Rafaela Guadalupe Diaz, 87, of Lubbock, Texas, went to be with the Lord on December 10, 2025. She was born on May 31, 1938, in Brackettville, Texas, to the late José María and Julia Towns Arroyos.
Rafaela was a woman of remarkable strength wrapped in gentleness. She lived her life with a generous heart, a caring spirit, and a deeply motherly presence that touched all who knew her. Creative and nurturing, she enjoyed sewing, reading, gardening, and creating a warm and welcoming home. Most of all, she loved her family deeply and unconditionally.
Her faith guided her throughout her life. She served faithfully in the Catholic Church for many years before later embracing the Pentecostal church, where she continued to walk boldly and steadfastly in her faith until her final day.
Rafaela is survived by her children: Julia Diaz of Anton, Texas; Santos Diaz of Anton, Texas; Diana Diaz of Mansfield, Texas; and Marie Maloberti (Agustin) of Dallas, Texas.
She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren and her siblings, Johnny Arroyos, Mary Carrasco, and Josephine Ramirez. She leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.
Rafaela was preceded in death by: her husband Gill Diaz, Sr.; her children Marie Gill Diaz, Gill Diaz, Jr., Eduardo Diaz, Martin Diaz, and Raymond Diaz; her parents José María and Julia Towns Arroyos; her sister Cathy Parker; and her brothers Thomas Gonzales, José Arroyos, Lupe Arroyos, Daniel Arroyos, Erminio Arroyos, Julian Arroyos, and Gerald Arroyos.
A prayer service will be held at 6:00 pm, Sunday, December 14, 2025, in the Chapel of Broadway Funeral Directors with visitation starting at 11:00 am. Funeral Services for Mrs. Diaz will be 2:00 pm Monday, December 15, 2025, in the Chapel of Broadway Funeral Directors with Pastor Field Bennings officiating. Burial will follow in Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park under the direction of Broadway Funeral Directors. A luncheon will follow as a celebration of her life, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
May her soul rest in eternal peace.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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