Diaz Rodriguez, Hermilo Diaz Rodriguez, Rodrigo Diaz Rodriguez, daughter Alma Rose Rodriguez, and sister, Rosalba Rodriguez V.
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Pedro F. Rodriguez, Jesus F. Rodriguez, Pedro R. Rodriguez, and Cesar R. R. Rodriguez.
  
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 11:00 am at St. John Catholic Church, Defiance, with Fr. Eric Mueller officiating.
  
Memorials are suggested to the church, or American Cancer Society. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.