Mario Cruz

Mario received a double lung transplant in December of 2012 and died of complications related to the flu.

Mario was born on January 19th, 1948 in Villa Aldama Chihuahua, Mexico to Manuel and Mercedes Cruz. Mario would have celebrated his 40th wedding anniversary to the love of his life Sylvia Pena Cruz on July 2nd of this year. Mario was a hard-working man that dedicated more than 48 years to the oil business most of which came as a drilling and production foreman. Mario’s work took him to many different and exciting locations including New Mexico, California, and Texas and abroad to Bolivia, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia. His love and dedication for his work was surpassed only by that for his family, both immediate and extended. His larger than life personality and giving nature endeared him to many. The love and affection he showed to his children and grandchildren was without end. The undying love and connection he shared with his wife Sylvia was an inspiration to many.

Mario is survived by his wife of 39 years Sylvia Pena Cruz, children and their spouses Elsie Gomez (Sal), Mario Cruz Jr., Samuel Cruz (Tracy), Rebecca Martinez (Johnny), Jose Martinez, Manuel Cruz (Esther), James Cruz (Arti), 23 grandchildren, 2 grandchildren soon to be born Amelia and Ayden, and 7 great-grandchildren, as well as siblings Maria (Ron) Bennett, Teresa (Vern) Lynd, Manuel Cruz, Carlos Cruz, Randy Cruz, and Robert Cruz.

Mario was preceded in death by his infant son Manny Cruz, 3 grandchildren, his parents Manuel and Mercedes Cruz, and his brother Luis Cruz.

A celebration of Mario’s life will take place at 6:30 pm on Thursday March 3rd, 2016 at Vida Nueva Church, 110 South Jefferson St., Hobbs, NM 88240.

The family would like to thank all those who have offered their condolences in the way of food, flowers, and moral support.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Help Hope Live in honor of Mario Cruz Sr. Please mail to: Help Hope Live, Two Radnor Corporate Center, 100 Matsonford Road Suite 100, Radnor, Pa 19087.

Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like Eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint…Isaiah 40:31