Cruzita Lucero Obituary

Cruzita "Crusie" Lucero

November 19, 2024

Cruzita "Crusie" Lucero, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Johnson City Medical Center. She was a force of nature who lived life on her terms while taking care of others.

Crusie was born in Cuyamungué, NM to the late Jose Hilario and Juanita Ortiz, and she grew up in Pojoaque, NM.

She met her husband, the love of her life, Dr. Alfonso Lucero, early in her time at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, NM. They married, had three sons, then moved to Johnson City, TN in 1971. She completed her bachelor's degree in 1974 from ETSU. Crusie loved her extensive career in financial aid. She served as the Director of Financial Aid at Walters State Community College and Northeast State Community College helping thousands of students pay for their education. Crusie held interim positions at Appalachian State and ETSU in addition to consulting well after retirement through the fall of 2023. During her career she also served in several capacities including president in the State (TASFAA), Regional (SASFAA), and National (NASFAA) professional organizations.

An avid traveler, she enjoyed fine dining and chardonnay with friends and family. She had an amazing tradition of taking each of her grandchildren on a trip abroad when they graduated from high school.

In addition to her parents, Crusie was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Alfonso Lucero; son, Steven Lucero; sister, Pita Larrañaga; and baby brother, Juanito Ortiz.

Survivors include her sons, Matthew Lucero (Amy) and Andrew Lucero (Kate); grandchildren, Brenna Lucero, Connor Lucero, Gabriel Lucero, Madison Lucero (Anna), and Cailin Hicks (Jonathan); siblings, Carlos Ortiz (Janet), Nina Viramontes (Carlos), Perta Salazar (Gerald), Tino Ortiz; best friend, Nancy Flugrath; godsons, Carlos H. Ortiz and Michael Larrañaga; brother-in-law, Henry Lucero; numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

The family will receive visitors with a rosary service to follow on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City.

The funeral mass will be conducted on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Parish, 2211 E Lakeview Dr, Johnson City, TN 37601, with Father Dustin Collins, officiating. The graveside committal service will follow in Monte Vista Memorial Park, 1900 E Oakland Ave, Johnson City, TN 37601.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com.

Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St. Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Lucero family (423-610-7171).