Eileen Detten

Mary “Eileen” Detten, 88, of Amarillo, passed peacefully on February 19, 2026, with her beloved children by her side.

A celebration of Eileen’s vibrant life will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 3 pm, at Lake Tanglewood Community Church, 106 Tanglewood Drive in Lake Tanglewood.

Eileen was born in Okeene, Oklahoma, on September 9, 1937, to Jacob Charles and Viola Gertrude (Knoetgen) Gruber. After her family relocated to Amarillo, she graduated from St. Mary’s Academy. It was in Amarillo where she met Raymond “Ray” J. Detten, and on September 1, 1956, the two were married at Sacred Heart Cathedral, beginning a lifetime of love, adventure, and deep devotion to one another and to the family they built together.

Eileen was a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for more than 25 years, forming many cherished lifelong friendships. She worked alongside Ray in their family-owned business Central Dental Lab for fifteen years, and together they shared a love of travel, laughter, and community.

Known affectionately as “Mimi” to not only her grandchildren but to friends and loved ones alike, Eileen had a way of making everyone feel like family. To know her was to love her. She had an infectious smile, a vibrant spirit, and a gift for making every gathering feel special. No matter the setting, she made sure everyone was having fun. Her humor, generosity, optimism, and genuine love for people made her truly one of a kind.

After Ray’s passing, Eileen’s circle of dear friends lovingly helped fill the void, and she continued to create a life rich with connection and joy. Her home at Lake Tanglewood became a gathering place filled with laughter, wonderful meals, and unforgettable memories. She treasured her lake life and her community, serving as President of the Lake Tanglewood Corporation, as a dedicated board member, and as Grand Marshal of the annual Fourth of July parade.

Whether “tootling” around the lake on her boat, gathered on a dock, or hosting friends on her back patio, Eileen lived by her favorite phrase: “Life is Good.” Her friendships meant the world to her — from “Therapy Group” and Wine Night to Steak Night, Birthday Club, Lunch Bunch, and countless spontaneous gatherings. She celebrated every moment and every person.

But above all, Eileen’s greatest joy was her family. Nothing compared to the love she held for them. From her children to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they were her pride, her heart, and her greatest blessing.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Viola and Jacob; her beloved husband, Ray; her brothers Gerald, Clarence, Robert, and Jerry; and her sister Alice.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sister Patricia Arnold; brother Wayne (Connie); daughter Pamela (Larry); son Tim (Terry); grandchildren Dustin (Angela), Ryan (Shawn), Savannah, Bryson (Jamie), and Taryn (Alex); and great-grandchildren Kylie, Conner, Nova, Magnolia, Summer, and Freya, along with many extended family members and cherished friends whose lives were brighter because of her.

In true Eileen fashion, guests are encouraged to wear something bright or joyful in her honor as together we celebrate a life that brought so much light to others. Her laughter, warmth, and unwavering belief that life is good will live on in all who were lucky enough to know and love her.

In lieu of flowers donations will be greatly appreciated at the Amarillo Downtown Women’s Center. dwcenter.org