Esther Cruz Aguilar

Aguilar, Esther Cruz
September 12, 1935- October 24, 2016
Age 81, Beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend to many was called home by the Lord on Monday, October 24, 2016.
Esther was born September 12, 1935 in Holman, NM to David & Victoria Cruz. She was the 6th of 7 children. She attended school and graduated from McCurdy Boarding Schools in Espanola NM. She then attended college In Iowa where she met her husband of 25 years, David Edwards. They married and raised 4 children, Russell, Anita, Tavi, and Mark together. While living in Lame Deer, Montana, Esther went back to college and attended MSU in Billings where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Education. The family moved to Clovis, New Mexico in 1979. She completed her Master’s at ENMU in 1981 and continued teaching at Parkview Elementary.  She met Tony Aguilar after her divorce and they married in March of 1984. His job with BNSF Railroad took them to Belen, NM in 1987 There she taught at La Merced and retired after 20 years of teaching. Esther was a devoted teacher who loved all children and was adored by students and fellow teachers wherever she taught. She was a member of and remained active participating in the NM Retired Educators Association as long as her health allowed. She and Tony moved to Albuquerque in 2013.  
She enjoyed reading and camping and especially spending time with family. After retirement she and Tony went on a trip of a lifetime to Europe spending almost 3 months celebrating life. They so enjoyed traveling to all family events and milestones and took every opportunity to attend Weddings, Birthdays, Graduations, Reunions and even sporting events.  They travelled all over and spend time with family and friends. She had a way of making everyone feel special, loved and important to her.
Esther is preceded in death by her Beloved husband of 31 years, Tony F Aguilar Jr.; her parents, David & Victoria; her siblings, David Cruz, Dan Cruz, Joe Cruz and Naomi Gallegos and son, Stephen Aguilar. She is survived by her children, Russell (Robin) Edwards, Anita (Eddie) Dean, Tavi Byrd and Mark (Teresa) Edwards, Dan (Yolanda) Aguilar,  Tom (Soon) Aguilar and Ron Aguilar.  Her Grandchildren; Sarah (Brant), Lucas, Dillon, Gabriel (Charlene), David, Tyrell, Tasheena, Jalisa, Josh (Denicka), Devin, Marissa, Stephenie, Brent, Carissa (Jared), Danielle (Brandon), Brandon (Alicia), Adrianna, Felicia, Andrea, Hope, Tiffany, Victoria (Steve), and 18 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Abbie Megill & Beatrice Herrera.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 5th, 2016 at Strong Thorne 1100 Coal SE Albuquerque, NM. 87106.  Reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org. To view information or leave condolences, please visit www.danielsfuneral.com
Daniels Family Funeral Services
4310 Sara Road SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-892-9920