Amelia Báez Torres, age 74, of Belton, Texas, passed away surrounded by the love of her family.

Amelia was born on March 7, 1952, in Fortaleza, Jánico, Dominican Republic, to Miguel Antonio Báez and Melaña Collado. She was educated at Damajagua Escuela and later made her home in the United States, where she built a beautiful life centered around family, culture, tradition, and hard work. Amelia worked for 27 years as a molding operator at Temple Tag/Datamars.

Amelia had a strong pride in where she came from and never forgot her home, her family, or her connection to Jánico, Santiago, Dominican Republic. As a naturalized U.S. citizen, she carried the love of her native land into the foundation and upbringing of her family in the United States.

She was a lover of music, especially bachata, merengue, and pop Latino hits. With music playing from her radios, Amelia could often be found dancing and singing as she cleaned, cooked, and prepared for any event. She found joy in rhythm, celebration, and togetherness.

Her greatest achievement was raising her six children. She worked tirelessly to provide for them, protect them, and prepare them for the world ahead. Amelia did not just raise her children — she built them. She was artistic and creative, able to make beautiful things with her hands. As a self-taught seamstress, she created outfits for her daughters and made jewelry, crocheted and knitted items, crafts, and food. She even dreamed of one day having her own restaurant. Feeding others was her love language; it was her way of bringing joy, comfort, and togetherness to family and friends.

Amelia was a strong, selfless, and respected matriarch. She was the chain that kept her family connected, and her love and legacy will continue through all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Miguel Antonio Báez and Melaña Báez Collado; her brothers, Rafael Antonio Báez and Pedro Maria Báez; her sisters, Alicia Mercedes Báez and Cecilia Báez; and her niece, Elvia Collado.

Amelia is survived by her sons, José Moran, John Torres, and Braulio Torres; her daughters, Joann Moran, Mariluz Moran, and Brenda Torres; her sisters, Ana Báez and Maria Estela Báez; her daughters-in-law, Yolonda Ramirez, Melissa Torres, and Maisie Moran; her grandchildren, Christian Thompson, Ricardo Moran, Antonio Moran, Meliana Torres, and Jace Torres; and her great-grandchild, Roman Moran.

Amelia will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her strength, her joy, her creativity, and the love she poured into her family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25 from 10:30 to 11:30AM at St. Josephs Catholic Church (2903 E Rancier Ave, Killeen, Texas). The funeral service will follow at 12:00PM.