Jennie (Ledesma) Cruz

On June 18, 2026, our Dear Aunt Jennie, passed away peacefully exactly where she wanted to be, in her own home and in her own bed. Her niece, Shirley Barnes, remained by her side from the first day she was under Hope West Hospice care until the day she passed away.

Jennie (Ledesma) Cruz was born in Delta, CO on December 14, 1925. Her parents, Antonio and Francisca (Vasquez) Ledesma settled in Delta’s “Gunnison Valley” in the 1920’s. Jennie grew up in Delta with her parents, four brothers and two sisters.

On November 19, 1949, Jennie married Joe Cruz from Montrose, CO and they shared 49 years of marriage before Joe passed away in 1998. Joe and Jennie lived in Sunnyvale, CA and Brigham City, Utah and after Joe retired they decided to move back to the Western Slope of Colorado and bought their home in Montrose, CO in 1991. Together they enjoyed traveling, enjoyed fishing for trout in CO, UT and ID, visiting family, hosting family get-together’s, playing Bingo, playing cards and would take trips with family to Mesquite, NV to play the slot machines.

On December 14, 2025, Jennie celebrated her 100th Birthday and she received many, many Birthday cards from family and friends that wanted to celebrate her milestone birthday. Jennie was asked what her secret was to living to 100 and she would reply that she did not know and that it was a mystery to her why she lived to 100. We think her secret was that she always lived an active life, never overweight, never smoked, never drank alcohol, always helped others and was always ready to make a trip to explore a new area and take on another adventure. Jennie was known to tell younger family members to “Enjoy your life” and “Do it while you can” which is great advice from someone who did just that.

Jennie’s husband, Joe Cruz; her brothers, Joe Ledesma, Miguel (Michael) Ledesma, Lane Ledesma and Tony Ledesma; her sisters, Frances Mena and Margie Lobato and all of her in-laws preceded her in death. Jennie leaves behind many nieces and nephews and a dear friend, Jo Trice, who for the past 10 plus years has played cards with her on weekends and referred to her as “Mama Jennie”.

We would like to thank everyone that made it possible for Jennie to remain in her home until her death. The Shepherd’s Hand Senior Meals program, especially the volunteers that delivered her meals and volunteers Lucy and Susan who always

spent time talking with her and made a point to check on her. Her physicians, Dr. Gayle Frazetta, Dr. Charles Harper and Dr. Dane Stewart who all treated her with compassion and provided the best medical care. Hope West Hospice staff and nurses that assisted in her care during the last days of her life.

At Jennie’s request, there will not be a memorial service. At a later date, Jennie will be placed with her husband, Joe Cruz, in Cedar Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shepherd’s Hand Senior Meals Program or Hope West Hospice.