Debra Sue DeLaCruz

Debra Sue DeLaCruz
Bay City, Michigan
Debra Sue DeLaCruz, a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, sister, and faithful woman of God, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Saginaw, at the age of 64.
Debra was born on April 29, 1961, in Bay City, Michigan, to the late James and Lois (Hayward) Vallender. She was brought up in the Lutheran faith and remained strong in her Christian beliefs throughout her life.
Debra attended Bay City Central High School and later earned her CRNA certification through Ross Medical. She also attended the International Culinary Institute, where she developed her passion for cooking and hospitality. She enjoyed her time working at The Scooter Store while living in Texas and later found great fulfillment as a hospitality manager at the San Antonio Zoo, where she loved interacting with guests and coworkers alike.
On January 16, 1999, Debra married the love of her life, Ricardo DeLaCruz, in Zilwaukee, and he survives her. Together, they built a beautiful life centered around family, faith, and love.
Debra cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren. She loved canning, cooking, crocheting, and sharing her creations with those she loved. A true coffee enthusiast-"the thicker, the better," as she would say-Debra found joy in life's simple comforts. She loved seafood dinners, the beauty of fall colors, and trips up north. The ocean always brought her peace, and she had a special knack for decorating her home to make it warm and welcoming. Debra also adored her dogs, Samson and Delilah, who were never far from her side.
She is survived by her loving husband, Ricardo; her children: Jeremiah (Amber) Vallender, Rory (Angie) Bukowski, Chad (Misty) Bukowski, Abby (Jerry) Salois, Jaclyn (Ramiro) Rivera, Seth (Angelic) Wiesen, Elliot (Corey) Curnutt, Rebekah Wiesen (Aram Ohanian), and Nikkolas DeLaCruz (Gabi Adamczak); and many cherished grandchildren: Ellie and Jocelyn Vallender, Sydney (Jacob), Cole, Brooklyn Bukowski, Aiden and Logan Bukowski, Hope and MacKenzie Salois, Jaiden Bourassa, Abigail, Elora, Marisella, and Isabel Rivera, Marie and Lyla DeLaCruz, Liam, Atlas, and Jeremiah Wiesen, Audrey, and Elizabeth Curnutt.
Also surviving are her siblings, Todd, Beth, and Tim Vallender; her in-laws Yolanda (Javier) Charles, Debbie (Furman Hatten) Dallas III, J.T. Mendez, Steve (Dawn) DeLaCruz, and Ruben (Bo) DeLaCruz.
Debra was predeceased by her parents, James and Lois Vallender; Sue Tunnicliff; Lea Mendez; Sandra Cruz; and Raul De La Cruz.
Debra's love for her family, her unwavering faith, and her kind and giving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her strength, laughter, and the warmth she brought into every room will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched.
The Funeral Service for Debra will be held Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Ambrose Funeral Home, 1200 Garfield Ave., Bay City, MI 48708. Pastor Jay Mendez will officiate the service for Debra. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Thursday from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial donations to the "Wishes of the Family" in care of Ricardo DeLaCruz. ambrosefuneralchapel.com