Josephine Almanza

Josephine Almanza was born in Los Angeles, CA on December 16, 1923. She was a homemaker and mother. Her family would work "beets" around Billings and that is how her family ended up in Montana. Mom met and married Cruz N. Almanza in Billings, MT. He passed away on February 29, 1992. They would have been married 50 years in March of that year.

When Josephine and Cruz lived in Cushman and Franklin, they lived in railroad housing which did not have running water or electricity. Eventually, electricity was added to their three-bedroom house for eleven people. There was also an outhouse. Going outside to the pump to get water and gathering coal and firewood were daily tasks.

Mom had nine children in total. Her first child, Joseph, passed away at a young age. She had eight other children after him, Mary (Jerry) Sherod, Cruz David, Rosalita (Larry) Howes, Barbara Geiger, Robert, Kathy LaPlaunt, Raymond, and Jack.

Mom and Dad used to dance frequently in Cushman and Rothimay. Country dancing was a popular activity in their time and Mom was known for her long hair and how she danced. Cruz was remembered for playing the guitar, playing "when needed," and being a good dancer as well.

Mom made tortillas daily and would often say, "If I had a nickel for every tortilla that I made I would be rich." She made them every day and when Dad passed away, she thought she would not need to make them again, but her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would not let her stop. Luckily for her, she did not have to make them on a wood stove anymore. Mom introduced people to the authentic tacos she grew up with in her family.

Josephine is survived by eight children, their children, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was a wonderful woman and will be remembered as such.

There will be a celebration of her life on Friday, October 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel with  burial at Mount Olivet following the service.