J Cruz Hernandez Montalvo

J Cruz Hernández Montalvo, age 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 2, 2022 in Madera, CA.  Cruz was born on May 3, 1924 to Maria Montalvo and Concepcion Hernandez in Mexico. Cruz always worked the land and raised livestock.  He started working since the age of 13 when his father died and left him as “man of the house” to provide for his mother and sisters.  He raised cattle, horses, pigs, donkeys, and he took great pride in harvesting his crops and raising livestock.  At the age of 22, he married his wife of 71 years Eulalia Luna.  His wife, their children and their families were the main source of his pride and joy.  Hearing about his children and their children’s lives and accomplishments made him feel an integral part of their victory.  Cruz lived in Madera for the last 5 years of his life and was a member at St. Joachim Catholic Church. Cruz loved his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great-grandchildren very much; he was a very compassionate and loving individual.

Cruz is preceded in death by his wife Eulalia, his parents Maria and Concepción, his daughter Elia Hernandez, great-grandson Jose De Jesus Barrios, and his great-granddaughter Annabell Monica Delgado. 

Cruz is survived by his five sons: Gabriel and his wife Mari Hernandez of Bakersfield, Alberto and his wife Mela Hernandez of Bakersfield, Gonzalo and his wife Melda Hernandez of Madera, Miguel and his wife Mari Hernandez of Madera, and Jose and his wife Margarita Hernandez of Madera, his six daughters: Micaela and her husband Juan Renteria of Mexico, Rosalba and her husband Primo Castanon of Madera, Martha and her husband Ignacio Gallardo of Madera, Luz Elena and her husband Roberto Guerrero of Madera, Maricela and her husband Rito Chavez of Palm Springs, and Mari and her husband Gustavo Castillo of Oregon. Cruz also leaves behind his most precious 45 grandchildren, 111 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great-grandchildren. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 8:30 AM to 11 AM at Jay Chapel, Madera, CA. Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 11:30 AM at St. Joachim Catholic Church, Madera CA.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 12:00 PM at St. Joachim Catholic Church, Madera, CA.
Followed by Interment at Arbor Vitae Cemetery, Madera, CA