Mary Helen Diaz, 60, of Caldwell, Idaho, went home to be with the Lord on October 30, 2025,with her family by her side. She was born on March 14, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, toHelen Garcia and the late Bernardo Balladares.

Mary graduated from Christoval High School and later attended Angelo State University inTexas. She met the love of her life, Arthur Diaz, through one of his cousins at a dance in SanAngelo, Texas, where they shared what would become the first of many dances together. Theyquickly became inseparable and were married in Knickerbocker, Texas, in 1985. Years later, in1991, Mary and Arthur moved to Idaho, where they built a home, raised their eight children, andcreated a life rooted in deep faith and centered around their family.

She was a woman of quiet strength—kind, selfless, and always thinking of others before herself.Mary poured her heart into her family, making her home a place filled with warmth and love. Sheenjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, and reading. Mary loved books and often read aloud toher children, passing on her love of reading to them. Her hands were always busy blessingothers—whether through a homemade meal, a jar of something she canned herself, or simply ahug when someone needed comfort. She was generous in the way she gave, gentle in the wayshe spoke, and steadfast in the way she prayed and loved. She poured her heart into each andevery one of her grandchildren. Her family was truly her greatest joy, and she devoted her life tonurturing, guiding, and loving them well. Mary and Arthur shared a wonderful marriage of 40years that was full of love, loyalty, and partnership. They went on dates often, loved dancingtogether, and enjoyed making tamales as a family tradition—filling the kitchen with warmth,laughter, and the joy of being together.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband of 40 years, Arthur Diaz, with whom she shared afaithful and devoted marriage; and their eight children, whom she loved deeply: Daniel (Heidi)Diaz, Angelica (Jake) Johnson, Olivia (Zachary) Pogue, Adriana (Elias) Phillips, Cecilia Diaz,Andrew Diaz, Marcus Diaz, and Julia Diaz. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren whomshe cherished: Desiree and Thomas Diaz (children of Daniel and Heidi); Jonas, Jaden, Aurora,and Jasmine Johnson (children of Angelica and Jake); and Everlynn, Carter, and Ariella Phillips(children of Adriana and Elias). Mary is also survived by her mother, Helen Garcia, of Texas; her brother, Bernardo Balladares Jr. (Becky), of Texas; and many extended family members and friends whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her father, Bernardo Balladares; stepfather, Rudy Garcia;grandmother, Julia Morales; grandfather, David Castañeda; and step-grandfather, RamonMorales.

Mary fought stage 4 cancer with remarkable faith and grace. Even as her body grew weak, herfaith remained strong, and she continued to trust in the goodness of God. Though her familyfeels the deep pain of losing her, they find comfort knowing she is now healed, whole, and heldin the arms of her Savior.

A memorial service will be held on November 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Lakeview Bible Church, 1010 W. Greenhurst in Nampa followed by a graveside service at 12:00 p.m. at Peaceful Valley Cemetery.

Mary leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and faithfulness. She will be deeply missed, buther impact will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning orcrying or pain, for the old things have passed away.”       Revelation 21:4