Elizabeth Anne Cross' Obituary
Elizabeth Anne Cross of St. Helens, Oregon decided that five months was long enough to be away from the love of her life and left this Earth on July 5, 2022. She is now back in the arms of her beloved husband, Jim, and with her Creator. Most just knew her as Anne, since this was the name that she preferred. Mom was 87 years old and suffered from vascular dementia in her last days.
Anne was born to Joe and Lois Carroll on November 27, 1934 in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She was an only child. When she was in high school, her father was the owner of a radio station in Yuba City, California, where she learned the ins-and-outs of the radio business. After graduation from Yuba City High School, she became involved in the radio business with her parents and was later employed by a radio station in Midland, Texas. One of the highlights of her radio career was being part of the press corp that toured President Lyndon B. & Lady Bird Johnson’s ranch in Texas. While in Midland, she met a handsome jazz musician, James E. Cross. The two were married on October 12, 1958 in Fort Worth, Texas, and were married for 63 years. They had two children together, Deborah and Jody.
Anne & Jim moved quite often as they followed Dad’s career from town to town, before eventually settling in the Sauvie Island and Scappoose areas as their children went through school. After her children were raised and mostly out of school, Mom went back into the work force as a secretary and later became the office manager for Baxter & Flaming Industries in Portland, Oregon.
Mom was very involved in the Masonic family as well. She was a majority member of the International Order of Rainbow for Girls Assembly #39 in Marysville, California. As an adult, she joined the Order of Eastern Star, Mizpah Chapter #30 in St. Helens, Oregon and was a Past Matron and Life Member. She was also a Past Grand Deputy in the International Order of Rainbow for Girls in Oregon and was the recipient of the Rainbow Grand Cross of Color. She was also a member of the Nydia Temple Daughters of the Nile.
Mom was preceded in death by her parents, Joe & Lois Carroll, and her husband, James E. Cross who passed on January 23, 2022.
Mom is survived by her daughter, Deborah (Cross) Marquardt and spouse David; son, Jody Cross and spouse Kandia; grandchildren- Brian Marquardt and spouse Meagan; Joshua Marquardt; Kallee Cross; and Jered Cross and spouse Lexi.
Anne was the best mom (at least we think so!). She was a stay-at-home mother all during our childhood. She was a fierce momma bear, and her family was the #1 priority of her life. Mom did all she could to provide a stable home for us – cooking, cleaning, sewing clothing, canning, and gardening - all done with lots of love. She taught us to be self-sufficient and the value of hard work. Mom loved to shop and absolutely loved shoes. At one time, she had more than 100 pairs of shoes for every occasion.
Losing Mom so soon after Dad has been a heartbreak for us, but we know she is now with Dad and their best friends, Mike and Paula Jacobson – all together again in Heaven with Jesus. It is this fact that gives us immeasurable comfort.
A graveside & Eastern Star service will be held at the St. Helens Masonic Cemetery at 1pm on September 10, 2022.
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