Danielle D. Cruz

Danielle Denise Cruz, 40, of Anderson, departed this world for a better place, after an extended illness. She fought long and hard and will be sorely missed, but never forgotten by her family and friends.

She was a big hearted person that took in all stray people and animals and was generous to a fault.

Danielle was born June 27, 1974, in Detroit, Michigan, but had resided in Anderson since 1988. She was a CNA and worked in several nursing homes and private care.

She is survived by her daughter, Alaina Joy Willis; her mother and stepfather, Sue and Jeff Merritt; father, Vicente Cruz; brothers, Robert and Cindy Cruz and Rafi Cruz; maternal grandparents, Robert and Tommie Wood; and aunts and uncles, Robert and Judy Wood, Sandy and Steve Schmollinger and Mark and Christy Wood.

She is also survived by her stepbrother, Chad Merritt; stepsisters, Jennifer Page and Chelsea Ashkettle; paternal step grandmother, Patty Lou Merritt; special friend, Jennifer Greene; along with numerous other family members and friends.

Friends may call from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory, 515 E. 53rd St. Anderson IN.