In Loving Memory of Juanita J. Cruz

May 15, 1935 – October 15, 2026

Juanita J. Cruz, 91, of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was a woman of remarkable strength, intelligence, beauty, grace, humor, and unwavering faith in God. Her life was a beautiful reflection of her devotion to family, her deep spiritual beliefs, and the love she generously shared with everyone around her.

Born on May 15, 1935, in Temple, Texas, Juanita was the daughter of Cruz Jimenez and Guadalupe Jimenez. She attended Temple Public Schools and married her beloved husband, Adolfo Cruz Sr., on June 12, 1955. Together, they shared more than 71 years of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, love, and family. Juanita worked for 12 years in the cafeteria at the Olin E. Teague Veterans' Center, where she took pride in her work and serving others. She received a special contribution award for her dedication.

A devoted Catholic, Juanita was a longtime member and proud Guadalupana of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Throughout her life, she also attended St. Mary's Catholic Church. Her unwavering faith in God was the foundation of her life, and she never hesitated to share her love for the Lord and her deeply held beliefs with everyone she met. Even in her later years, she and her beloved husband faithfully watched Mass together every evening. Her faith remained a constant source of strength, comfort, and peace, leaving a spiritual legacy that will continue for generations.

Above all, Juanita treasured her family. She often said that her most valuable possession was her family and that each family member was a priceless jewel. As a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, she cherished each generation of her family. She loved them wholeheartedly, sharing her wisdom, encouragement, laughter, and unconditional love. Her greatest happiness came from being surrounded by those she held dear.

Juanita was exceptionally intelligent, possessing wisdom, determination, and a remarkable strength of character. She was a beautiful woman with a wonderful sense of humor who loved telling jokes and bringing laughter to others. As a young woman, she enjoyed crocheting and embroidery. Throughout her life, she delighted in life's simple pleasures, including listening to K-Love radio, enjoying chocolate ice cream from Jeremiah's Italian Ice, watching EWTN, Hallmark movies, and her favorite telenovelas. Most of all, she loved spending precious time with her family.

Preceded in Death

Juanita was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Cruz Jimenez and Guadalupe Jimenez; four brothers; her son, Adolfo Cruz Jr.; and her grandson, Marc Segura.

Survived By

Juanita is survived by her beloved husband, Adolfo Cruz Sr.; her son, Steven Cruz of Temple, Texas; and her five daughters, Gloria Cruz Lara of Austin, Texas, Susanna Cruz Moreno of Temple, Texas, Dora Cruz Segura of Avon Lake, Ohio, Patricia Cruz Arguelles of Temple, Texas, and Christina Cruz Leal of Grand Prairie, Texas.

She is also survived by her sons-in-law, Jose Luis Segura, Daniel, “Danny” Arguelles, and Fortunato, “Nato” Leal; two brothers and three sisters; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and three step-great-grandchildren.

A Lasting Legacy of Faith and Love

Juanita leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, wisdom, laughter, and treasured memories.

May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by God's everlasting love.

Visitation will take place on Monday, October 19, from 6-8PM at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Temple. Funeral mass will be the following day, Tuesday, at 1PM, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, also in Temple.