Maria Selia Bargas-Diaz was born December 19, 1963 in Atzala Guerreo, Mexico. The daughter of Fidel and Carlota (Diaz) Vargas. While growing up she lived in many different cities in Mexico. She came to the United States in 1986 and decided to stay. Maria lived in Texas for a year before moving to New York. While in New York she lived in Manhattan and the Bronx before moving to Storm Lake.

Following Storm Lake, Maria then moved to Worthington, MN where she met her husband, Edgar. The two were united in marriage on August 25, 1999 in Heartland, Missouri. The two moved around living in Illinois, Missouri, Virginia, before settling in Whittemore. Maria and Edgar enjoyed working together on the farm.

Family was important to Maria; and she was a very loving wife and mother. Everyone knew her as a wonderful caretaker. She loved to cook and always made certain there was plenty of food for family and both invited and unexpected guests. Maria enjoyed traveling. Some of her favorite places include Canada, Guatemala, and Mexico. She also enjoyed sewing and soap operas. Most importantly, Maria loved time spent with her grandchildren.

Maria died September 7, 2020, at Good Shepherd Health Center, Mason City. She was 56.

She is survived by her husband, Edgar; children, Jesús Castaneda, Marcela Castaneda, Felix Figueroa; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents.