Cruz Garza Ball

Cruz Garza Ball, 86, went to her heavenly home on Friday, August 18, 2023. She was born in Bishop, Tx. on February 24, 1937. Cruz was the second of six children and her family traveled the United States as migrant farm workers. Even though she had a tough life, she always had a sense of style.

In her late 20's, she attended cosmetology school and that would change her life forever. She owned several thriving hair salons and many family members followed in her footsteps. We are now into the third generation of hair stylists. At last count, we had a total of 38 hair stylists or barbers in the family, that is not to mention the individuals that she has inspired along the way. Who would have thought that about a migrant farm worker?

She was a fearless forerunner, ambitious entrepreneur and a successful businesswoman. Cruz loved beautiful things and was a true creative. She had a passion for flowers, gardening, painting, cooking, and hosting family and friends. But, anyone who knew Cruz, knew that her greatest passion was her family.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and a powerful woman of faith. It is safe to say that she left her mark on the hearts of our entire family and countless others. Cruz was preceded in death by her son, David Ball Jr. and grandchildren, Jerry Latham and Ashley Gonzalez.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, David Ball Sr.; four daughters, Olga Martin, Norma Latham, Sylvia Gonzalez, and Lori Doyen; a son, Noe Gonzalez Jr.; grandchildren, Amanda Mayberry, Stephen Guinn Jr., Richard Martin, Tori Gonzalez, Diana Gonzalez, Jessica Latham, Christina Vaughn, Tahnee Cunningham, Kenneth Minor III, Michael Willette, Dylan Willette, Christian Willette, Jonathan Willette, and Shelbye Doyen; great grandchildren, Kennedy Mayberry, Nicholas Mayberry, Stephen Guinn III, Raegan Guinn, Ashlyn Martin, Anesley Young, Jayce Stubbs, Vance Stubbs, Duke Durham, Gage Latham, Ashton Lindsey, Alyssa Cunningham, Adrienne Cunningham, Olive Minor and Sarah Minor.

A gathering for Cruz will be held Saturday, September 2, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, Texas 77038. A memorial service will occur Saturday, September 2, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, Texas 77038. A reception will occur Saturday, September 2, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, Texas 77038.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Cruz's memory may be made to St. Jude Memorial Fund, https://raise.stjude.org/fundraiser/4878984.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Ball family.