Cruz "Cruzita" Salinas

Mrs. Cruz “Cruzita” Salinas, 93, joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Friday, May 31, 2024. 

The youngest child in a large and loving family, Cruz was born in El Paso, Texas on March 17, 1931, and spent many happy childhood years in Chihuahua, Mexico.  In her early twenties, after working briefly in El Paso, she moved to Laredo to live with her cousin, where she made what turned out to be a transformative decision to start working in the photo development department at the local Piggy Wiggly.  While working there, she met the love of her life, Rogelio, who adored Cruz from the moment they met. 

Cruz and Rogelio were married in 1955 and spent many wonderful years together in Laredo, raising and nurturing their three boys, Rogelio, Ismael, and Octavio, and two girls, Sandra and Yvonne.  Cruz’s love and support for Rogelio and her children helped Rogelio build many family businesses, including the well-known Laredo Packing Company and Laredo Cold Storage. 

Throughout her long life, Cruz was the model of love and nurture.  She served as the matriarch of the large family that she created, and after her husband Rogelio passed away in 1979, she continued to carry the growing family forward for decades to come.  She lived for her children and then grandchildren, devoting herself to their happiness and well-being and passing down the values of kindness, dignity, faith, and family.

Cruz was a pillar of love and service in her community as well.  In addition to volunteering at her church, Blessed Sacrament, where she was a faithful attendee, she served many in the community, including as a regular volunteer at Mercy Hospital.  She was known for offering a helping hand to anyone in need.  She also loved art, travel, and learning, and she enjoyed spending time with her many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rogelio Salinas; grandchild, Ismael Felipe Salinas; siblings, Guadalupe Ordonez; parents, Ismael and Rosario Bustillos; in-laws, Octavio and Alicia Salinas. 

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Rogelio (Donna) Salinas, Ismael (Laura) Salinas, Octavio (Ana †) Salinas, II., Yvonne (Eddie †) Gonzalez, Sandra (Jorge) Garcia; grandchildren, Roy (Rachel) Salinas, Sandra (John) Gonzalez, Lisa (Nicole) Lopez-Willis, Erica (Jason Hammon) Salinas, Ambroso (Courtney) Salinas, Esteban (Lily) Salinas, Alejandra (Elizabeth Hadaway) Salinas, Jacqueline Salinas, Dominique Salinas, Carolina Gonzalez, Jorge (Maria) Garcia, Analee (Will) Gruy; great-grandchildren, Roy, Victoria, Sofie, Tristan, Maura, Christian, Brandon, Ismael “Smiley”, Izabella “Bella”, Jazlyn, Ava, Cruz, Leo, Liev, Daniil, Viggo, Livia; and sister, Aurora Waller; as well as numerous other relatives, and friends.

The family received condolences on Friday morning, June 7, 2024 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.  A Chapel Service commenced at 10:30 a.m.

The funeral procession departed at 11:00 a.m. from Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery for the Rite of Committal and Inurnment.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.