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Frances Zamora Cruz (Kika) 81 of Hayden, AZ. was called home to Heaven on Friday Nov. 16, 2012, in Oro Valley Arizona. She was born Oct. 30 1931 in El Paso Texas to Lydia Zamora
Moving to Hayden in the late 50’s “Kika” was a devoted wife and mother. She married young and the kids were soon underway…a total of nine, four girls and then five boys.
Kika had a keen ear for music and a perfect voice to match. She loved the outdoors and was always camping “fishing “or hunting. However, with such a big family one of her best traits was cooking! Another one of her passions was sewing.
Kika had a huge collection of family photos she cherished and called them her treasures. Like a beacon of light in life’s ugly storm she stood tall and bright to keep her family safe. Her house was a HOME for everyone. The little things in life she did for all make her memory so BIG and BEAUTIFUL!
Kika is survived by her loving husband of 63 years Juan A. Cruz of Hayden, daughters Terri Bracamonte of Riverside California and Beatrice Munoz of Hayden and sons Ray Cruz of Hayden, Johnny Cruz (Lydia) of Phoenix, Richard Cruz Francisco Cruz and Gilbert Cruz all of Hayden.
She was also survived by her brothers Luz Alatorre (Cecilia) of Albuquerque New Mexico, Juan Alatorre of Phoenix Arizona and her sistersMinnie Sealoft of Las Cruces New Mexico, Maria Mata of Phoenix Arizona, Angie Wilson (Eddie), Emila Lopez, Anita Juaquez and Lupe Ortega all of Las Cruces New Mexico.
Kika is survived by 21 grandchildren 37 great grandchildren and 2 great- great-granddaughters and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her mother Lydia Alatorre, daughters Lydia Cruz and Gracie Escalante granddaughter Adriana Cruz, brothers Francisco Alatorre, Robert Alatorre, Ysidro Alatorre and sister Rosa Ortega.
Visitation will be held Saturday Nov. 24, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church (300 Mountain View Dr., Hayden, AZ.) The Rosary will be held immediately after at 10 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will commence at 11:30 a.m. at the Mountain View Cemetery.
The family was assisted by Bulman-Griffith Mortuary in Kearny, Arizona. An online memorial is available at GriffithMortuary.com.
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