Esther Marquez Diaz

Our mom, Esther Marquez Diaz, A lifetime resident of Redlands has passed. She was called to heaven to be with our heavenly father. She is finally reunited with her beloved husband and our dad Philemon Diaz whom was also a lifetime resident of Redlands. Mom is also reunited with her mother Juanita (Romero) Rodriguez , father Harold Marquez , her siblings Albert Moya, Andrea Ontweros, Rosemary Ramos, Harold Marquez Jr., and Ernest Paul Marquez Sr. Esther attended the Redlands Grammar School of Redlands, CA and Redlands High School. She left school to work at Norton Air Force Base during the World War II years and also to supplement her mother's needs. She met Philemon Diaz at school and love at first site set in she and Phil were married, dad was drafted into the U.S. Army. She stayed home as a homemaker to raise her three children, Phillip Diaz, Carolyn (Diaz) Chavez, and Shelley Ann (Diaz) Alonzo. Dad joined the workforce at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California and Esther enjoyed traveling with her husband and family. When on TDY , we were able to see many states during our travels. Esther loved to cook delicious meals for her family. She also enjoyed gardening, she was quite a plant collector, enjoyed crocheting outfits for her grandchildren, doily's and other seasonal items. Esther loved going to church at St. Mary's in Redlands, she was baptized at Sacred Heart her sponsors were her uncle Anastecio Romero and aunt Delores Romero, whom were early settlers of San Timoteo Canyon. Esther's roots are here in Redlands. Esther was a girl scout leader at the house of Neighborly Service. She was a member of Los Latinos Club and the American Legion Post 650 Auxiliary of Redlands. Esther participated in serving her community. Esther was 83 and has so much history behind her she leaves behind her son Phillip Diaz of Columbus, GA, Carolyn Chavez of Redlands, CA, and Shelley Ann Alonzo of Redlands, CA. She has a brother John Marquez of Upland, CA. She leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. We were blessed with her love and all the hearts that she touched loved her in return. We'll hold you close to us in memory. You'll Be Missed Esther Marquez DIaz.