Thelma Diane (Jones) Duitch

Thelma Diane (Jones) Duitch, of Elkhart, Texas, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and service to others. She was born on April 10, 1940, in Palestine, Texas, to Sidney and Thelma Jones. Diane’s father passed away when she was only three years old, and 10 years later, her mother married F.C. “Skinny” Grigsby.

Diane was a lifelong resident of her beloved hometown of Elkhart.

On November 28, 1958, she married Bernard Duitch. Together, they built a life and raised four children: Danera, Donna Kay, Darrell, and Delton.

Diane dedicated many years of her working life to serving others as Director of Food Services with Meals on Wheels in Tyler, Texas, where she eventually retired. Her work reflected her caring nature and her desire to help others.

Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bernard Duitch; her parents, Sidney Jones and Thelma Jones Grigsby; her step-father, F.C. “Skinny” Grigsby; and her step-sister, Marilyn Grigsby Woody.

She is survived by her children, Danera (and Marcia) Jones, Donna Kay Duitch, Darrell Duitch, and Delton (and Angela) Duitch; her step-brother, Richard (and Helen) Grigsby; her grandchildren, Kelly (and Steven) Torkelson, Dayton (and Laken) Duitch, Dustin (and Katelynn) Duitch, Emily Jenkins, and Roger “RJ” Jenkins; her great-grandchildren, Laurynn Torkelson and Ryan Torkelson; and extended family and loved ones who will cherish her memory.

Diane will be remembered for the life she shared with her family and for the many years she spent caring for and serving others. Her memory will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The family will honor Diane's life with a private graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Diane's memory to Meals on Wheels in Tyler, Texas, an organization to which she devoted many years of service.