Tomasita De La Cruz Cortez, 94, of Hereford, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, in Hereford.

Tomasita was born on September 18, 1932, in San Carlos, Coahuila, Mexico, to Guadalupe and Eusebia Rios Mancha. She married the love of her life, Jose De La Cruz, on October 18, 1932, in Brownsville, Texas. He passed away in 1977. On June 21, 1980, she married Santoz Cortez of Brady, Texas, and lived in Brady until his passing in 2022. She then returned to Hereford to be near her children.

Tomasita was very active in her church, where she taught Sunday school and occasionally filled in for the pastor when he was absent. An excellent cook and baker, she mastered making apple and pecan pies from scratch. She also enjoyed tending her plants and roses and crocheted baby blankets for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Known for her humor and many stories, Tomasita never forgot a birthday and called her children each year to sing to them.

Tomasita is survived by her children, Lucinda De La Cruz of Arlington, Texas, Carmen (Jesse) Salazar of Canyon, Texas, Lydia (Lupe) Vallejo, Jose (Leticia) De La Cruz, Gloria Escamilla, Becky (Esrael) Silva all of Hereford, Texas, and Diana (Thomas) Cox of Early, Texas; step-children, Monica Cortez, Leticia Ramirez, Albert Cortez all of San Antonio, Texas and Victor Cortez of Granbury, Texas; twenty grandchildren; thirty-six great grandchildren; and eleven great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; step grandchildren; step-great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents Guadalupe and Eusebia Mancha, first husband Jose De La Cruz, husband Santoz Cortez, daughter Mary Garcia, one granddaughter, one great granddaughter, four sisters, two brothers, and two adopted brothers.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Hereford Nursing and Rehab and Samaritan Hospice for the care they provided for their mother.

Tomasita’s Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Genesis Church in Hereford, Texas, with Pastor Daniel Romero officiating. Burial will follow at West Park Cemetery in Hereford under the direction and care of Mendez and Mullins Family Funeral Home of Hereford.

Visitation and Viewing will be on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the funeral home with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:00 PM led by Pastor Jesse Salazar.