Consilia Rita (Elizaldi) Higgs

Consilia Rita Higgs was one of six siblings, born September 1, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, to Ambrosia A. Elizaldi and Margaret (Ridley) Elizaldi.

Consilia affectionately known as "Rita", attended Roosevelt High School and obtained additional education in various fields of studies and work.

Rita moved to Memphis, Tennessee in the early 2000's. While a resident of Memphis, she united in matrimony to the late Ray Higgs on November 7, 2002. Both Ray and Rita were baptized on January 22, 2011, as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. She was active in her community receiving various accolades for her many contributions.

After the loss of her husband in 2015, Rita retired from MATA Transit in February 2016. Rita then moved to Crete, Illinois, where she resided with her daughter and son-in-law. Rita was a devoted wife, mother and friend. She enjoyed traveling, dancing, her family, and life itself.

Rita departed this world on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray E. Higgs; her son, Joseph A. Rodriguez; parents, Ambrosia A. Elizaldi and Margaret  Elizaldi; her sisters, Carmelita Gonzalez and Wanda Elizaldi; and her brother, Ricardo Elizaldi.

She leaves to cherish her memories: loving children, Marcina E. Malaves of Indianapolis, Indiana and Lusecita (Steven) Galindo of Crete, Illinois; 2 sisters, Marcina (Jim) Hisick and Angelita Otero; 2 cousins, Roy (Antoinette) Roddy and Tyran Roddy; 8 grandchildren, Julissa Molina, Samantha Muniz, Zachary Moore, Helena Sutton, Que Juan Sutton, Starlita Rodriguez, Jessica Rodriguez, and Axiel Rodriguez; 6 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.

Friends and family may visit on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. with Celebration of Consilia's Life on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Both services will be held from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408. 219-980-5555. In honor of her wishes, Consilia will be buried in Memphis, Tennessee at the VA Cemetery united with her husband.

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