Irene Cruz

Irene Cruz March 14, 1949- April 7, 2020 Irene (Bartley) Cruz, a longtime resident of Westland, passed away on April 7, 2020. She was 71 years old. Irene was born on March 14, 1949 in Beaver, Kentucky, one of seven children to Delmer and Lonie Bartley. Irene was the beloved wife of Dan (Arthur) Cruz for 52 years. Her husband, Dan, was her best friend, and she reunited with the love of her life to join him in eternity after his passing just five days before her. They had a rare love that people can only dream about. Irene and Dan were wonderful role models to the three children they raised together. Irene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. Her world revolved around taking care of others and the people she loved. She was a true gem and she will missed beyond words. Irene enjoyed spending time with her sisters and relatives. She enjoyed taking trips with her sisters to visit family or visit the slot machine at the casino. She had a heart of gold and was always there when anyone in her family needed her. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and she was close to each of them. She was known for “spoiling her grandchildren” and they adored her as well. Her house was always the place where everyone gathered to spend time together. When her children were growing up, she knew every single one of their friends and became a “second mother” to each of them as well. Everyone adored her and she could light up a room just by her presence. Irene loved oldies music and listening to Elvis and Bob Segar. She enjoyed attending sporting events, practices, games, and concerts of her grandchildren with Dan. They never missed any event of their children or grandchildren and were always there to cheer them on or show their support. She worked many years in retail sales at Marshall’s and still enjoyed seeing or talking with the many friends she made throughout her years working at the store. Irene had a great sense of humor and was so much fun to be around. She was the rock of the family and was admired for her strength, toughness, and good nature. If you ever needed anything, you could always turn to and count on Irene and she never let you down. Her passing is an extraordinary loss to her family and friends. Irene will be deeply missed by so many. Her children, Kelly (Chris) Styers, Keith (Michele) Cruz, and Kevin (Marie) Cruz were blessed to have her as a mother. Her grandchildren, Courtney (Cody) Fields, Nicholas Farmer, Joseph Styers, Brianna Schiffer, Daniel Schiffer, Kevin Cruz, Brady Cruz, Alana Cruz, Aubriana Cruz, Tyler Cruz, and Jordyn Jackson are honored to carry on the legacy of family and love that she so demonstrated in her devotion to her family. In addition, she is survived by her siblings, Randy Bartley, Mary Flanary, and Marie Longshaw. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Frelon Bartley, Martha Lambert, and Ethel Engle. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 11am (instate at 9:30am) at Friendship Church, 1240 N Beck Rd., Canton, MI 48187. Visitation will be on Friday from 1pm until 9pm. at the RG & GR Harris Funeral Home, 3155 Ford Rd., Garden City, MI 48135. At this time, there will be a limit of 10 people per visitation room, still practicing 6 foot social distancing. Please share a memory of this wonderful woman that will be missed beyond measure on her Tribute Wall.