Diana Marie Salas

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, wife and daughter, Diana Marie Salas. A woman whose love, strength, and generosity touched everyone who knew her. Diana was 65 years old when she passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, but the impact of her life reaches far beyond those years.

Diana was born on September 6, 1960, in Texas City, Texas, and made her home in Santa Fe, a place she loved and served deeply. She believed in showing up for others, whether through her work as a real estate agent with Century 21 or through her dedicated service as a proud member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 6378 in Dickinson. Supporting veterans and their families wasn't just something she did-it was something she carried in her heart.

Above all else, Diana was a family woman. She was a devoted wife to Carlos, her partner in life for 47 wonderful years. Their love was steady, loyal, and full of shared memories. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother who gave endlessly of herself. Her family always knew they were supported, protected, and deeply loved.

Diana found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She adored Elvis Presley and could light up when one of his songs came on. She loved scrapbooking-capturing moments, preserving memories, and telling stories through photographs. She loved to travel, especially to the mountains, where she found peace and beauty. She also enjoyed deer hunting, embracing the quiet strength of the outdoors.

Diana experienced profound loss in her life, including the passing of her mother and stepfather, Sheila Jannice Thomas and Tom Donoho, and the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Vanessa Salas Wheeler. Through it all, she remained strong, loving, and resilient-continuing to care for others even while carrying her own grief.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Carlos Salas; her father and stepmother, Ed and Sue Martinez of Abilene; her daughters, Amanda Salas of Baytown, and Theresa Willis and her husband, Austin of Dickinson; her sister, Lisa Nunez and her husband, Larry of Santa Fe; her brother, Michael Martinez and his wife, Sonia of Abilene; step -sister, Miccah Martinez of Abilene; her grandchildren, Renee Morales and her husband, Jared, Rey Montemayor III, Landin Dowdy, Bryce Donahoo, Conner Willis, and Carson Willis; her great-grandson, Rey Montemayor IV; and many nieces and nephews who will forever carry her love with them.

Diana's legacy is one of love, service, and compassion. She taught us the importance of family, the value of giving back, and the beauty of holding onto memories. While our hearts are heavy today, we are grateful for the time we had, the love she gave, and the lessons she leaves behind.

We will miss her voice, her laughter, her care, and her presence-but we will carry her with us always. Diana Marie Salas will be missed dearly and never be forgotten.

Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., with a memorial service at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 27, 2025, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, Texas, with Pastor Joshua McDonald officiating.