Elvira Virginia Cruz

Elvira Virginia Cruz, beloved by all who knew her, passed away peacefully at home on October 30, 2025, at the age of 88 after receiving the last rites of the Catholic Church from Father John of St. Patrick’s in Kerman, California.

Elvira was born in Karnes County, Texas, on November 16, 1936, to Francisco and Guadalupe Amador. The family moved to California a few years later where, after graduating from high school, she met and married the love of her life, Eusebio Aldaco Cruz. They were married on June 21, 1957, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Tranquility, California, and went on to spend the next 68 years together, raising three children, Mark, Vince and Vera in the Kerman community.

Elvira was a woman of deep religious convictions who shared her Catholic faith in many ways. She was a member of several prayer groups, including the Marian Movement of Priests. She taught catechism to children and adults for many years, bringing many into the Church, while also serving as a eucharistic minister and as a member of the Altar Society. Overseas, she and her husband, Eusebio, were instrumental in building a Catholic church for a Catholic community in Benin, West Africa.

Once her children were grown, Elvira completed her RN degree and worked at Community Hospital for many years. She was respected by the doctors and loved by her patients.

She is survived by her devoted spouse, Eusebio Cruz, her sons Mark Cruz (Antoinette), Vince Cruz, and her daughter Vera Mosher (Steve), as well as by her 18 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Palm Memorial - Kerman Chapel on November 11, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Rosary will be prayed at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, located at 15437 W Kearney Blvd, Kerman, CA 93630, on November 12, 2025, at 10:00 am. A Mass for the repose of her soul will follow at 10:30 am. She will be laid to rest at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, 264 N Blythe Ave, Fresno, CA 93706, on the same day.

Pallbearers will include Anthony Cruz, Joseph Cruz, Thomas Mosher, Matthew Mosher, Joe Porto, Dan Porto, and Dean Payne.

Elvira Virginia Cruz was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. May she rest in the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.