Maria M. Diaz

Maria Rodriguez Diaz, 80, a longtime Wenatchee resident, passed away peacefully at home on March 2, 2010. Maria was born on March 20, 1929 in Independence, Kansas. She was the fourth child of the late Esidro Rodriquez and Valentina Juarez. She lived in the Texas and Arizona area during her growing years. When Maria was 14.5 her mother died of cancer, she took care of her brothers and sisters until her father placed her and her sisters in an orphanage until he remarried. At the age of 21 she married Mauricio Diaz in Eloy, Arizona. For the next 10 years the family migrated from Eloy, Arizona to, Washington State, following agricultural work. In 1960 the family settled in Quincy, WA. In 1972 the family bought a small orchard in Wenatchee, WA, as well as several rental residences. Maria was a strong and intelligent woman. She survived many illnesses. She loved to tell stories about when she was growing up; she recalled the names of long-ago friends and minuet details of long-ago events. Maria loved going to the casino, gardening and having yard sales. She is survived by: one brother: Lalo Rodriguez, Illinois; two sister: Elena Rodriguez, California; Josefina Guadian, California; three daughters: Jovita (Ruben) Balderas, Moses Lake, WA, Blanca (Lalo) Gonzalez, Moses Lake, WA and Valentina (Ruben) Sauceda, Wenatchee, WA; five sons: Ruben (Sheila) Ornelas, Wenatchee, WA; Jerry Ornelas, Wenatchee, WA; Martin (Susie) Diaz, Wenatchee, WA; Mauricio Jr. (Tiffany) Diaz, Wenatchee, WA; and Daniel Ornelas; 21 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren: and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her husband of 60 years, Mauricio Diaz; her parents, 3 brothers, 1 sister, a granddaughter Rosemary Gonzalez, August 12, 1989 and a son Juan Michael Ornelas, February 19, 1994. Visitation of Maria is Monday, March 8, 2010 from 10:00 AM ~ 5:00 PM at Telford's Chapel of the Valley Funeral Home, East Wenatchee, WA. Funeral Services begin at 10:30 AM Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at Telford's Chapel with graveside to follow at Wenatchee Cemetery, Wenatchee, WA. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee, WA Rest in peace, Mámi, until we meet again.

Maria M. Diaz

March 20, 1929 - March 2, 2010