Simon Cruz

CASA GRANDE - Simon Augustine Cruz was born on March 20, 1949 in Red Wells, Tohono O'Odham Nation. He passed away on May 15, 2018 at Chandler/Dignity Medical Center. He is survived by his Wife, Jean Marie; Son, Alex; daughter in law Brenda ; daughter Mary; brother Daniel, Sisters Barbara, Jeanette, Dorene; 8 grandchildren, 3 greatchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Solano and Eliza Cruz and sister Madeline. Simon was loved very much by his family. Throughout all his years, he was a musician, he came from a family generation of musicians. His love for music was his life. He played bass and guitar with the American Indians, The Cruz Band and Tohono O'Odham Braves. He was a man of many trades, he worked as a farm worker, tractor driver and welder with Cockrill Farms for about 20 years. He changed his career due to health reasons and became an office worker, VITA tax worker and ended his career/retired as a custodian with Sacaton Public Schools. His favorite shows are The Rifleman, Lone Ranger, Roy Rogers and MASH. He enjoyed his retirement with his wife and loved spending time with his family and friends. His favorite team is Arizona Cardinals and he never missed a game.

Visitation from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, at J. Warren Funeral Services, Mountain View Chapel, with wake continuing at St. Serafin Catholic Mission in Ak-Chin Village, Tohono O’odham Nation. Funeral Mass celebrated there at 5 a.m. on Monday, May 21. Burial in the cemetery there.