Cruz Juarez Garcia, 79, of Madera, California passed away on May 24, 2022, from cancer. He was born May 3, 1943, in Harlingen, Texas to Guadalupe and Julia Garcia. Cruz is survived by Rosa Garcia, his wife of 59 years; his 3 daughters, Rosemary Angeles, Priscilla Clark, and Julia Garcia; 4 sons, Guadalupe Garcia, Luis Garcia, Cruz Garcia Jr., Benson Garcia; and nephew, Luis Garza. Cruz was predeceased by his siblings Ignacio Garcia, Jose Garcia, Sofia Garcia, and he leaves behind his siblings Guillermo Garcia, Antonia Garcia, and Dominga Garcia. Cruz also leaves behind a legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he watched grow and thrive.

He left Texas at an early age to begin the next phase of his life. After a few short years he found his lifelong companion, his loving and loyal wife, Rosa. Cruz and Rosa were married in the city of Diaz in Jackson County Arkansas, June 17th, 1962, and moved to California in the Fall of 1962. As migrant farmworkers, they heard of the bountiful opportunities of the Central Valley and gradually set down roots in Madera; while also traveling back and forth to Texas. As migrant farmworkers did, Cruz and Rosa traveled across the country following seasonal agriculture. The roads he once traveled alone, he now traveled with his wife and their growing family.

From Texas and Arkansas, Cruz and Rosa now had family roots in Madera. During the Fall and Winter seasons Cruz worked as lead gin operator of Golden State Cotton Gin. He dedicated 28 years, while continuing migrant farm work. Cruz and Rosa both had a discipline for hard work which was passed down to their children who traveled along with them. The work was hard and constant, only because he knew of its importance. If you were out with him in the fields, you found out right away that you needed to be productive because, "la que no sirve, subase a la troca." You show up and get to work because hard work provided him with a new life, a loving wife, and a growing family.

Cruz passed down his knowledge of cotton engines to his children as well as abundant knowledge of the fields and orchards they tended. You may have driven past a field they tended or an orchard they pruned. That road you were on, he may have even paved it, literally. Following Golden State Cotton Gin, Cruz worked for Holguin Construction and M&G Paving, paving roads.

While he knew the value of hard work and its importance, he was also the man who enjoyed rolling down giant bales of cotton. He would dance to Ramon Ayala or Tejano music, of course, at every family party. Speaking of parties, you definitely met him at one, and you definitely saw him dancing. He would greet you with a smile and a handshake, making you instantly feel welcome. He would offer anything he had to offer; an ice-cold beer, a warm plate of food, great company, or a dance partner if you needed one. On his quieter days he would be out fishing or gardening. One of his final activities before he left us was a fishing trip with some of his children. So, while we gather here today to remember this generous man who lived a long, hard-working life, it is safe to assume that he is somewhere in heaven, gone fishin'.