Juanita Y. Cruz passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on May 12, 2023 at the age of 78.

Janie was born in Edinburg, Texas on July 12, 1944 to her parents Mauro Ybanez, Sr. and Leonor Ybanez.

Janie, as she was intimately known, was a beloved wife, mother, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt and cousin. She worked in retail for many years, instilling in her children the values of hard work and dedication. In the late 1980's she transitioned to the proud role of a housewife to care for her husband, children and grandchildren. She enjoyed playing bingo, bowling and dancing. This beautiful legacy of love will continue to live in our hearts for generations to come. She will be greatly missed.

She is joined now in heaven by her parents, her husband of over 50 years Ismael Cruz, Sr., along with her siblings: Maria Elva Ybanez, Santos Ybanez, Joe Ybanez, and Roberto Ybanez.

Janie leaves behind to cherish her memories, her five children: Christina (Joe) Vera, Lucy Medina, Ismael "Smiley" Cruz, Jr.  and Jaime Cruz, Stella (Oscar) Vasquez: her sister Angie Ybanez and her brothers Manuel Ybanez, Sr., Leonel Ybanez, Sr. and Mauro Ybanez, Jr.; twelve grand-children: Priscilla Rodriguez, Priscilla Castillo, Johnathan Vasquez, Alyssa Medina, Ryan Cruz, Jaime Cruz, Jr., Isaac Armadillo, Matthew Vera, Nasrin Medina, Jasmine Armadillo, Aaron Vera, Lylliana Cruz and one great-granddaughter Arya Gomez.

A very special thank you to our mother's faithful caregiver, Queta "Q" Colunga, for her unwavering love and support. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.

Public Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Guardian Funeral Home, 5922 Crosstown Access Rd ., with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. that evening.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3502 Saratoga Blvd ., with the Burial to follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 IH 37 Access Rd ., where Janie will be laid to rest beside her husband Ismael Cruz.