Lupe F. Cruz

Lupe F. Cruz of La Junta passed away on July 9, 2023 at Colorado Springs Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born on October 26, 1935, the first born, to Bonifacio and Luz (Medina) Vasquez in La Junta. She married Manuel Cruz on September 12, 1959 and celebrated 54 years of marriage together.

She graduated from La Junta High School with the class of 1955. Followed by attending St. Mary’s Hospital Nursing School, in Pueblo, CO. Her first place of employment was with the Santa Fe Hospital, as an OB nurse, in La Junta, CO, followed by employment with what is now The Arkansas Valley Medical Center. She retired in 1990.

Lupe was of a strong constitution, intelligent, wise, and witty. She was incredibly kind to others, and was always quick to laughter. She was an amazing wife, Mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and lifelong friend to many.

For the last 20+ years you would find Lupe at the La Junta Senior Center devotedly attending exercise classes 4 times a week, 2 times a week for Tai Chi classes and for other social events. We will miss her rapid pitter patter of feet rushing off in the morning to exercise class to get the closest handicap parking spot to the building. Her antics always put a loving smile on our face and now in our hearts.

She always had a smile on her face. She, along with our Dad made sure her children were educated and her devotion to her family was unwavering. Her husband and children came first in her life no matter what. We had the greatest Mother possible, she was endlessly devoted to us, as we were to her. This is a tremendous loss.

She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Catholic Parish. Being from Colorado, of course she was an avid Denver Broncos fan. Sometimes watching her watch the games on Sunday, one would never know she just came from church. Also, a big fan of the novellas, the only time we were not allowed to call unless it was an emergency, and the old school westerns. She was an advanced crossword puzzle fanatic.

She is survived by her children Mitch Cruz of La Junta, formerly of Denver; Ralph Cruz, of Los Angeles, CA; and Kathy Cruz, of Aurora, CO; brothers, Willie (Evelyn) Vasquez of Colorado Springs; David (Loraine) Vasquez of Albuquerque, NM; Ben (Lois) Vasquez of Pueblo West; Eddie (Carmen) Vasquez; and Alfred Vasquez; sisters, Juanita Chavez and Martha Vasquez, all of La Junta; brothers and sisters in-law, Norbert (Rita) Cruz of Phoenix, AZ; Jesus (Lupe) Cruz of Roswell, NM; Gavina Herrera of Chicago, IL; Ramona (Rudolpho) Vasquez, Esther (Manuel) Barraza, Amelia Hernandez, all of La Junta, CO; numerous nieces, nephews, and dearest cousins. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Manuel, in 2014, her Mother, Father and brother Joe.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel in La Junta. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be July 14, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. with Father Joseph Matitu officiating, both services held at Our Lady of Guadalupe/St. Patrick Parish in La Junta. Concluding service at Calvary Cemetery in La Junta.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Lupe’s name to The La Junta Senior Center, through check sent to 114 East 2nd St. La Junta, CO 81050, by phone 719-384-5486, or to one of her children. Thank you.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.