Maria M. Cruz-White, age 80 of Miles City, passed away on September 27, 2015 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Hospital in Glendive.
Maria was born on July 11, 1935 in New York City, NY. She was the daughter of Hilario and Luz Maria Gonzales. She grew up in New York City and graduated High School from PS 99. She attended Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and trained as an X-Ray Technologist. Maria took great pride in her schools as she was never a day late or absent for any classes. Most of Maria’s professional career was working at V.A. Hospitals as an X-Ray technician and was Chief Of Voluntary Services their as well. She Was a Miles City Police Department Dispatcher and worked at Stockman Bank in the real estate and mortgage insurance department. Later on she was a secretary for the United Methodist Church and volunteered to help with youth groups. Maria loved sewing, crocheting, knitting, making jewelry, stamping and listening to Latin Salsa music. She was a member of the Toastmasters and the United Methodist Women’s group.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents, three half-brothers and a daughter Linda Devoe. She is survived by her children: Bill (Betty) White of Florida, Paul J. White of Virginia, Joe White of New York, Rose (Steve) Dolphin of California, Karen (Gary) Cottingham of Minnesota, David (Gina)White of New York, Doug (Luanne) White of New York, John “Andy” (Randi) Cruz of Texas, Nancy Bacon of Wibaux, MT and Wanda (Arlo) Kristenson of Miles City, MT and her siblings: Johnny Cruz of California and Marti (Petter) DeRosa of Phoenix, AZ. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
A memorial gathering for Maria will be held on Friday, October 16, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Miles City at 6:00 p.m. with refreshments to follow. A dance will be held to honor Maria on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. at the Rainbow Club in Wibaux, MT.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Beth Ann Wiedeman says
I will miss having this angel with me on this earth, but I know she will be watching over all of us from Heaven.
Aaron & Brenda Kneeland says
Maria was a vibrant, feisty and beautiful soul who we will miss very much. Loved her stories about growing up in NYC and we will always be indebted for the love and mentoring she provided our boys as they grew up in the Methodist church. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Bradley Kneeland says
I met Maria more than ten years ago when she started volunteering at my church’s after school youth group program and few people have had such an important or beautiful influence in my life. Maria was always there, believing in me and sending words of encouragement. At youth group, Maria would always refer to us as her kids and that’s how I will always remember Maria- I was so fortunate to be one of her kids. I am so sad to hear of her passing but the impact she made in my life and the lives of everyone who was blessed enough to know her makes my fills my heart with joy. To Maria’s family, please accept my sincerest condolences. Thank you for sharing Maria with us. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen Krausz says
My thoughts and prayers to Maria’s family. We only met in the last few months after I moved to the Manor, but we found we had many things in common and she encouraged me to get involved in some of the activities that we both enjoyed. I will always remember her in her sparkling hats.
Sierra Jonas says
Abuela, you were truely an amazing woman! You meant the world to me! I can not believe you are gone from this world. I wish I could have seen you one more time. I’m thankful I got to call you and say goodbye. I looked up to you so much and now I know you are looking down on me as well as many others. I miss you so very much right now! I LOVE YOU ABUELA!!!
Kent & Marci Fandrich says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Maria’s family. She was a very unique and a one of a kind woman and will be greatly missed. We have many fond memories of working with Maria and the youth at the Methodist church for many years. We hope you find comfort in the memories you made and know that she is in God’s hands at peace now.
Nancy Gilbertson says
Maria…a beautiful name for a classy, no nonsense, down-to-earth lady. She will be remembered for her strength and ideals.
Kim obrigewitch says
I learned a lot from this strong amazing woman. I am better for knowing her. Rest in peace Maria
Beth Riggs says
I loved working with Maria on youth and UMW projects. She was so spirited, spunky and generous, a strong woman of faith. She was so colorful and outspoken. She was a great example for the rest of us to speak up and be involved and treasure the ones around you. I know that she is at rest in God’s loving arms and I look forward to seeing her when I cross that river too.
Eileen Reddick says
WE WERE GREAT FRIENDS FOR MANY, MANY YEARS’ HAD SOME REALLY GOOD TIMES TOGETHER AND SAW EACH OTHER THROUGH SOME TRYING TIMES AS WELL. WE WOULD GO ON OUT OF TOWN MEETINGS AND SHOP UNTIL WE DROPPED AND THEN WONDER WHY WE DID THAT, WE DIDN’T EVEN LIKE SOME OF THE THINGS WE BOUGHT, WOULDN’T BE CAUGHT DEAD IN THEM. I WILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE FAMILY AND HOPE EVERYTHING IS GOING WELL WITH THEM AS I AM WRITING THIS. I WILL MISS YOU OLD PAL, REST IN PEACE.
Jan Warn says
I always enjoyed being around Maria. She shared the most interesting stories of her life, was an amazing volunteer for the Methodist youth groups. She was a treasure and will be missed.
Susan Appell says
I enjoyed so much working with Maria in UMW. I will miss you.
Joseph White says
Rest in peace
Lori Penrod says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I so enjoyed the times we spent together while I owned Stampin’ & Scrappin’ . One of the things I truly loved her for is she told you what she thought whether you liked it or not. She was definitely a spitfire. She has definitely left her mark on all those who knew her.
Kelli (Rooney) Klein says
Maria was fun to work with at the Sheriff’s Office in Miles City. Such a sweet lady. Thoughts and prayers are with friends and family. God bless.
Cindy Grimes says
My sincere condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort strengthen you during this difficult time, Psalms 83:18 & Revelation 21:3,4. I hope these scriptures bring peace to you.