Ernestina “Tina” Cruz was born Nov. 7, 1984, to Andres and Andrea Cruz in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. She passed away on Wed., July 13, 2022, in Austin, Texas.
Tina made her home in Austin, Texas after moving to the United States with her family in 1999. The middle child of seven, Tina cherished her family and was a caring and loyal daughter and sister. She adored her parents, known as a daddy’s girl and the most thoughtful member of her remarkable family. Tina graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 2004 and immediately set off to accomplish her goals and dreams.
Steadied by a strong work ethic, natural leadership skills, and compassion for all those she encountered, Tina worked her way up in an industry she loved. She started her career as a fast-food waitress and was soon promoted to a manager before transitioning to a restaurant waitress and bartender. Her desire to work hard ultimately propelled her into a management position at a large bar and grill in Austin while cultivating her dreams of entrepreneurship. She accomplished this goal in November 2021, opening her own bar, Prohibition, which quickly climbed the ranks as a top ten establishment in Austin at the time of her death. Her passion to serve, unwavering hard work, and kind, fun spirit made her a valuable colleague, boss, and friend to all those she encountered. Serving others was more than a job, it was a passion. She exuded class, compassion, and charisma while perfecting the balance of work and play in her career.
The joy of Tina’s life were the people she loved. She was a devoted and doting daughter, sister, and aunt to her family, loving each person fiercely and thoughtfully. Tina found the love of her life in her partner, Michael Johnson. Together they shared a zeal for fun, laughter, sports, entertainment, hard work, and their pup, Maya. Tina loved unconditionally. Her unwavering ability to challenge, cherish, console, and care for all those blessed with her presence made her a treasured spouse, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend.
She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Andres Cruz, and nephews Jude and Gabriel Ray.
She is survived by her beloved mother, Andrea Cruz; brothers, Benjamin (Lidya) Cruz, Jose Luis (Nasaria) Cruz, and Teodoro (Isabel) Cruz; sisters, Rosa Elvia (Alberto) Sifuentes, Araceli Cruz, and Elena (Ezekiel) Olivas; partner, Michael Johnson; loving parents-in-law, Dale and Anne Johnson; sisters-in-law, Stephanie (Dale) Benne, Nicole (Gus) Ray; and brother-in-law, Christopher (Ashley) Johnson; her beloved nieces and nephews, Jose Alberto Sifuentes, Agustin Sifuentes, Adrian Sifuentes, Karina Cruz, Samantha Cruz, Theo Cruz, Isabella Cruz, Natalia Cruz, Andres Cruz, Francisco Cruz, Omar Cruz, Andrea Olivas, Amelia Olivas, and Ezekiel Olivas Jr., Kobe, Kennedy, Lincoln, and Jagger Benne, Gunnar, Morgan, Briar, and Hilary Ray, and Amos and Burke Johnson; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and treasured friends.
A visitation for Ernestina was held Thursday, July 21, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660, followed by a rosary service from 7 to 8 p.m. Out of town family and friends can view the service via the link found on the funeral home website. Tina will be laid to rest in San Luis Potosi, Mexico beside her beloved father.
Arrangements by Pelan Funeral Services Oakland. www.pelanfuneralservices.com
