Dorothy Ann Cruz

Dorothy Ann Cruz of Surprise, AZ was called to heaven by her lord and savior on Saturday May 24th, 2025 at the age of 67. She was born in Long Beach, CA where she grew up until moving to the Phoenix area with her mom and 4 siblings in 1971. After attending Thunderbird High School, she began her most meaningful job when she became a mother of 3 amazing children. While raising her children, she was able to build her career in the Medical Billing industry, moving up to being Vice President at Catholic Healthcare West. She then moved into working for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She also volunteered her time at a thrift store whose proceeds all went to the Arizona Humane Society. She was passionate about saving dogs and helped with the saving of various animals in her life. She also had a passion for interior design and attended Design school completing her certification, working on various projects in many homes.

She is preceded in death by her father Oswald Cruz, mother Nancy South, and her sisters Lorrie Cruz and Nancy Miles.

She is survived by her sons Greg Miel & Charles Buchanan, daughter Jillian Tatman, daughters in law Carmen Buchanan & Nickie Miel, grandsons Kyle Miel, Colton Buck, and Quinton & Quade Olmsted, Peter & Jose Gonzalez and Adam Lewis, grand daughters Lauren Miel, Kendall Rizzo, Licha Gonzalez and Breanna Burns, sister Pamela Cruz and brother Michael Coleman. She is also survived by her 3 great grand children, Brooke, Nyxon and Caysen.

The family would like to thank all who have shared their stories and experiences with Dorothy over the years and hope to hear more as time goes on.

“Angel of God, my guardian dear. To whom his love commits me here. Ever this day, be by my side. To light and guard, to rule and guide”

As we say goodbye to our beloved Dorothy, we invite you to come together to celebrate her life and the impact she had on each and every one of us. Please join us on June 21st, 2025 from 12pm - 3pm at Sun City West Foundation Inc at 14465 W R H Johnson Blvd Sun City, AZ 85375 in the Grand Canyon Room. There will be a memorial service in her honor, followed by light refreshments and sharing memories.