San Benito, TX - Sofia Cruz, 69, our beloved mother, came to rest and found eternal peace with the Lord on Monday, June 30, 2008. Sofia was the heart of the family and meant everything to her children. Though she is not physically present in this earth anymore, she will always be a part of our hearts. Praise be to the Lord for granting us sixty-nine years of wonderful memories of our beautiful mother, sister, aunt and friend. Sofia Cruz was born in El Calabos, Texas to Maria 'Nene" R. Benavides and Eduardo T. Benavides on August 22, 1938. She was employed with San Benito CISD for 30 years. Her greatest joy in life was making others smile by giving them gifts. Though the greatest gift she gave us was nothing material but her genuine love. She is preceded in death by her parents, Eduardo and Maria Benavides; her husband, Fernando Cruz, Sr.; and her sister, Olga Cavazos. She is survived by her 2 sons, Eduardo (Rosie Ramirez) Cruz and Fernando Cruz, Jr.; 1 granddaughter, Ekaterina Maria Cruz; and 5 nieces that were like daughters, Christina Villella, Corina Hernandez, Celeste Serrata, Belinda Villegas and Carmelita Pena. Visitation will be held today, Wednesday, July 2 2008 from 10:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. with a Prayer Service at 6:00 P.M. and a Rosary at 7:00 P.M. at Thomae Garza Funeral Home in San Benito. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. at St Benedict Catholic Church in San Benito. Committal Service will follow to Mont Meta Memorial Park. Words of comfort may be sent to the family of Sofia Cruz at www.thomaegarza.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito (956) 399-1331.