Mary Lou Lucero Diaz

It is with much heartache and sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mary Lou Diaz at the age of 79 on Monday, March 17, 2025. Lou was a gracious, kind, and adventurous soul, as well as an avid gardener, walker, and traveler. She was born on August 25, 1945, in Central, New Mexico, to the late John and Margaret Lucero.

Lou grew up in Superior, Arizona, where she attended Roosevelt Elementary and Superior High School (Class of ’64). She was active in 4-H, where she became a proficient seamstress, often making her own blouses and dresses. She also played drums during her elementary years and would hike the Oak Flats every chance she got.

Never one to sit still, she found work at the local Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Yard after completing business courses. She quickly adapted and often assisted with procurement and delivery orders, in addition to keeping the books.

On December 23, 1967, Lou married the love of her life, Jeep Diaz, whom she had known since 4th grade. Lou and Jeep never dated until the last day of their senior year and were married for 57 years. They were inseparable ever since.

Mary Lou was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family meant everything to her, and she loved them to the utmost. She never tired of talking about her boys and grandkids. Lou always offered a kind word of encouragement with a quick smile. She had an infectious laugh and sense of humor that was unmatched.

Lou loved to travel. She visited Ecuador, Canada, Mexico (by train), and Hawaii. She spent many memorable days at Disneyland, Sea World, and California beaches with her boys and grandkids.

She loved spending time with her granddaughters shopping, laughing and doing “girlie” things with them and never missed her grandsons’ sporting events. She was their biggest fan!

Lou retired from two careers, a testament to her never sitting still. She retired from Arizona Credit Union after 21+ years and from Fry’s Food Stores after another 21+ years. She was so friendly that the firefighters from Tempe and Chandler Fire Departments would make sure to get in her line as she was their favorite cashier. She was truly amazing! To this day, she is still remembered and admired by all of her coworkers and the customers she served.

She is preceded in death by her brothers Mike (Pat) and Willy Lucero. Lou is survived by her husband of 57 years, Joseph (Jeep) Diaz; sons Michael (Kathy) and Joseph Diaz; brother John Lucero (Doreen); sisters Klara Lucero, Emily Huerta (Chris), and Martha Wilson (Duane); and six grandchildren: Adrian, Michael, Victoria, Anthony, Matthew, and Lilly.

Lou’s life was a life well-lived, ending too soon. She touched so many people who will never forget her. She was incredibly likable and a very sweet person to all she met. Her beautiful smile will be most remembered, and family and friends will miss her deeply.

Services will be held on Tuesday, April 8, at St. Mary's Basilica, 231 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 A.M., with Mass celebration starting at 10:00 A.M., a reception to follow in the church hall. Burial will take place on Wednesday, April 9, at 10:30 A.M., at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.