
Cruz was born in Deming, NM on August 14, 1928 to Cruz R. Ponce Sr. and Paula Madrid. Mr. Ponce was a practical joker and enjoyed making people laugh. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and watching baseball. Mr. Ponce last worked with the U.S Forest Service for a number of years. Mr. Ponce also worked in mining in Grant County being a proud union member. Mr. Ponce was a meat cutter and custodian in California prior to his return back home to Silver City.
Cruz is survived by one son Chris M. Ponce (Julie) and three daughters Romie Martinez, Naomi Ponce and Cora Ponce. Seven grandchildren, Erika Maynes (John Paul), Christopher Ponce, Nathan Martinez (Katy), Tiana Martinez, Elizabeth Padilla (Daniel), Anissa Pinedo (Bobby), Japeth Herrera and Noah Herrera and 15 great grandchildren. Cruz is also survived by two sisters, Esperanza Holguin (Inocente) of Salomon AZ and Helena Chavez (Larry) of Silver City and numerous nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife Josefa Ponce and his parents. One daughter Yolanda Gomez, one grandson Joe Erik Grazziani and one great granddaughter Brittany Martinez. Two brothers Juan Madrid and Simon Ponce, and one sister Manuela Chavez and a son in-law Louie Martinez.
Rosary will be held on Thursday, November 7th at 10:30am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Richard Maynes Jr. reciting. The funeral mass will follow at 12noon at St. Francis Newman Center with Father Bartholomew Ezenwelem officiating. Concluding service and interment will take place at St. Vincent Catholic cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Christopher Ponce, Abraham Cruz Rojas, Nathan Martinez, James Holguin, Inocente Holguin Jr., Cruz Holguin, Bobby Pinedo and Vincent Pinedo. Honorary pallbearers will be John Madrid, Arnold Chavez, Rudy “Fito” Chavez, Johnny Esqueda, Manuel Pena, Larry Pacheco, Antonio Delgado, Inocente Holguin Sr. and John Paul Maynes.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.