Povi Cruz Threlkeld

Povi Cruz Threlkeld, born on August 24, 1932, to Leandro and Tonita Cruz of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, peacefully passed surrounded by family on March 11, 2024.

She was preceded in death by brother Floyd Cruz, sisters Dorothy Cruz and Roselee Cruz Slow.

She is survived by children Jim James (Barbara), Belinda James, Maureen Zagone (Paul), and Floyd James (Rebecca, deceased), grandchildren Jacob Zagone, Eric Zagone (Nicole), Emily James and Caitlin James (Aaron Madtson), great grandchildren Mia Zagone, Ryder James, Harper James and Everly James, and brother Joe U. Cruz (Helen).

Povi was fiercely independent, joining the U.S. Navy without parents’ permission. Povi served the U.S. Navy Hospital Corp during the Korean War. She blazed her own trail becoming a nurse, cosmetologist, entrepreneur, and an instructor at Northern New Mexico Community College. Povi was a strong woman with very definite opinions and advocate for the advancement of woman in education and careers.

Povi was especially proud of her service to her Country and always reminded everyone that all veterans deserved recognition and respect for the sacrifices they and their families endured. She was presented with a Quilt of Valor on November 11, 2019, by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham during the Native American Women’s Veteran Recognition Day.

Services are pending at this time and will be posted as soon as they become available.

The family of Povi Cruz has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477