Rosa "Ro" Marie Arias, pronouns they/she, 31, most recently residing in Camden, Delaware, tragically passed away July 7, 2026, in Junction, Texas. Their funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM with a rosary at 6:00 PM at Doeppenschmidt Funeral Home in New Braunfels, Texas. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in New Braunfels, Texas. Ro is to be cremated with their ashes spread among the places most dear to them.

Ro was born in Miami, Florida on August 15, 1994, along with their triplet sister Angela and brother Joseph to James C. Dion and Karen R. Parrott (née Camus). Ro grew up in Miami, Florida and Forest Grove, Oregon during their childhood, and New Braunfels, Texas during their adolescence. Ro was one of the oldest children in their large family, and the second oldest triplet. As a child, Ro was sensitive, intelligent, and wise beyond their years. They had an aptitude for music, loved to sing, and learned how to play the violin at an early age. They were an excellent student, often receiving top grades, honors, and recognition throughout their schooling. They were popular and well liked amongst their peers, and always ready to lend a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. As a teenager, they worked alongside their triplet sister and brother at Sonic Drive In where they sharpened their roller-skating abilities. In high school, they graduated in the top nine percent of their class which earned them automatic acceptance into the University of Texas at Austin, where they graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. They had a vocation for helping others, especially those experiencing structural disadvantages and mental health difficulties. After graduating from UT, they worked tirelessly to help homeless veterans attain stability and improve their health. While living in Austin, they met many of their closest friends. In 2019 they moved to Denver, Colorado where they began working in the non-profit mental health sector as a peer support specialist where they utilized their unique perspective and life experience to uplift and support others to access mental health services. They designed and facilitated programs internationally with the Intentional Peer Support organization to guide people all over the world on how to best support those experiencing emotional turmoil and adverse life events through mutual support. In 2023 Ro met their partner Casey in line for a concert at Cervantes in Denver, Colorado, an apt beginning to a passionate romance. Casey and Ro moved in with their respective two cats and started to build a life together. In 2026, Ro and Casey left Denver to travel across the country where they briefly lived in New Mexico with close friends.

Ro was a beloved partner, sister, daughter, and friend. They were a wise mentor and trusted confidant to many. Ro was an avid roller-skater, talented performer, writer, singer, and musician, and played just about any instrument they could get their hands on, primarily guitar and violin. Ro was an expert on rocks and minerals, and their loved ones were frequently showered with gifts of their latest finds. Ro was a devoted cat mom to multiple cats with complex medical needs. Ro was deeply spiritual and unafraid to lovingly explore the bonds that connect us all, living and deceased. Ro put others' needs before their own, always. In 2025, when Ro's father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, they took time off from work to be one of his primary caregivers in Texas, spending day and night at the hospital until his death in August 2025. Ro then returned to Denver, where after a short time made the decision to travel the country and prioritize their mental and physical wellbeing. For six months, Ro, Casey, and the cats traveled, camped, and mostly, fished. Ro was able to experience the vast beauty and serenity that life and nature have to offer, eventually settling temporarily in Camden, Delaware. Ro was a bright, warm light in this world. They had an abundant love that was easily and readily given which will continue to resonate exponentially in their wake. They saved many lives and touched countless more with their diligence and dedication to serving the needs of others, even at their own expense. They were giving beyond what could be reasonably expected. They were a physical embodiment of kindness, generosity, and justice. They cared deeply for their loved ones, known and unknown, and never hesitated to do and speak up for what is right. They will be deeply, profoundly missed by all who knew and loved them.

Ro is preceded in death by their father James C. Dion, stepfather Mark S. Parrott, grandparents Rosemary Camus (née Arias) and George E. Camus, grandparents Diane Dion (née Waste) and Bernard E. Dion, and great-grandmother Celia Arias (née Martinez). They are survived by their partner Casey Kon, mother Karen Parrott, stepmother Lucy Dion, sisters Angela Dion, Divine Arias, Sarah Lian, and Nicole Parrott, brothers Joseph Dion, Stephen Dion, Joshua Dion, Carlos Cervantes, and Ernest Cervantes, aunts and uncles, and countless cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Yarrow Collective, a by/for/with lived experience organization that builds non-carceral, consent-based alternatives to mental health services through peer support, recovery, and harm reduction. Ro worked closely with this organization and supported their mission with all their heart.

https://www.yarrowcollective.org/

https://yarrowcollective.networkforgood.com/projects/284487-donate-to-yarrow-collective

Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com