Maria E. Cruz

The family of Maria Ernestina (Ramirez) Cruz is saddened to announce her passing on April 15, 2024, following a courageous, hard-fought and lengthy illness. She was 75.

Maria was born November 15, 1948, in Lopeño, Texas in Zapata County, to Gilberto and Herminia (Ramirez) Ramirez. She was a 1969 graduate of Skidmore-Tynan High School and several years later, she earned a certificate in cosmetology from Bee County College. She married Antonio Cruz in Beeville on August 21, 1981, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church where they remained active parishioners.

For numerous years, Maria was a dedicated associate at Weiner’s Department Store. Her nurturing personality shone through in her interactions with her cousins and nieces and nephews; she showed her affection by pinching their cheeks - a sweet gesture that was her signature move and will forever be cherished. In addition to making people feel and look good as a beautician, sewing and baking were some of her other favorite interests.

Maria was preceded in death by her parents, Gilberto and Herminia R. Ramirez.

Left behind to mourn Maria’s passing include her husband of 42 years, Antonio Cruz of Beeville; three daughters, Vanessa Cruz, Veronica Cruz and Valeria Cruz (Manuel Gonzales III); her brother, Ignacio (Dora) Ramirez; beloved grandchildren, Gilbert, Mariana, Violet, Abel and Jada. Also missing their Aunt Maria are Adrian (Jay) Ramirez, Michael (Clarissa) Ramirez, Selina (Jerry) Lopez and James Ramirez as well as many cousins she grew up with on the farm in the Olmos Community.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 19, at Oak Park Memorial Funeral Chapel with a Rosary to be recited at 7 o’clock that evening.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church with Father Isaias Estepa officiating.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Skidmore.

Pallbearers will be Gilbert Cruz, Adrian Ramirez, Michael Ramirez, James Ramirez, Jesus Cruz and Robert “Robby” Ramirez.

OAK PARK MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL

BEEVILLE, TEXAS

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