Carolyn Diamond

Carolyn Diamond was born in Maud, Oklahoma on January 20, 1930 to Dr. Roland Reed Culbertson and Jo (Villines) Culbertson. She loved Maud and enjoyed telling stories about her family and friends there. Carolyn attended Westlake School for Girls in California during high school years.

Carolyn met her loving husband, Thomas “Tom” M. Diamond, of sixty-nine years shortly after high school graduation. They were married in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 1, 1949. Their only son, Jack, was born October 17, 1953. Carolyn was a wonderful mother to Jack, and she loved him deeply.

Carolyn was a devoted partner to Tom in his professional and political pursuits. She worked faithfully and tirelessly by his side in his efforts to obtain federal recognition for the Tigua Indians of Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo. Carolyn loved her Tigua family.

She was an active and dedicated member of the El Paso Democratic Party, serving as Precinct Chairperson for many years. Carolyn was a champion of equal rights regardless of one’s gender, ethnicity, or creed. She was an avid animal lover, having rescued countless dogs, cats, and birds. She raised several animals at her home in El Paso and cared for many more at Beaverhead Ranch. She kept a beautiful yard, and her many gardens were always filled with flowers, vegetables, and herbs.

Together with Tom, they passionately built the Beaverhead Ranch west of Winston, New Mexico in the southwest Gila Mountains. The ranch served not only as a reprieve from their hectic lives in El Paso, but also as a gathering space for friends and family. Many celebrations and holidays were enjoyed at Beaverhead Ranch with Carolyn as the most gracious and generous hostess.

With Carolyn, life was a party. She loved people, she loved to entertain, and she loved her family. She leaves behind son Jack Diamond (spouse Kaye Diamond); grandchildren Renee Diamond (spouse Brendan Rogillio), John Diamond, and Cammy Wade (spouse Chris Wade); great-grandchildren Violet Rogillio, Finnegan Rogillio, Cayden Diamond, Reece Diamond, Graham Wade, and Davis Wade; as well as her step-grandchildren Raymie Russell, and Riley Dayberry (spouse Whitney Dayberry); and their children Kyler Russell, Bryce Russell, and Crocket Dayberry.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Tom Diamond and her parents Roland and Jo Culbertson.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 10:00 am with Funeral Service at 11:00 am. at Hillcrest Funeral Home- West. Rite of Committal will follow immediately at Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery.

Services under the direction of Hillcrest Funeral Home-West 5054 Doniphan Dr. El Paso, TX 79932. (915) 587-0202.