Maximo Cruz Terrazas, 64, passed away November 4, 2012 at Gila Regional Medical Center in Silver City, NM.
He was born November 27, 1947 in Deming, NM to Luis and Conception Terrazas. Cruz grew up in Hatch and Deming, NM and joined the Navy at 17, prior to graduating high school, later obtaining his GED, later attending Western New Mexico University. He served four years and four campaigns in Vietnam during the Ted Defensive Era, as a Boatswain’s Mate.
He married Gloria Viramontes in 1967 and they had six children. Later, in 2005 he married Sherry (Gnader) Brandt, helping raise her two children. Cruz started in ranching and farming, also working at Kennecott Corp, in Hurley, NM. Later venturing into private business, owning Terrazas, Inc and other various associated businesses. During his retirement he loved riding his beloved mule Raven, enjoyed his faithful canine-companion Henry, driving his pickups and spending time with his family.
Cruz is survived by his spouse Sheryl and her children Derek Kyle Brandt and wife Nichole of Las Cruces; Kendra Denee Dalton and husband David of Alamagordo; also, mother of his children Gloria Barnes-Terrazas and their children Bobbie Jean Terrazas, Ramon Antonio Terrazas and wife Grace of Silver City, Marisa Angelina Cunningham, Melinda Christina Terrazas and her significant other Dennis Park, Nellie Jo Morce and Crystalyn Morce. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Dean, Gini, Taylor, Gabriella, Ariana, Armando, Logan, Silus, Emily “Bubbles”, Payton, Valentina, Louise, Jacob and Benjamin; one great-granddaughter expected February 13th Summer Rage; his mother, Concepcion Terrazas of Deming; three brothers, Ernest Terrazas and wife Cindy of Safford, AZ; Luis Terrazas and wife Carmen of Silver City; brother-in-law, Eli Swazo of Albuquerque; two sisters, Lydia Pena and husband Ramond of Deming; Connie Swazo of Albuquerque; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A public gathering will be held at Terrazas Funeral Chapel, #1 Fort Bayard Rd, Santa Clara, NM, on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 6-7 pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 7 pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday November 8, 2012 at Terrazas Funeral Chapel at 10 am followed by burial at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers will be Ray and Bobbie Jean Terrazas, Derek Brandt, Taylor Sippy, Robert Pastran, Tony Moreno and David Dalton. Honorary pallbearers will be all his family and friends. Reception will be held at the home of Sherry and Cruz immediately after completion of services, directions will be provided at the service. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.