Luz E. Diaz

Luz E. Diaz, 60, died on December 21, 2024, at her home in Garden City, Kansas, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 20, 1964, the daughter of Rafael and Josefina (Olivas) Mendoza. She moved from Mexico in the late 80's to Garden City, where she met her husband, Gilberto Diaz. They married on March 11, 1994; he survives.
Luz dedicated almost three decades of service at St. Catherine Hospital where she worked in various departments. For the last half of her tenure, she served as the billing clerk for the hospice center at the hospital. In a department that is constantly helping others navigate their final journey, her compassionate heart found a family within her team. She found pleasure in serving others not just at work, but in volunteering also. She often helped at Comfort Zone, a grief camp, as well as her local parish St. Mary's Catholic Church. Her faith was her compass. She found solace and strength in praying the rosary regularly. She was not just a kind and generous spirit, but a brave and adventurous one as well. She was passionate about maximizing each opportunity life provided. This spirit led her to many trips and adventures with her kids. Whether it was dog sledding in Alaska or snorkeling in Cozumel, she was never afraid to jump in first and lead the adventure. Each trip was filled with laughter, learning, and irreplaceable memories. She loved to memorialize those memories, with another one of her life's great passions - coffee. After enjoying a moment of peace with a cup, she made sure to leave each trip with a brand-new coffee mug.
Luz is survived by her three children, Veronica, Rafael, and Lucelena; her siblings Norberta, Rafael, Tina, Inez, Theresa, Eva, and Jorge. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Humberto, Maria, and Isabel.
A rosary will be held at 6:00pm on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church. A funeral mass will be held 12:00 pm Monday, December 30, 2024 also at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rev. Jacob Schneider as Celebrant. The family suggests memorials be sent to the Luz E. Diaz Memorial Fund at Garland Funeral Home, 412 N 7th st, Garden City, KS 67846, 620-276-3219.