Antonio "Tony" Herman Cruz, 75, a resident of Tyrone, NM entered eternal rest Sunday, May 25, 2025 at University Medical Center in El Paso, TX. He was born April 16, 1950 in Dawson, NM to Jose Andres and Cora Martinez Cruz.
Tony grew up working on the ranch in Dawson, NM. He grew up a true cowboy. Herding cattle, breaking horses, and spending his days with his brothers and Dad Joe Cruz working the ranch. He was drafted into the United States Army in September 1970. After returning from military duty, he married the love of his life Priscilla Perrault. They made their home in Tyrone NM, for the last 50 years raising their three daughters and grandchildren. Tony worked for 30 years at Phelps Dodge until he had to retire for medical reasons. Tony spent his life living for and loving his children and grandchildren. He loved going fishing and hunting with his grandsons. He was a Denver Bronco fan and shared that love of football with his daughters and grandchildren. Tony was known for his cowboy boots and black cowboy hat as he wore them everywhere he went. It was his true trademark. He was a great storyteller and loved visiting with everyone he came in contact with. He had a special way of making you feel important. He always had a smile on his face and the most admirable trait about Tony was his faith in God. He attended church regularly with his wife and served mass. He prayed devoutly for his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife, Priscilla J. Cruz of the family home; his son, Chris Cruz of Las Cruces; three daughters, Crystal D. Kennedy of Silver City, Jaclyn Serna and husband Jeremy of Sierra Visa, AZ; Starr Cruz of Silver City; nine grandchildren, Kylee Kennedy, Matthew Kennedy, Joshua Kennedy, Christopher Anthony Cruz, Lexi Lopez, Aubree Murillo, Luke Serna, Katie Serna, and Hailey Serna; two brothers, Art Cruz and wife Virginia of Silver City; Tommy Cruz and wife Melinda of Fort Collins, CO; four sisters, Edna Roybal and husband Albert of Eaton, CO; Helen Sanchez and husband Filimon of Tyrone; Emma Aguirre and husband Mike of Silver City, and Kathy Flores of Silver City; his brother-in-law, Pete Mondragon of Tyrone; his sisters in-law, Lucy Cruz of Silver City; and Donna Cruz of Cheyenne, WY.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, George Cruz, Joe Cruz, and Patrick Cruz; two sisters, Rose Mondragon, and Phyllis Cruz (Baby).
Visitation will be Monday, June 2nd from 5-6pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary to commence at 6pm with Deacon Bill Holguin reciting. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 3rd at 9:30am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Father Oliver Obele officiating. Concluding service interment will follow at FBNC with full military honors. Pallbearers are Chris Cruz, Luke Serna, Matthew Kennedy, Joshua Kennedy, Jeremy Serna, and Katie Serna.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
