Margaret Irene (Phares) Dietz was born December 30, 1926, to Thurman Allen and Marie (Mensing) Phares in Russell Springs, KS. She passed away August 14, 2016, at her home in Amarillo, TX, at the age of 89.

Margaret was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Her early years were spent in WaKeeney, KS, where she attended and graduated from high school. On June 23, 1946, she married Julius W. Dietz at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in WaKeeney and they enjoyed 34 years together. Margaret retired from the Garden City Kansas School District where she worked as a secretary in the food service department. In 2008 she moved to Amarillo, TX, and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Survivors include a son Rod and wife Judy of Wichita, KS; a son Randy and wife Paula of Weatherford, TX; and a daughter Julie of Amarillo, TX. Four grandchildren John Dietz, David and wife Ashley Dietz, Desiree Gray, and Brandy and husband Johnny Qualls; a sister-in-law Mary Jane Phares; and many extended relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband Jute, her parents, four sisters Elizabeth Elsen, Esther Dietz, Erna Phares, and Helen McCoy, and three brothers Ernest, Kenneth, and Ronald Phares

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 26th at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WaKeeney, with Reverend Randy Gibbs officiating. Burial will be in the WaKeeney City Cemetery following the service.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 5005 Interstate 40 West, Amarillo, TX 79106.