Irene Rodriguez Diaz

Heaven gained another angel Monday, November 1, 2021 as Irene Camero Rodriguez Diaz went home to heaven to join her mother and father and two young grandchildren. Irene passed away at the age of 61. She was born in Rosebud, Texas on September 27, 1960. Irene was the second born out of twelve children. She was active in sports and drill team during her school years. She graduated from Rosebud-Lott High School in 1979. Irene earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Dallas, a Masters in Public Affairs and Management from the University of Texas at Dallas, and a Masters in Education, School Counseling from Lamar University. She had a career in Human Resources, Information Technology, and eventually became an educator. Irene taught middle school students in Temple ISD, Copperas Cove ISD, and most recently in Killeen ISD. Not a day went by that she did not speak about her students and her life as a teacher.

Though she married him later in life, Irene cared deeply for her husband Hector. Irene loved spending time with her two daughters and her four grandchildren. Every summer she made sure to spend a week with her grandchildren making memories either on a Florida beach, in San Antonio, or at Great Wolf Lodge. Irene loved cooking and is fondly remembered by family and friends for her delicious tamales (which she always shared with loved ones during the holiday season), cheese spaghetti, and potato salad (which was always requested for family gatherings). She instilled in her oldest daughter, Kristine, a desire to pursue higher education, a love for all things Sci Fi, and a love for cooking. She taught her youngest daughter, Taylor, the importance of perseverance and independence. She was a devoted mother to both her daughters all the way to her final breath. She taught them what it means to be a loving mother. Her family was her world.

Irene will be missed by many. She touched so many lives and is especially remembered for her witty sense of humor. Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Lazaro Rodriguez and Nina C. Rodriguez, two brothers, one grandson Ronnie Jr., and one granddaughter Ahlayia. Irene is survived by her husband Hector Diaz Sr. of Killeen; daughter Dr. Kristine N. Rodriguez and her husband Tom Rodriguez; daughter Taylor Giles and her husband Ronnie Brown; three granddaughters (Abree, Ameria, and Nina); one grandson (Jesse Thomas); three sisters (Amelia Bunte, Angela Bravo, and April Michelle Roberson); six brothers (Ben, Larry, Ray, Albert, Emmett, and Michael Paul); her nieces and nephews; and countless family and friends. The family would like to thank those who have extended financial and emotional support during this difficult time.

A visitation for Irene will be held Tuesday, November 9, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 S Fort Hood St, Killeen, Texas 76542. A recitation of rosary will occur Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 7:00 PM, 1615 S Fort Hood St, Killeen, Texas 76542. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 11:00 AM, 1615 S Fort Hood St, Killeen, Texas 76542.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com for the Diaz family.