Remembering Leoncio M. Cruz Ruiz

Our dedicated husband and father Leoncio M. Cruz Ruiz, son of Dario (Crispin) Cruz and Patrocinia Ruiz, was born on September 17, 1940 in Ayoquezco Oaxaca, Mexico. He was the second of 5 children -1 girl and 4 boys. He left us peacefully in his bed surrounded by his family, in Gilroy CA on February 5th, 2014. Leoncio was a loving husband, father, grandparent, and friend to many.


At the age 24 he immigrated to Northern California for the first time as part of the agricultural Bracero Program. He worked humbly in different fields located in Fresno, Watsonville, Gilroy, Morgan Hill, Oregon, and Washington State. In hopes of a better future for his family, Leoncio picked chilies, asparaguses, strawberries, grapes, cherries, apples, plums, and tomatoes. He never missed a day of work as to not jeopardize his job position, a trait he emphasized on his sons and daughters. His work ethics were outstanding. There is no doubt that Leoncio was a very responsible devoted hardworking man of his word.
Many years later he realized that working in the fields was very strenuous therefor, he decided to change his occupation. To name a few, he worked at Integres, a laundromat, and Bonfante Gardens. After attaining different job skills in 2004 he began working for Wal-Mart where he decided to stay long-term. This year, 2014, he was going to receive a 10 year Award Recognition, something he really looked forward to.


A few of his greatest accomplishments he was extremely proud of were his family, and that on his own he was able to obtain his Legal Residency in 1986 through I.R.C.A. After being separated from his wife and children for he finally was able to bring his wife here and reunite their family in the year 2000. This brought great joy to everyone. But his accomplishments did not end there, in the year 2008, attending citizenship school and studying very hard he became a U.S. Citizen.

Leoncio's entire life revolved around his family. He was the strong one, the one everyone turned to for help, guidance and support. He always bragged about his beautiful family, always worried about his sons, daughters and grandchildren and what he could do for them. He would never go a day without asking about his family and how they were doing. Some of the most valuable things he entailed on his family were unity, integrity, respect, and love.

He will be survived by his beloved wife Natividad Facio,
sons and daughters:
Abel
Guadalupe
Rafael
Agustina
Leoncio Alejandro
Maria Angela
Gustavo
Rigo
Josefina
43 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

We will miss you to the ends of the earth.
Thank you for all the love, care & compassion.
Thank you for all your many wise words.
Thank you for working so hard.
Thank you for giving us a good life.
Thank you for every minute you gave us.

Love you forever.

Visitation Tuesday, February 11, 2014 from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM at Habing Family Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass Wednesday, February 12, 2014 - 10:00 AM at St. Mary's Church, 11 First Street, Gilroy, CA 95020

Burial will be in Oaxaca, Mexico.