Cruz Cervantes

Cruz Terronez Rivera Cervantes, 89, of Silvis, IL, passed away peacefully April 5, 2021 with her family by her side.

Visitation will be 9-11am Friday at Schroder Mortuary, Silvis. Mass will follow at 11:30am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, Silvis. In accordance with public gathering guidelines social distancing will be observed as well as capacity limits followed within the funeral home and the church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, East Moline.

Cruz was born on May 3, 1931 in Silvis IL.  She attended George O'Barr School.  She married Julian P. Rivera in 1948, he passed away in 1962.  In 1970 she married Jose de Jesus Cervantes, who passed away in 2003.  She was a strong-willed woman who did not ask for help from anyone, even when she found herself, as a widow, raising her children alone. She loved her family dearly and worked hard all her life.  She worked at Seaford Clothing in Rock Island, IL, Buddy L, East Moline, IL, Illini Hospital, George O’ Barr, Silvis, IL, and then retired from UTHS East Moline, IL.

We will miss her yearly (over 40 years) bonfire for her grandkids.  Her famous “Coochas Bonfire” grew each year and was enjoyed by so many family members.  She loved being the reason everyone gathered together.  Cruz had a great sense of humor and always knew how to make people laugh.  She loved to dance and listen to her Mexican music. Cruz was a dedicated member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Silvis, IL.

Those left to cherish her memories: Children: Ronald Rivera, Julian Rivera, Ignacia (Eric) Dozier, Christine (Kerry) Rivera-Scudder, Christopher Rivera, and Luis Cervantes. Grandchildren:  Matthew (Areana), Ryan (Melissa), Manuel (Kimberly), Anthony, and Olivia Rivera. Carmen, Dominic (Christy), and Jeffrey (Alma) Rivera, Tiffany (Genaro) Gomez, Angela, Shalonda, and Garvey Jr. Glenn, Rolando Rivera and Santana (Ivan) Gonzalez, and Maker Cervantes. Great Grandchildren: Ella, Elias, Tristyn, Ethan, Payton, Mason, Madalyn, Owen, Reece, Alexis, Noah, Ocatavia, Nathalia, and Romeo Rivera, Devin (Griselda) and Eriana Cummings, Cinamen (Kenny) Fouse, Alexis (Chance) Nordstrom, Aubrie and Dominic II Rivera, Deijah and Ameiah Watts, Tanancia and Tre Morney, Alaejah Ross, Kiera and Kaniya Glenn, Aiden and Josiah Rivera, Ezekial, Emilio, and Elijah Gonzalez. Great-Great Grandchildren: Renee, Araceli, Julian, Issac, Iyanna, X’Zavarey, Avianna, Weston, Nahvi, Niomi and Amriyel.

Welcoming her at the Heavenly Gates with open arms:  Husbands: Julian Rivera and Jose de Jesus Cervantes. Child: Joseph Cervantes.  Grandchildren: Jennifer and Austin Rivera.  Great Grandchildren: Aniyah Watts, Julian Glenn, and Jeremie Ross (Papacito).  Great-Great Grandchild: Somaya Rivera-Cummings.   Parents: Benito and Felisia Terronez.  Siblings and Spouses: Theresa and Luis Sierra, Gabby and Anthony Moreno, Jesse and Mac Vallejo, Joe Munos, Mary and John Medina, Belin Terronez, Joe and Rebecca Terronez, Alvino and Elisabeth Terronez, Tony and Marcelo Perez, Angela and Isaias Ayala, Guadalupe and Yvonne Terronez, and Exigia Terronez.

Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32- “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

The family would like to thank Dr. Mallik and Genesis Hospice for their compassion and care.  Also a special thank you to Mercy Medina, Carmen Moreno, Nancy Bribriesco, Rosemarie Terronez Hernandez and Mona Lara – We appreciate everything you did for Cruz.