Phyllis Marie Diaz

Phyllis Marie Diaz, of Independence, MO, a devout Christian, who was a wonderful lady with a huge heart, went to be with the Lord on July 26, 2021. She was 81 years old. Phyllis was born on March 20, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Harry and Thelma Sowell. On September 26, 1964, she married the love of her life, Juan Diaz. She was a great mother, wife, daughter, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Phyllis worked as a manager at the Montgomery Ward Distribution Center for 23 years. As a devout Christian woman, Phyllis was a proud member of Tri-City Baptist Church in Blue Springs, MO and was very involved in the church. Her family and friends knew her as one who never complained and had a great sense of humor. Phyllis loved gardening, crafts, writing poems, coloring, and telling stories. She enjoyed watching the Kansas City Royals and the KU Jayhawks. Phyllis was always encouraging those around her, and she will be dearly missed. She is survived by her husband of almost 57 years, Juan Diaz; children, Tina (Mike) Smith and Johnny Diaz; grandchildren, Justin Toomey, Erin Toomey, Jessica Olson, and Olivia Diaz; 5 great-grandchildren, and sisters, Sherry Schuermann and Dixie Debartge. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Thelma Sowell, and brother, Dennis Sowell.

A memorial service to honor Phyllis will be held on Monday, August 2, at 10:00 a.m., at Tri-City Baptist Church, 430 NE Duncan Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014. Phyllis will be laid to rest at Mt. Washington Cemetery in Independence, MO. In Phyllis’ memory, the family has requested that any donations to be made to Phyllis’ husband, Juan Diaz. Online condolences may be left at www.speakschapel.com (Arr: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900)