ANITA CRUZ

1941 - 2016

Anna passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, April 13th with her devoted and loving husband, Frank at her bedside. After meeting in Calexico during a high school basketball game in 1956 and a two year courtship, Frank and Anna married on December 27th, 1958. They remained at each other's side for 57 years. She is survived by their 3 children, Joanna (Steve) Cox, Michael and Paul Cruz. Surviving grandchildren, Kristen Gay, Kevin Cox, Reese Ruano, Christina Cruz, Erica Cruz, Cassandra Cruz, Kendra Cruz, and Ashley Cruz-Latham and numerous great- grandchildren. Her surviving siblings include Manuel Avila of Heber, Mary Montemayor of Chula Vista, Isabel Silva of Lemon Grove, Laura Avila-Taylor of Lemon Grove and Marcos Avila of Albuquerque, NM. She is also survived by uncles, Rodolfo (Rudy) Avila of Calexico and Felipe Rivera of El Centro and numerous nephews and nieces. Anna grew up in Calexico and moved to Heber during her high school years. She was the eldest of 9 children. Preceded in death by her parents, Manuel and Rosa Avila, brothers, George and John Francis Avila, and sister, Rosalia Hernandez. Anna retired from the El Centro Unified School District/Kennedy Middle School after 25 years of service. She enjoyed reading and traveling the world with her husband and children. Known for her strength and courage, Anna valiantly battled Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for more than 7 years. A longtime parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe, El Centro, both Rosary and Service will be held there in the Capilla Christo Rey, officiated by Fr. Ed Horning. Rosary on April 20th will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Services will be held on April 21st at 9 a.m. with interment at Evergreen Cemetery immediately following. Luncheon to follow at Fraternal Order of Eagles at 661 West State St., El Centro. Anna, Heaven is more beautiful with you in it. We love and will miss you. Until we meet again...