Gertrude Cruz

PALMYRA, Wis. -- Gertrude E. Cruz, 95, of Palmyra passed away Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin.

Gertrude was born Aug. 28, 1925, in Arbor, the daughter of John and Lydia Masters McCulley.

The Lord blessed Gertrude with eight children during her life, and she loved them all dearly. Family was the most important thing to her. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the apples of her eye, and she put family first in every situation. Gertrude made sure that everyone else's needs were met before considering her own. She was very selfless and would do anything for those she loved.

Gertrude worked as a laborer in the agricultural industry for most of her working career, and she was certainly no stranger to a hard day's work. She had a passion for gardening and had a very large garden at her home for many years. She took great pride and satisfaction in the lovely flowers she grew and even in her later years she grew flowers in her window and tended to them regularly.

Gertrude will be greatly missed, but her memory will live on in those she leaves behind.

She is survived by three of her dear children, Duane (Sherry) Cruz of Jackson, Linda (Lazaro) Duran of Palmyra and Dan (Christy) Cruz of Whitewater; her stepsons, Joe (Maria Elena) Cruz of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jimmy (Connie) Cruz of Rockford, Illinois; and James (Maria) Cruz of Milwaukee; stepdaughter-in-law, Lupe Cruz of West Allis, Wisconsin; and many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Cruz; her dear children, Wanda Sanders, Danny Cruz, Wayne Green, Henry Green, Jimmy Green and Juan Cruz; and grandson, Jimmy Green.

Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Burfordville Baptist Church, with the Rev. Bryon Kindle officiating.

Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill, Missouri, is in charge of arrangements.