Art was born August 4, 1946 in Bakersfield, CA. He was 4th born to Antonia Cruz and has 11 siblings. Art has 2 daughters Michelle Marie, 52, and Tina Samora, 50, 3 grandchildren Eileen Pickens, 34, PJ Ramos, 28, Rico Ramos, 21, and 2 great-grandchildren Cameron Pickens, 6, and Lauryn Pickens, 2. Art and Liz met in 1980 while working together and have been married 31 years in Delano. Art was musically inclined, a great artist, an avid reader and a fantastic cook. He worked as an institutional cook for over 40 years and after retirement he continued to volunteer cook for many occasions. He liked to travel to coastal areas and to the closest casinos where you would find him glued to the Keno machine. 

Art passed on January 11, 2019 in the late afternoon. He went home peacefully surrounded by Liz, Michelle and many loved ones. He will always be remembered as a compassionate, loving, generous man who would go over and above for friends and family. He will be greatly missed by many.  

Liz would like to thank everyone for their love, thoughts and prayers during the last few months. "I was blessed to have him as long as I did."