Josephine Ellen Cruz

Josephine C. Cruz, 75 of Whiteriver, AZ, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026 in Show Low, Arizona. She was born on November 5, 1950 to the late Enoch & Nettie (Johnson) Crocker.

Josephine spent 42 years in a teaching career. She started as an Instructional Aide then became a full-time Elementary Education Teacher. She is an alumnus of NPC, UNM, & NAU (Bachelor of Science Degree in Education & Masters Degree in Bilingual Multicultural in Education). She has touched many lives throughout her teaching career. She would often say "so and so used to be my student", when she saw them in the community at other events.

While employed with the Whiteriver Unified School District she was involved with the Indian Club, Seven Mile Elementary pageants, after-school tutoring, and Kindergarten Assessment.

She is survived by her husband, Manuel; her daughters, Arlinda (Brandon), Renita & Brenda; 6 grandchildren; & her siblings, Lambert Crocker Sr. & Joanna Crocker. She has 4 God-Children: Wylene (Steven) Patten, Janna Cromwell, Madalyn Kessay and Marcus A. Cosay.

In addition to her parents, Josephine was preceded in death by her brothers, Elton Crocker & Keith Crocker; sister, Jacqueline Crocker; and grandson, Jalen B Classay.

Her services will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Fort Apache Branch, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 107 E. Walker St., Fort Apache, AZ. Viewing will begin at 6:30 am with a luncheon at 11:00 am and Funeral Service at 1:00 pm.

Burial will be Monday, June 1, 2026 at 9:00 am at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd, Phoenix. Arizona.