Emily “Oatmeal” Grace Diaz went to be with the Lord on June 12, 2023.
She was 58 years old. She was born on June 26, 1964 to parents Desmond Dwayne Dallas and Anna Belle Dallas in Amarillo, Texas. Emily graduated from Palo Duro High School in 1982. She won first place in a state-wide typing competition.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Diaz, daughter Roxie (Derek Carpenter), brothers Steven Dallas (Fern), Dan Dallas (Janelle), Mark Dallas, and sister Sherrie Dallas Brewer (Steve) and one beloved grandson Peter.
Emily married the love of her life, Robert Diaz on September 10, 1983; they would have celebrated 40 years of wedded bliss this fall. Emily and Robert were soulmates. Robert thanked her every day for straightening him out and making him into the man he is today. For date nights they loved to drive to Palo Duro Canyon and watch the sunset. Their devotion to each other was deep; through thick and thin they still held hands and told each other how much they loved each other every day.
Together they had their daughter Roxie and parented countless other people throughout their years together. Emily and Robert have built a legacy by taking care of everyone in their times of need that has stretched to coworkers, church members and family friends.
Known as the ultimate prankster, it was not unusual to leave from seeing her with a pair of googly eyes strategically placed on your person without your knowledge. Emily was known for baking extra special cakes for events that stretched her creativity and brought a smile to everyone’s face. Emily’s creativity did not stop with her cake baking skills, she was an amazing photographer, a potter, a weaver and painter. Emily loved bringing smiles to children’s faces, she was known for sewing stuffed animals and handing them out. Emily’s uniqueness included bequeathing quirky pet names. Emily fully expected to die in a fiery quilting accident, perhaps if she had made more quilts…
Emily wanted to put the fun in funeral, and we honor this wish. Services will be held at Central Church of Christ in Amarillo on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memorial of Emily may be sent to Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 2901 North Soncy Road, Amarillo, TX 79124.
To donate online, go to wildwestwildlife.com. Donations will go toward memorial picnic tables at their new education building being built this year.
Robert, Roxie and family,
I can not say enough good things about Emily. I loved her and her quirkiness. I loved the crazy pics she would post and the interesting articles. Her insight into life was fascinating. She was the best. Love you guys, Denise
We have so many memories of Emily from watching her grow & getting married .She was one of the kindest sweetest friends .We all should be blessed enough to have had her in your lives too .I can’t choose one happy moment with her because they all were happy moments .Love & prayers to Robert & Roxie plus Roxie’s husband & son.
Roxie your mom was the sweetest lady with the kindest voice. She will be truly missed. Love and prayers to you, Robert, Peter and your family ❤️
Words cannot describe how my heart breaks for Robert, Roxie, Derek and Peter.
I will miss my dear friend of over 47 years. We started our friendship at Travis Junior High.
We might not talk to each other for a few months then just pick up where we left off.
Our lunches together were always the best. You always made me laugh.
There isn’t a kinder more tender hearted person I know.
I will see you again my dear friend. Until we meet again for our lunches, you keep them laughing and smiling up there.
I will never forget you!
Forever my friend,
Love,
Paula Reynolds McKee
Such a lovely, precious soul. I am honored to have been the recipient of many kind words and actions from both you, Robert and sweet Emily. I love you guys so much.
Robert and family, I’m so very sorry for your loss. My family and I think of Emily with such fondness. She was a lovely, KIND woman and we were blessed to have known her. ❤️
Our little group of weavers and book readers are devastated over the loss of your dear mother, grandmother, and wife. Our friend.
You were the lights of her life and her love for you was strong and unwavering. We will miss her humor, her kindness, and her gentle way of speaking! God’s peace to you all.
The world will miss Emily.She was lovable, generous, witty, caring, friendly, helpful, intelligent, a prankster and a devoted Christian. Our condolences to Robert and Roxanne. Jesus has you now Emily.
Robert I am so sorry! I have great memories of you and Emily cooking steaks and hosting camp out at Monument lake! I will miss her funny comments and love of life. Know that we are praying for you. Marjoriewalsh.
I never got to know Emily for as long as money were, however in the short time I met her she was nothing but kind to me. She was always so wise and welcoming towards me and took care of my now husband Daniel since him and his sister were kids. She was always supportive to everyone she met, and in some ways I envy those who got to know and love her for longer than I ever did. Yet those who did are blessed beyond measure.
Emily always had an interesting story to relate about wildlife near her home that delighted me. I loved her connection to the natural world and the way she paid attention to the smallest details of creation.
Emily had such an appreciation for the creative side of life and off-beat things. Her perspectives enriched my world view.
Emily and Robert are the epitome of generosity and blessed mine and Greg’s life with invitations to gatherings, gifts-my favorite is a cast iron skillet she impulsively gave me that I constantly use and will treasure always-and of course, friendship.
We are completely heartbroken at her passing. I can imagine, however, Emily patiently waiting for her loved ones in heaven and perhaps preparing a prank or two to spring at their arrival.
She will be deeply missed.
Robert & Roxie & Family-we love you.
It’s hard to articulate Emily’s utter uniqueness, spontaneity, openness, willingness, curiosity, playfulness, FUN, and so many other wonderfully exquisite attributes. She was always learning new things; and she would share her findings, and we would all be better off for her perusing some article about some interesting or useful thing. Emily’s strong faith in God didn’t make her stumble in rigidity, self-righteousness or judgment of others; she was one of the most non-judgmental people I’ve known. My daughters and I were enriched by knowing this beautiful, extraordinary family: Robert, Emily, Roxie and Peter, during a very difficult time in our lives. Each of them opened their hearts and their homes to us and made a path for us where there was none. We have a debt of Love to you all for as long as we live. Emily, I can ONLY imagine how deep your joy is now, how much FUN you are going to be having, and how many AMAZING things you will be learning. May it be that a spark of you falls in our hearts and ignites them, that they may shine brighter for having known you.
I remember the first time I met Emily. She was with you Roxie and some event we were all meeting up for. I think I said, “Hi, is this your sister?” Anyway, was thoroughly surprised that she was your mom. Haha! She just always had a young vibe. She became such a sweet friend. Emily is someone I just loved to see. Precious, precious person!
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Emily’s family, Robert, and Roxie. Our prayer is that God will give you peace and the hope of a reunion in the future. Emily was such a beautiful soul. She will be missed!