Mary Dianne was born December 21st, 1943, to Bill and Geneva Tidwell in Pampa, Texas. She left her earthly address in Midland, Texas to assume her heavenly home on June 20th, 2022. As a child, she was raised in the First Baptist Church and attended Pampa High School, where she was a member of the 4H Club, served as Treasurer of the Tri-Hi-Y Christian Organization, participated in Future Teachers of America (FTA), and even took on extracurriculars like Spanish club and choir. Through her school involvement and participation in hometown traditions like the Top O’ Texas Rodeo, Dianne became a pillar of her community. She graduated in 1962 and left home to attend West Texas State University where she received an associate’s degree in computer science and was the life of the party in activities such as the bowling club. She went on to marry her high school sweetheart, Bob Garrett during her sophomore year of college and later made a home in Midland, Texas where they remained married for over 58 years. Together they established a strong family and welcomed two children, a daughter Jessica and a son Greg.
Dianne was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, along with being a cherished member of First Christian Church, where she attended church for many years. During her working years, she was a treasured face of a local children’s boutique called Upstairs Downstairs where she worked as a bookkeeper. After her retirement, she became a lifelong member of Weight Watchers where she worked as a receptionist.
Her family will fondly remember her vibrant sense of humor, her inability to consider anyone a stranger, and her love for animals. Most significantly, her long-term companions, cocker spaniels Zack and Parker. Even with a warm spirit, Dianne was affectionately referred to as, “Burr Granny” because she was always cold. She was known to be kind and gentle unless she was cheering for her grandchildren on the baseball or band field.
Dianne easily made friends everywhere she went, showing the love of Jesus to any and every one she encountered. She often converted friends to family, making ordinary places like Walmart, local restaurants, and small-town rodeos her personal mission field. She will be dearly missed, but her family rejoices in Heaven’s gain.
She is preceded in death by her parents Geneva and Bill Tidwell and brother Billy Eugene Tidwell, Jr.
She is survived by her husband Robert (Bob) Garrett of Midland, daughter Jessica and husband Kevin of Midland, and son Greg and wife Candy of Midland. She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren: Justin and wife Sara of Gardendale, Jacob and wife Lauren of Midland, and granddaughters Meredith and Zoe of Midland. Dianne often boasted about the family’s most recent additions, her great-granddaughters Gwendolyn and Olivia, and looked forward to the arrival of her third great-grandchild this fall. Dianne also leaves behind many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and cherished friends.
Pallbearers will be Justin Garrett, Jacob Garrett, Kevin Southern, Michael Moore, and Doug Kemph.
Visitation will be from 7:00-9:00 pm Friday, June 24th, 2022, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, June 25, 2022, at First Christian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.
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