Rev. Esther De La Cruz

Long-time Pastor of Canaan Church, Reverend Esther De La Cruz peacefully entered into her eternal rest on Monday, August 10, 2015, at her home in Banning, California. Rev. Esther De La Cruz was born May 11, 1938, in Azusa, California and was raised in San Pedro, California. She married Ernesto De La Cruz on October 7, 1955 and they lived in Azusa, California. Esther raised 5 children as a working mother. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and helping wherever she could.

Esther and her husband moved to Banning, California in 1976 to start a rehab home for men who struggled with drug and alcohol addictions. Not long afterward, they found themselves pastoring Canaan Spanish Assemblies of God, which later would be more commonly known as Canaan Church, at the corner of Hargrave and Lincoln Streets, in the City of Banning. After the passing of her husband in 1979, Esther became the Senior Pastor of the church and remained as Pastor for 35 consecutive years. She faithfully served the Pass Area cities of Banning, Beaumont, Cabazon and Cherry Valley with an unconditional love, care and compassion for the people of those communities. Esther was liked and respected by all who knew her.

Esther is survived by her brother Abel Duran of Banning, California; her sister Lydia Del Rio of Las Vegas, Nevada; and her five children Tina Alonzo of Banning, California, Liz Saenz of Beaumont, California, Rachel Alonzo of San Juan Capistrano, California, Ernest C. De La Cruz of Banning, California and Aaron De La Cruz of Chino, California. She was also blessed with 21 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Esther was known for her encouragement, support and acceptance. She was a mentor to many and mother-figure to all. Esther leaves a great legacy of love in all her family and in everyone she touched.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 22, 2015, at 2:00pm, at Fellowship in the Pass Church, 650 Oak Valley Parkway, Beaumont, California.

Arrangements were entrusted to Weaver Mortuary, Beaumont, California