Ana Graciela De La Cruz
October 10, 2017
Ana Graciela De La Cruz was the 7th and last child born to Daniel and Maria Giron in the small town of Sosonate, El Salvador on July 27, 1976. When she was just seven years old the family (Daniel, Maria, Auxi, Yuri, Cheli, Cesar, Pricilla and Ana) made their way to the United States in 1984, to escape the civil war that was taking place in their home country, and to seek a new life. Two years later her oldest brother, Jose would follow.
The family settled in Iowa and it was there where Ana would begin her new life in Des Moines. In her teen years she would move to California to finish her last two years of high school, and upon her graduation in the spring of 1994 from Bell Gardens, she would meet her husband to be, Ricky De La Cruz, III. In the third month of their developing love relationship, Ricky would propose to her and shortly thereafter they would be married on May 22, 1995. They would soon move to Iowa in the winter of that year and begin their life journey together.
Through her adult years Ana would develop a deeper love and appreciation for her husband and family. It brought her much joy as she would lovingly unite the family in celebration whatever the occasion was, birthdays, holidays or just to visit, Ana loved to lead and guide by example in their lives.
On December 13, 2003 Ana would learn of her Savior’s tender mercy and loving grace that was displayed at the cross of Calvary for the forgiveness of her sins and for all of humanities. On that day, her heart, mind and soul would forever be changed as she received Jesus Christ as the Lord of her life. She would believe in, repentance in the name of Jesus Christ that God raised Him from the dead, living each day by faith, the promises of God for the eternal inheritance of those who received the gift of God “Eternal Life” that was reserved for her in heaven. (John 14:1-3).
February of 2004, Ana would be diagnosed with a brain stem tumor that would begin to erode her motor skills and quality of life over the next thirteen plus years. In that time, Ana would remain steadfast in the loving promises of God, knowing that every day of her life was known by God and that He would never leave her nor forsake her. All she wanted to do was “service Him” with her life and trust Him with the outcome. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Ana would later fulfill a dream of becoming a US Citizen in May of 2009
On October 10, 2017, while being held in the loving arms of her husband, Ana entered into eternal glory as Jesus Christ her Savior embraced her upon her last breath. She is now free and rejoicing in perfect and complete unity praising and exalting, her God and Savior.
Ana is survived by her husband, Ricky De La Cruz; her parents, Daniel and Maria Giron; her siblings, Jose Daniel Giron, Auxi Navarro, Yuri Giron, Cheli Tejada, Cesar Giron, and Priscilla Giron.
Services will be held Saturday, October 21, 2017 at Urbandale Baptist Church, 6501 Aurora Avenue in Urbandale, Iowa at 11:30 a.m. with visitation prior to the service from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Ana will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Boys and Girls Club of Des Moines in honor of Ana. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Jacqueline Medina
10/22/2017
There are no words that give comfort to your heart, we have lived great losses like the one you have had today, my heart is with you.
There is no more pain in the presenxe of God
Rest in peace dear Anita
Scott and JoAnn Moon
10/21/2017
Our deepest condolence to Ricki, Ana's parents and the whole family.
Ana's smile was contagious!. I know she will be deeply, deeply missed by many. With sympathy. Scott and JoAnn Moon
Pragya Malhotra
10/21/2017
Ana and I became very close friends in the year before her surgery. She was so strong through it all and never failed to make everyone around her smile. I miss her deeply. I am so sorry for your loss. You have exemplified the meaning of love and devotion.
Deb Morford
10/20/2017
I worked with Ana. She always had a smile and a positive attitude. Always ready to make the people around her feel good! She will be missed deeply. She was a joy to have known and have been in my life. Heaven has received a beautiful angel!
Matt Khalil
10/18/2017
Rick, I never met you and I'm sorry for your loss. I am happy though, because I know where Ana is right now. I worked with her at ITA and she was a joy to be around. She also made the best salsa I have ever had. I can't wait to see her again. God Bless.
Karen Heldt Chapman
10/17/2017
Rick- my deepest sympathies. Always know that Ana is with you in your heart. I knew Ana from Sears and ITA. She would always stop by to say hi or sit down to chat. I know she's free now but will be missed here.
Jane Swanson
10/17/2017
Ana was a friend and colleague for many years at ITA. She had a calm, easy manner and always a smile, no matter how her day was going. Rick, you were the love of her life as she was yours. Thank you for your devotion. We will all miss her. Peace be with Ana and your family.
Trudy Eaton
10/17/2017
My flesh and my heart may fail,but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. -Psalm 73:26
Rest in peace my ITA Group friend! Trud
Kathy Oliveira
10/16/2017
So sorry for your loss Rick. Ana was such a joy to get to know and i was honored to help her come home.The love and dedication you had for each other was such an inspiration. You are in my prayers and know her legacy of strength and courage will go on.
Valerie cooper
10/16/2017
Sorry for you're loss Rick Ana was a great lady with a heart of gold for everyone she knew ...she had a beautiful smile always for everyone that walked past her ...I'm glad I had the pleasure of meeting her and u and taking care of her may she rest in peace love Valerie
Gretchen Brown
10/16/2017
My heart breaks for your Rick! I think of Ana and you often. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jimmy De La Cruz
10/15/2017
My deepest condolences Ricky. Ana was such a beautiful courageous person who touch many lives. My prayers and heartfelt sympathy to you and family.
Becca Knowles
10/14/2017
Thinking about you during this difficult time Rick. Ana will be greatly missed. I will be keeping you and all the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Gail Barrell
10/12/2017
So sorry for your loss Rick, rest in piece ana. You will be missed. God Bless you and your family