In Loving Memory of Gloria C. Diaz

Gloria C. Diaz, a lifelong resident of Tularosa, New Mexico, and a devoted servant of the Lord, was called home to her eternal rest on April 28, 2026, at the age of 75. Born and raised in the heart of Tularosa, Gloria’s life was a beautiful reflection of the community she loved and the faith that guided her every step.

Gloria’s life was defined by her unwavering devotion to God. To those who knew her, she was a pillar of faith, a woman whose life was a living testimony to the grace and mercy of her Savior. She was heavily involved with her church, finding her greatest purpose in her spiritual walk and her dedication to the Lord. Gloria’s commitment to her faith was the cornerstone of her existence; she lived with the conviction that to love God was to serve others, doing so with a joyful and generous heart.

Above all, Gloria’s heart belonged to her family. She truly loved her grandchildren and made the dedicated choice to stay home to raise them herself. It was important to her that she be the one to care for them, and she poured her love and attention into their upbringing, ensuring they were raised with her personal touch. She had a true love for food and was known for her incredible cooking. Gloria made the best tacos and the fluffiest homemade flour tortillas, as well as fresh homemade corn tortillas. She loved her red cheese enchiladas with a lot of onions and an egg on top, and her meals were a labor of love for all who sat at her table.

Throughout her life, Gloria was also a dedicated worker. She served as a teacher and director at the First Baptist Church Daycare in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where she spent years nurturing children. She also worked at the Pant Factory, spent time serving others as a waitress, and worked at Holloman Air Force Base for DynCorp.

A true lover of nature’s beauty, Gloria had a passion for gardening and a special love for roses. She shared this gift with her church family for many years, creating beautiful flower arrangements for every occasion, from weddings to funerals. Her touch could be seen at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church during the Christmas season, where she took great pride in decorating the church to honor the birth of Christ.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio Serna Candelaria and Feliciana Monje Candelaria; her son, Danny Ray Diaz; and her brother, Alex Candelaria.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Manny Diaz; her daughter, Antoinette Diaz of the family home; her brother, Johnny Candelaria of Las Cruces, New Mexico; her grandson, Gabriel J. Walters of Las Cruces, New Mexico; her granddaughter, Danielle Aragon (Zach) of Timberon, New Mexico. She is also survived by her cherished great grandchildren, Ezra Colton Ebbs and Sunnie Jessalee Ebbs; her special nephew, Tony Candelaria of Riverside, California; her sisters-in-law, Roci Candelaria of Riverside, California, and Margaret Scrivner of Alamogordo, New Mexico; and her beloved cat, Charlie, whom she loved very much and always ensured was fed, watered, and cared for. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Pallbearers include Gabriel J. Walters, Gilbert Walters, Jacob Lathan, David Scrivner, Michael Scrivner, and Tommy Chavez. Serving as honorary pallbearers are her best friends for many, many years, Marie Diaz, Celina Romero, and Vicky Vallejos.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Sandra Grummert, her physician, and to the hospice nurse, Whittni Carmiencke, of Alamogordo Home Care and Hospice, who cared for Gloria and made sure she was comfortable.

Services will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church in Tularosa, New Mexico. The Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30 am. Gloria will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Tularosa. Following the burial, a potluck gathering will be held at Gloria and Manny Diaz Residence, located at 805 5th Street in Tularosa.

The Diaz family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the funeral services.