Ethel Marie Cruz

Boardman-Ethel Marie Cruz, 92, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Briarfield at Ashley Circle in Austintown. She was born on March 29, 1932, in North Lima, Ohio, to the late Clyde and Mabel Harrold Smith.

A graduate of Boardman High School, Ethel embarked on a career in nursing, beginning her professional journey at Southside Hospital. In 1951, she married Rosario Cruz, embracing her role as a dedicated homemaker and wife. Ethel was the loving mother of eight children, fulfilling her dream of raising a large family. As her children entered school, Ethel returned to the workforce, first with Lyons Physician Supply as a bookkeeper and later serving as a parts specialist at Hobart Restaurant Supply, where she eventually retired.

Known for her unwavering commitment to service, Ethel engaged in missionary work after retirement. As a founding member of Mission to the World (MTW) and TBW, she traveled extensively to places including Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Jamaica, and Mexico. Through these missions, Ethel delivered essential supplies and extended her compassion to those in need. She formerly attended Highway Tabernacle Church, where she participated in the Young at Heart Group, and more recently, she attended New Life Church, actively contributing to their shoebox ministry through Samaritan's Purse.

Ethel enjoyed a variety of hobbies in her leisure time, including leatherworking, gardening, baking, cake decorating, singing, crocheting, and knitting. Her joyous disposition and playful spirit endeared her to many, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know her. Ethel's generosity and her eagerness to always help others will be missed by many.

Ethel leaves to carry on her memory, her children, Luis (Rae) Cruz of Poland, Antonio (Sue) Cruz of Campbell, Delores "DeeDee" (Daniel) Wade, Linda (Tom) Byle, Elena Cruz, and Teresa McCormick, all of Youngstown. She was a loving and proud "Grandma Cruz" to her 34 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. 

In addition to her parents, Ethel was preceded in death by her husband Rosario of 62 years on February 23, 2014; her children, Juanita "Wanda" Cruz Couture; son, Gregory Cruz; sister, Helen Schlotter; and son-in-law, Dino McCormick. 

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. and Friday, January 10, 2025, from 10:00-10:45 a.m., at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Davis-Becker Funeral Home with Pastor Duane Bull officiating. Interment will follow at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Boardman. 

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with the family.