Delfido (Del) Samuel Cruz, 83, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Monday, February 17th, peacefully at his residence after a courageous battle with Alzheimers.

Del was born in Springer, NM on September 27, 1936, a son of the late Celestina Lorraine (Amparan) and Elfido Maximiano Cruz. At the age of 6, he moved to Rocky Ford with his parents where he attended school and graduated from Rocky Ford High School.

He was the husband of Inez Corina (Esquibel) Cruz; married May 18, 1957 in Rocky Ford.

He was a parishioner of St. Peters Catholic Church.

He served in the U.S. Army and attained the rank of E-5; Sergeant.

He was a Transportation Coordinator at Child Development Services from 1966 until his retirement in 1999.

Del had a passion for softball and baseball. In the 1970's, he coached Del's and Dan's women's softball for three years. During this time, he also coached the Teen Center girls' softball team.

Later on, he started coaching Midget and Little League baseball, moving up with his teams to Junior and Senior Babe Ruth. In 1978, he assisted Jess Downey coaching Senior Babe Ruth All-Stars to a State Championship, advancing to Regional Playoffs in Missouri.

In 1987, he and son Danny coached Senior Babe Ruth All-Stars Team at the State Tournament in Grand Junction, CO.

After, he enjoyed watching his sons and daughter play co-ed softball.

He loved to tell stories to his grandchildren and making them laugh. He also enjoyed watching Western movies, attending wrestling matches, and other sporting events his grandchildren participated in.

He is survived by: His wife Inez of the home; Son Daniel (Patricia) Cruz, of Colorado Springs, CO; Daughter Danette (Alexander) Garcia, of Albuquerque, NM; Son Dion (Cristina) Cruz, of Colorado Springs, CO; Grandson Kody (Kristina) Garcia, of Albuquerque, NM; Granddaughter Brionna Garcia, of Albuquerque, NM; Granddaughter Dionna (Zach Zdy) Cruz, of Colorado Springs, CO; Grandson Devan Cruz, of Colorado Springs, CO; Grandson Deric Cruz, of Colorado Springs, CO; Granddaughter Ariana Cruz, of Colorado Springs, CO; Great-Granddaughter Layla Zdy, of Colorado Springs, CO; Great-Granddaughter Lionna Zdy, of Colorado Springs, CO. Del was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers: Jimmy Cordova and Johnnie Cruz; 1 sister: Marie Cruz and in-laws Mike and Carolina Esquibel.

Del was a family and community favorite and loved by many. His family is rest assured that he is liberated and no longer a hostage of Alzheimers! He will surely be missed by many!

Rosary Service will be recited by Rose Trujillo 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 7th at St. Peters Catholic Church in Rocky Ford, CO with the Memorial Mass to follow at 10:30 AM by Father Paul Ekeh. Military service by Rocky Ford American Legion Post #8. Inurnment will be in the Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford – Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.