Mauricia Hughes Herrera, affectionately known as "Chita" and "Mimi," age 75, entered eternal rest on February 21, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her family. She was born on September 25, 1950, in Alice, Texas, to Enrique Hughes Sr. and Ruth Torres Hughes.
On July 27 of 1973, Mauricia married the love of her life, Ricardo Herrera. Together, they built a life founded on love, dedication and hard work. They worked side by side on their small family farm and created "Little Chico's Produce," where they cultivated and sold fresh produce at local flea markets and managed a produce stand in Fremont, Michigan and Bitely, Michigan. This venture was not merely a source of income but a testament to their dedication in supporting their local community by providing low-cost produce. As a devoted homemaker, Mauricia found her greatest joy in raising her children and nurturing her family. She was the heart and soul of her household, offering love and support at every turn. She loved telling stories of her childhood and sharing her experiences with her loved ones. A woman of deep faith, Mauricia grew up faithfully attending the local Baptist Church in Alice, Texas, now known as Emmanuel Baptist Church with her parents, siblings and cousins. She enjoyed watching live church services on television, finding solace and inspiration in the messages. She enjoyed watching birds on her feeders and animals in their natural habitat, finding beauty in all things. For the past six years of her life, Mauricia fought bravely against sarcoma cancer; even though it was a challenging journey, she maintained a positive outlook as she refused to let the illness define her. Her unwavering positivity, resilience and strength during this time are a testament to the woman she was: kind, loving and fierce in her commitment to family, faith and community. Mauricia's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her love, wisdom and the countless memories she created with them. Mauricia's life was a beautiful reflection of love, resilience and devotion an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Enrique Hughes Sr. and Ruth Torres Hughes; siblings, Enrique Hughes Jr., Eleazar Hughes and George Hughes.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ricardo P. Herrera of Walkerville, Michigan; four children, Ricardo Herrera Jr. of Wyoming, Michigan, Rosamaria Herrera of Wyoming, Michigan, Anthony Herrera (Andrea) of Walker, Michigan, and Marisa Herrera of Twin Lake, Michigan; step-daughter, Christina Hammerle (Demas) of Ludington, Michigan; siblings, Carlos Hughes (Blanca) of Alice, Texas, Robert "Bobby" Hughes of Alice, Texas, Johnny Hughes (Norma) of Premont, Texas, Roy Hughes (Sylvia) of Dilley, Texas, and Amanda Hughes (Juan) of Alice, Texas; sister-in-law Dalia Hughes of Alice, Texas; special family friend Yolanda Campos (Balde); grandchildren, Nathan (Amber), Kaleb (Angeline), Lillian, Tyler, Trent, Travis, Tara, Alex, Josiah and Julisa; great-grandchildren, Dylan, Casper, Asta and Gabriel; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
