Dates
Amaris was a person of remarkable strength and resilience. She faced life challenges with courage and determination. She was adventurous and embraced new experiences with enthusiasm. She had a great love for music and came alive on the dance floor. Her honesty was one of her defining traits. She had an incredible sense of humor, bringing laughter and light to those around her. Beneath her strength was a deeply caring heart. She was always willing to support the people she loves. Amaris lived boldly and inspired others simply by being authentically herself.
Amaris began her education at Fort Concho Elementary, where she formed some of her most cherished, lifelong friendships. Together, this close-knit group joined the Superhero Cheerleading squad and discovered a love for sports, learning to play both tennis and basketball. She then moved on to Lee Middle School, where she first learned to play the flute. It was also during these middle school years that Amaris faced her first battle with cancer—a fight she met with incredible resilience, returning stronger than ever. She carried that strength into Central High School, where her passion for music truly blossomed, nurtured by the continuous support and mentorship of her band directors: Mrs. Dearborn, Mrs. Ellis, and Mr. Barry. Following her high school graduation, Amaris enrolled at Angelo State University to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse. During her second year, she was called upon to face a second courageous battle with cancer. Through it all, her natural empathy and firsthand journey made her a beacon of hope; indeed, the doctors nurses who cared for her would agree that her profound experience at Cook Children’s would effectively make her an automatic, honorary nurse.
Amaris looked forward to summers as a time for adventure, traveling across the country and soaking up the sun while swimming. Every year, she kept beloved family traditions alive with annual trips to Schlitterbahn and Garner State Park. Christmas became her favorite time to connect with family. She baked holiday treats with her Aunt Mindy and grandmother, and lovingly making tamales alongside her Wela.
A lover of music, art, and exploration, Amaris lived life with a creative heart. She found inspiration everywhere—in the melodies of the band, the strokes of her paintbrushes, and the freedom of the open road. Her favorite moments, however, were always shared with her siblings Belen and Chris. Whether they were at a loud concert or having a quiet movie night, family was her anchor.
To know Amaris was to know someone who cared deeply for the people around her, possessing a rare, selfless heart that constantly looked for ways to lift others up. She was always willing to lend a hand, whether she was volunteering her weekends alongside her mom and stepdad to coach adaptive sports for special needs children, or pouring her energy into making sure everyone she met felt included, supported, and loved.
Amaris will be remembered as a vibrant, deeply creative, and fiercely resilient soul who brought immense love and color to the world. Inside and out, she was absolutely beautiful, carrying a light that shone through her unforgettable smile—the kind of smile that could instantly brighten anyone's day. She had a wonderful sense of personal style, always expressing her creativity through her love for beautiful jewelry and perfectly done nails.
Amaris’s mother wishes to express her profound gratitude to everyone who provided medical expertise, comfort, and love to Amaris. Thank you to Allie Matschek, Elizabeth Bailey, and the incredible nurses at Shannon Women's and Children's Hospital. To the remarkable Specialized AYA Care Team at Cook Children's—including Dr. Karen Albritton, Dr. Mustafa Caylan, Dr. Hemangini Bhakta, Daley Murphy, Katy Wilhelm, Amanda Kennedy, Elizabeth Marks, and Dr. Talha Khan—as well as the entire 5th-floor inpatient and outpatient oncology nursing staff: thank you for loving and caring for Amaris as if she were your own for the past 9 years.
The family is eternally grateful to Erica Snyder for her never-ending support during this difficult time. They also extend their deepest appreciation to the staff at the Ronald McDonald House of Fort Worth, with special thanks to Kayla Wendt, Kennedy Onuam, and Lauri Adams, for providing a soft place to land and a true home away from home.
Visitation will be held at Johnson's Funeral Home, 435 West Beauregard, San Angelo, TX 76903, US, on July 7, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A Funeral Service will take place at Johnson's Funeral Home, 435 West Beauregard, San Angelo, TX 76903, US, on July 8, 2026, at 10:00 am .
A Committal Service will follow at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM Highway 1223, San Angelo, TX 76905, US, on July 8, 2026, at 11:00 am.