Lino Leo Cruz Sr.

Our father, Lino Leo Cruz, Sr., passed away on Saturday, September 17, as the result of a massive stroke. He would have been 87 on September 23. Leo was working on a puzzle, something he enjoyed, at the time of his passing. His family was able to gather around him and say goodbye.

Leo was born in Fairmont, Illinois, the third of 11 children, but spent most of his life in Washington State, where he met and married his wife of 60 years, Irene Velasquez. Together they moved to Yakima and had five children: Rosemary Walruff, Leo Cruz, Jr., Phil Cruz, Tillie Ann Miller, and Steve Cruz. Leo worked at McDonald’s Ranch in Wapato for five years and at the Deiro Ranch in Yakima for 50 years. Leo was a good provider for his family, and had a strong work ethic, which he passed along to his children.

Besides working on puzzles, Leo enjoyed working outside in his yard, watching the Seahawks and Mariners and going to high school baseball and basketball games. He was quiet, but had a great sense of humor and loved to kid around.

In addition to his wife and children, Leo is survived by his sisters and brothers, Mattie Moralez, Delores Cruz Douglas and Henry Cruz, Bob Cruz, Gloria Cruz Davis and Nancy Comstock, and six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Ysidro Cruz and Carlotta Soto; sister, Mary Quintana; and brothers, Chito Cruz, Tony Cruz and Manuel Cruz.

We will celebrate Dad’s life at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 26, 2016 at Keith & Keith Funeral Home. There will be viewing from 9:00-11:00 a.m. before the service. A graveside service will follow at West Hills Memorial Park. To share a memory of Lino, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.