Benjamin "Bengie" Cruz, 80, a lifelong resident of Holman, NM, passed away on October 14, 2023 at his home in Holman, NM, surrounded by family. He was born on January 11, 1943 to the late Esequiel Cruz and Aurora Romero. He was married to Consuelo (Connie) Montoya on November 7, 1969.

Bengie was passionate about his property, land, and livestock, and he devoted his life to these loves. He loved people and was rarely found alone or without a drink or snack in hand. When he wasn't busy working on his ranch alongside his family he could often be found at livestock and landowner meetings, morning coffee meetups with his friends, playing cards with various members of the community, or visitando y bromiando con sus compadres y comadres. He could often be seen driving around town and his various dogs were never far from his side. His children remember him as an outdoorsman with a great sense of humor (and lungs) who encouraged them to live their lives and to 'hacer lo que les da le gana" (pursue their goals).

Bengie was preceded in death by his parents, Esequiel and Aurora Cruz; brother Jose Manuel; grandson Jacob Webster; father in law Rafael Montoya; mother in law Lupita Montoya; brothers in law Ralph Montoya, Charlie Trujillo and Manuel Lopez; and nephew Daniel Cruz.

He is survived by his wife, immediate and extended family, his special (canine) companion Lucy, and his many beloved compañeros.

Rosary devotional services will be conducted on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at 7:00 pm at St. Gertrude Parish in Mora, NM.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday, October 23, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Gertrude Parish in Mora NM. Interment will follow at the family plot in Holman, NM, with the following serving as pallbearers: (Anthony Gonzales, Paul Montoya, Greg Montoya, Gary Trujillo, Danny Martinez, Ferdinand Valencia, Martin Romero, Casimiro Paiz, Herman Romero, Tomás Ontiveros).

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave, Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

Please visit our online website www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.