February 1, 1958 ~ January 14, 2025
Barbara Lovato Cruz, lovingly known as “Nana,” passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, at the age of 66. She was born on February 1, 1958, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Margaret Angela Zamora Jiron and Rolando Maximilliano Lovato.
Survived by her devoted husband Teddy Cruz, her children Angelina Raso (Nate), Jaylynn Sandoval, Ashley Cruz and Teddy Cruz Jr.; her grandchildren Quiana, Mathew, Noah, Miracle, Jullian, Mercedes, Diego, Marcus, Laila and Hadley; and her siblings Lisa Tafoya, R. Pete Lovato, Paul Jiron, Pauline Jiron, Richard Lovato and Tina Ouzounian; and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
Barbara loved to decorate her home with an abundance of roosters and plants, adding beauty and life to every corner. She enjoyed spending quality time conversing over coffee or a cold Pepsi, and her door was always open to loved ones. She was instrumental in raising Miracle and Jullian. The warmth and compassion she gave them created a special bond that will be forever cherished. Barbara also shared an incredibly close bond with her mother, Marge. In the end she spoke with her mom, right as she was there to take her by the hand and guide her home.
Preceded in death by her parents John and Marge Jiron, Rolando Lovato and sibling Robert Lovato.
A celebration of Barbara’s life will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025, at Starks Funeral Parlor; open house 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., followed by the burial at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Special thanks to all who helped with mom’s peaceful transition: Jaylynn, Miracle, Gina, Natasha, Marissa and the nurses and aides at CNS Hospice. You are all truly angels on earth.
Mom, we all love you and will miss you dearly.
“Take to the sky on a natural high, loving you more ‘till the day I die.”
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