Beatrice Cruz Chung

In Loving Memory of Beatrice Cruz Chung

Our dear mother, Beatrice Cruz Chung (Bea), 85, of Des Moines, passed away on September 15, 2023, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Bea was born August 18,1938, in Hagåtña, Guam, daughter of Pedro and Rosario Cruz. She was an outstanding student and earned a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin, Madison. It was there that she met the love of her life, Roy Chung. Roy and Bea were married October 8, 1960 in Madison. The rest is a beautiful love story that unfolded in Cedar Falls where they raised their family until Roy's passing in September of 2002. Bea was a cherished mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, niece, godmother, friend, and teacher. Throughout her career, Bea taught Spanish, first at UNI, later in Waterloo, Hudson, Gilbertville, and Manchester and she retired from Hawkeye Community College. She came out of retirement to teach Spanish to three of her grandchildren. Everyone who met Bea was touched first by her smile and then by her love and acceptance. Bea is survived by her loving family: five children, David (Janice) of Cedar Rapids, Brian (Rebekah) of Altoona, Kerisa (Bruce) Baedke of Des Moines, Deanne Chung (Bradley Olson) of Chicago, and James (Becky) of Ankeny; sixteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and five siblings. Bea was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roy Chung, and their infant daughter, Ivilyn Chung. She also joined her parents and siblings, Pedro Cruz, Fred Cruz, and Cecilia Cruz, in eternal rest. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Beatrice Cruz Chung will be held on October 7th at the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home, 1825 W 12th Street, Cedar Falls, Iowa at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society in Bea's honor.