Beatrice Gloria Cruz, 73, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026 in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Our beautiful mother Beatrice “Gloria” Cruz at the age of 73 peacefully passed away in her home on July 14th, 2026.

Gloria was born in Pine Ridge SD to her loving parents Edgar and Betty (Hawk) Highwhiteman. It was always just her and her sister Pam side by side. They bailed hay, branded cattle and broke in horses growing up on her father’s ranch in Oglala SD. She would often share treasured memories of her riding horses with her sister, friends and cousins.

She graduated from Pine Ridge High School and then moved to Rapid City SD. There she met and married her husband Jose D. Cruz. They went on to have 3 children and 4 bonus children whom she loved like her own. She worked for 15 years at Regional Hospital then retired.

Gloria was a shy, loving, strong beautiful soul. She lived life by a quiet grace, endless unconditional love and an abundance of patience. She loved the children in her family fiercely.

She had a rare gift of finding beauty in the little things and made everyone she met feel like family. She was known most for her delicious food and her soft and quiet way of making anywhere feel like home to those around her.

She created a home filled with warmth, laughter and grace. She taught us the value of family, resilience and compassion for others. She will be terribly missed by all who were lucky enough to have met her.

Honorary pallbearers; family and friends

She leaves behind her children Vincent E. Cruz (Amanda), Theresa A. Bush (John), both of Rapid City, Joey Cruz of Guam, Rosalind Meno and Arlene Meno both of Las Vegas. Nieces Lisa Conklin (Rusty), Angelina Fey (Rob), both of Rapid City, Nephews John E. Cooper and John A. Cooper, both of Rapid City. Grandchildren; Pyper Cruz, Steel Cruz, Kain Cruz, Jet Cruz, Scout Cruz, Estrella Aragon, Roman Aragon, Nova Conklin, Zairy Conklin, Skyler Lafountaine, Krystal Poppleton, Gage Poppleton and Jasmine Aguon all of Rapid City, and Taylor Cordum of Tennessee. Some Greatgrandchildren, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edgar and Betty Highwhiteman, Sister Pamela Cooper. Aunt Angelique Blackstone, Uncles Zachary Highwhiteman, and Oscar Blackstone. Husband Jose D. Cruz, Sons David A. Cruz and Alan Cruz.