Kelly De La Cruz (1967 – 2024)

A joyous woman who was dedicated to her family, her friends, her God and had love for all creatures small and large. Kelly De La Cruz, 56, of Madison, AL passed away on Oct. 10th, 2024.

She was born in Cullman, AL in 1967 to Jewel and Jimmy Marsh. She was a happy child who showed love and kindness to her parents, siblings, and friends from all walks of life. She spent her youth listening to her favorite bands, enjoying the company of friends, working on creative projects, going to the movies, and enjoying a good conversation. Spending time with those she loved was always a priority.

Kelly met the love of her life, Ruben De La Cruz in 1981 at school in San, Antonio, TX. The moment they met; they knew they'd spend a lifetime of happiness together. You could usually find them at the movies, a museum or historical site, enjoying vacations at the beach, or just sharing their love for each other in the home they had made.

Kelly and Ruben welcomed their first child, Zachery, in 1984. Their home would be filled with love and laughter through the coming years as their family grew bigger with the arrival of Chelsea in 1988 and Cheyenne in 1990. She was a wonderful mother, ensuring the safety, happiness and emotional support of her children whom she loved unconditionally.

Kelly was over the moon to hear the news of her grandchildren coming into the world. An amazing grandmother, she treasured their lives and the time spent with Emily (born 2017) and Nicholas (born 2021). She would often spend her precious moments with them playing games, reading books, watching educational shows, and just adoring the little lights of her life as she watched over them with joy.

Kelly was an incredible mother-in-law to her newly welcomed sons, Bradley Coleman who married Cheyenne in 2015 and Dustin Higginbotham who married Chelsea in 2022. She would give the same energetic support to her extended family like they were one of her own.

Kelly had a special place in her heart for animals and all of God's creatures. She was a pet parent to the family dogs - Lulu, Doc, Bambi, Cookie, Jack, and Benny, as well as her feline companions - Lazurwolf, Huckleberry, and MegaMan - whom she loved dearly and helped her cope during her own losses.

Kelly was a loyal and fiercely loving sibling to Keith, Kim, and Krystal (who passed in 2017). They are a great example of brotherly and sisterly bonds through their love, support, and laughter growing up together. Family gatherings and phone calls were frequent joys. They are each other's cheerleaders. They continue to lean on one another and revel in the fond memories of growing up as not just family, but as friends.

Kelly was a devout woman, who loved God and would dedicate time throughout her day to keep building that relationship through her own worship and study. Her faith was a shining example of her passions in life that were imbued with her moral compass and her willingness to help others in need.

Everyone who knew Kelly knew that she loved art, music, poetry, and working with her hands. You could find her researching everything from how to fix a washing machine to learning dance steps to her favorite songs. Kelly's favorite thing in the world was her family, which she dedicated time, energy, and love to ensure they were taken care of and lived happy lives.

Kelly will always be remembered for her kindness and the way she would exude warmth to anyone who walked through her door. She was the kind of woman to lend a hand, a shoulder, or her own time to those in need. She never met a stranger. Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds. We will remember her laugh and her spirit in the members of her family and the example she set as one of God's children. She was strong, intelligent, considerate, passionate, funny, beautiful inside and out, and remarkably unforgettable.

Her visitation service will take place on Oct. 19th, 2024 from 5pm-7pm at Berryhill Funeral Home. 2305 N Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, AL 35810.