Simona Diaz, 96, of Julesburg, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Regional West Hospital in Scottsbluff.
Simona was born June 12, 1927, at Laredo, TX to Amador and Simona (Longoria) Navarro.
On January 8, 1950, Simona married Rene Diaz Sr. at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala. Their union was blessed with six children, and the couple lived and raised their family on a farm in the southwest corner of Deuel County, halfway between Big Springs and Julesburg.
Simona was a devoted wife and mother. She worked hard on the farm and gave everything she had for the good of her family. She was an excellent cook and a steadying presence for her family. She was also a longtime member of St. Luke's Catholic Church.
Simona was preceded in death by her husband, Rene Sr., in May of 2023 and her siblings, Jesse, Jose, Oscar, Paul, John, Roque, Josie, Teresa, Virginia, and Librada.
Survivors include her children, Rene Diaz Jr. of Piedmont, SD, Ricardo "Richard" Diaz of North Platte, Ramon "Raymond" (Jane) Diaz of Ogallala, Ruben (Karen) Diaz of North Platte, Simona M. (Anselmo) Tolentino Jr of Brighton CO, and Sara (Mike) Beam of Sutherland; along with 23 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; three siblings, David Navarro of AZ, Martha Torres of Ogallala, Lilly Navarro of TX; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in Simona's memory for later designation by the family. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will also be streamed live for those unable to attend.
Memorial Mass will be on Wednesday, January 10, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Fr Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Inurnment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.
The Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am on Wednesday at the church.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.