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BORN
1925
DIED
2019
Arcenio Cruz Obituary
Archie was born to Leandro and Rafalita Cruz and was raised in Lumberton, NM with his 8 siblings. At the young age of 18, he joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served In World War II. After serving 2 years he returned to Lumberton, New Mexico and soon married the love of his life, Gregorita Lucero.
In the early 50's he moved his wife and two sons, Jerry and Danny, to East Carbon, UT where he worked in the coal mines for a number of years.
Archie made his way to Colorado in 1962 where he made Tunnel Hill Ranch the family homestead. His ranch and cows were his pride and joy. He was always out on his red four-wheeler checking his cows or herding his sheep with his dog trailing behind.
He also drove the school bus for Ignacio School District from 1964 to 1993 and is beloved by many who remember being on his bus route. His laugh was infectious and anyone who knew him had a great story to tell. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Archie would do anything for his family, friends, and anyone in need. He loved being on the farm and made so many friends young and old wherever he went.
He was the patriarch of the family, with so many memories he leaves behind. He's a legend who will be missed but never forgotten.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Gregorita, nephew Curtis Lagerstrom, brothers Manuel, Lucio, Ben, Joe, CD, and sisters Lupe, Flora, and Olivia.
He is survived by his sons Jerry Cruz (Dolores) of Ignacio and Danny Cruz(Doreen) of Aurora, grandchildren Brandon Cruz (Karla), Sandra Maez (Mark), Amanda, Ashley Cruz (Danny), Annette Williams (Ronnie), Kristy Allen (Jay), Kym Cruz, Samantha Jo Cruz, and Tammy Prein, as well as 27 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Ignacio, CO. A Rosary on Friday, January 11th at 7:00 PM and a memorial Mass on Saturday, January 12th at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Anthony's Hospice in honor of Archie Cruz?St. Anthony's Health Foundation ?11600 W. 2nd Place?Lakewood CO 80228.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Arcenio Cruz
Shirley Marquez Berg
January 4, 2024
My memories are all so good. Archie played such A special place in our heart. He is gone but will never be forgotten. Love you and miss you. Thank you for all the great memories.
Shirley Marquez Berg
January 2, 2022
My sweet Archie you are missed. Think of all the fun times our families had together. Miss and love you
Mary Cowan
January 14, 2019
Jerry, Danny and Family,
I have wonderful memories of the times our families spend together. I know his passing has left you with great sadness. I believe he is with your Mom, Greg, family and friends having a party. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Mary Martinez Cowan or as your Dad called me Marie
A Madrid
January 12, 2019
Annette Marquez-Madrid
January 12, 2019
Jerry, Danny & Family,
My thoughts are with you, wishing you comfort and peace. May happy memories of your time together help you through this sad time. Rest in peace Nino.
Jim & Shirley Marquez Berg
January 10, 2019
Dear Jerry, Danny & Family:
Our condolence to all the Crus Family. Archie & Gregg had a very special place in our heart. We had so many special memory. What a great loss. He is now with all his family and friends. What a great party . No more pain and sufferering he fought a good fight. You will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers. We Love You.
Nancy Lopez
January 9, 2019
My condolences and prayers to all the family. Nancy Lopez
Robert & Peggy Marquez Mena
January 9, 2019
Dear Jerry Danny & family:
Archie's greatest love were his family, his ranch & his friends but,
most of all he loved life. He was a great inspiration to us all.
His passing is a great loss to family & friends who know
and loved him. We have fond memories of your Dad & mom & our
time together that we will cherish. We send our love & prayers. Our family feels your pain. May his soul rest in peace, and for you all comfort through the love of God.
January 8, 2019
SO SORRY TO ALL THE FAMILY PRAYING FOR ALL OF YOU GOD BLESS WE KNEW HIM AND FAMILY SUCH A WONDERFUL MAN AND HIS FAMILY CONRAD SONNY AND THERESA MATINEZ AND FAMILY REST IN PEACE ARCHIE
January 8, 2019
To all of the Cruz family, my sincere heartfelt sympathy. RIP in Arcenio. I was born and raised in Rosa, NM, new all the Cruz family all my life. God Bless all of you.
Rosa Quintana
Angie Hernandez
January 8, 2019
Sending prayers and hugs to the Cruz family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Sam shared some great stories of Tata Cruz with me. What a wonderful man. I can see why his family is so awesome. Rest in peace Tata Cruz.
January 8, 2019
To the family: So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort give you the strength to endure until death and suffering is no more. - Mary
Sheryl Smith-Wyatt
January 8, 2019
My condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of Archie. He was a wonderful person and we all loved him to drive the bus for us. I know he will be sorely missed.
Sheryl (Smith) Wyatt
Helen Gallegos
January 7, 2019
My condolences to the family. I'm sure my parents knew your family. They were also from Lumberton area. R.I.P Arhcie.
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