Delores Martin

Delores Jean (Dieterich) Martin, lovingly known to many as “DD,” passed away at Brookdale Retirement Center on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the age of 79. Visitation will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with memorial service following at 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bellmead with Pastor Brian Hesse officiating.

Delores was born September 10, 1946, near Riesel, Texas, to Walter and Frieda (Boeche) Dieterich in their home on Klatt Road. She was baptized into the Christian faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Riesel on October 20, 1946, by Rev. A. F. Michalk. She was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church on April 5, 1962, under the instruction of Rev. Robert Kass.

She attended Riesel Schools where she excelled in athletics and graduated in 1965. After graduation, she moved to Houston to be closer to her sister, Deanna Hooper. Delores loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed slow-pitch softball, where she became known as the “home run queen” in every league she joined. She also loved bowling and spending time fishing from saltwater piers.

In 1991, Delores moved to Tacoma, Washington, to be near her sister, Darlene Evans. In 2008, they relocated together to Waco. Delores later worked at L3 until her retirement.

A devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Delores enjoyed helping prepare bulletins and church mailings and was always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. When the COVID pandemic limited her ability to serve in person, it was a difficult loss for her, as her church family meant so much.

DD lived a good and productive life marked by hard work and determination. She was famously frugal, carefully saving and making the most of everything she had throughout her life. During her later health challenges, she helped brighten the lives of others. During her final year at Brookdale, she made many friends and often helped fellow residents navigate their own struggles with kindness, patience, and a smile on her face. She touched many lives and will be remembered for her strength, warmth, and enduring spirit.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Louis, Charles, Erwin, and Wesley Dieterich; sister Darlene Evans; sisters-in-law Ruby Dieterich and Peggy Dieterich; and brothers-in-law Larry Lessmann and Willie Hooper.

She is survived by her sister Deanna Hooper of Houston, Texas; brother Gene Dieterich and wife Sallie of Rowlett, Texas; sister-in-law Arlene Dieterich of Waco, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at Brookdale Retirement Center and the nurses of Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1301 Hogan Lane, Waco, Texas 76705.