Kathy A. Cruz, age 50, of Hammond, IN passed away Thursday, August 5, 2010. She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Mario; 3 daughters, Sarah (Michael) Preston of Dyer, IN, Leticia and Emily Cruz of Hammond, IN; mother, Betty Flener of Hammond, IN; father, Billy R. Jackson of Mesa, AZ; 3 brothers, Roger (Debbie) Jackson of Hammond, IN, Michael Jackson of WA, and Timothy (Nicole) Jackson of OH; 1 sister, Rebecca Sanchez of Hammond, IN; nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 9, 2010 at 10 AM from LaHayne Funeral Home, 6955 Southeastern Ave., Hammond, IN with Pastor J. Calloway officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Schererville, IN. Friends are invited to meet with the family on Sunday, August 8, 2010 from 2-6 PM at the funeral home. Kathy was a lifetime resident of this area, graduated from Hammond Gavit High School, worked as a special needs instructor at Irving Elementary School in Hammond, IN and attended 1st Assembly of God Church, Hammond, IN. For information, call LaHayne Funeral Home at 219-845-3600 or visit www.lahaynefuneralhome.com.