Lauretta Cross, of Milton-Freewater and a former resident of Wallowa County, died July 9, 2007, at Walla Walla General Hospital in Walla Walla, Wash. She was 85.
Mrs. Cross was born June 19,1922, in La Grande to James Everett and Etta Rebecca Berg Rachau. The family resided on Pumpkin Ridge, outside of Elgin. They later moved to Minam, where Mrs. Cross attended school through the second grade. In 1930, the family moved to Onalaska, Wash., where she finished her schooling, graduating from the eighth grade twice. Her father didn’t believe in higher education for women.
She married young and had three children, then divorced and worked in restaurants and the shipyard in Portland, during the war. She moved back to La Grande for a time and in 1956, moved to Everett, Wash. to work, and there she met Jerry Cross at a telephone company picnic. They were married Jan. 31, 1959, in Vancouver, Wash.
In 1966, the family moved to Enterprise, when Mr. Cross was transferred with the phone company. Mrs. Cross was a homemaker and worked part time. In the late 1960’s, she joined the VFW Auxiliary #4307, and was very active for many years. She was a past president of the auxiliary, and later became a lifetime member.
She was a talented and creative seamstress, making clothes and craft items. She loved gardening and had a beautiful yard. She enjoyed home decorating, canning, and was famous for her remodeling. She made wonderful candies at Christmas. She and her husband loved to dance and spend time with their friends.
Mrs. Cross loved camping, fishing, woodcutting, and hunting. She taught her children those skills and respect for the outdoors. Ill health forced her to leave Wallowa County in 2001. She lived with her daughter. Lee, initially, and then moved to an assisted living facility.
She was baptized in the spring of 2005. She was a member of Ingle Chapel Congregational Church of Milton-Freewater.
She is survived by sons Don Cross of Eugene; Everett Cross of Tampa, Florida, Dick and wife Debbie Cross of Joseph; daughters Lorna Nell of Eatonville, Wash., Carrie and husband Grover Scotton of Morton, Wash., Lee and husband Lyle Davis of Milton-Freewater; 28 grandchildren and many great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jerry, a son Jerry Hogue of Tacoma, Wash., her brothers Elmer and Lloyd Rachau, and two grandchildren.
Funeral services were conducted July 14, 2007, at the Enterprise Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations be made to a charity of choice, in care of Bollman’s Funeral Home.
Wallowa County Chieftain – July 19, 2007 – Photo with original Obituary
Transcribed by Dixie Ricker