Photo courtesy of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home - Wichita Falls
Feb 26, 1944 - Feb 19, 2026
Carol graduated a yr after me so knew her well as my folks and the family would go see them often. Carol when she was in MN would sit by me at the Faith Lutheran church on Sunday, Was surprised that she passed away, My sympathy to Tom ,William & family.
Roger Randgaard
March 07, 2026 | Staples, MN | Friend
Tom, I was so sorry to learn of the passing of Carol recently. She was a delight and will be missed by all who knew her. We did not associate except at church events, but those are memorable. I will always remember the biographical write-up she did for my family and remember it fondly. Please know that the Lord is carrying you in these troubling times. God bless you.
Shirley Givens
March 01, 2026
Remembered By
Shirley Givens
March 01, 2026 | Wichita Falls, TX | Friend
With the passing of great people brings great sadness. My Grandfather was Eddie Anderson (Staples), my father was Russell Anderson (Verndale). My heart goes out to all those left behind. Remember that God is near to the broken hearted, and know you are not alone as walk through this difficult time.
Denise Lowen (Anderson)
February 27, 2026 | Akeley, MN
Mrs. Cross was my 2nd grade teacher in 2004-05 and still remains one of the most memorable teachers I've had throughout my education. After 2nd grade, I would stop by her classroom every morning on my way to the cafeteria to chit-chat and she was always a delight! My sincerest condolences to her friends and loved ones.
William Cooper
February 26, 2026 | O'Fallon, IL | Student
I am saddened by the loss of Mrs Cross ..She was such a sweet woman .She would come into the Bx on Base and I enjoyed always talking to her ..She was a Beautiful woman inside and out ! She will be missed! My prayers and deepest Condolences goes to her friends and family..
Ashawnta Holland
February 26, 2026 | Wichita Falls, TX | Friend
My condolences. My daughter absolutely loved her. The way she taught, how gentle she was and she just had the biggest heart.
Sarah
February 26, 2026 | Brunswick, GA | Acquaintance
I am going to miss you my friend.
Madge DAVIS
February 25, 2026 | Wichita Falls, TX | Neighbor
Carol was truly a “teacher’s teacher”. I learned to appreciate her as I taught with her at Tower. She was special; so kind and considerate of students and faculty.
Cheri Rix
February 24, 2026 | Wichita Falls, TX | Coworker
Carol Pauline Anderson Cross passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Memorial services honoring Carol will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church, Wichita Falls, with Pastor Ernie Barr, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls. Inurnment will be at a later date in Staples, Minnesota.
Carol was born to Albin and Tilda (Dahlvang) Anderson in Wadena, Minnesota on February 26, 1944. Her father was a dairy farmer and entrepreneur, and her grandparents were immigrants from Sweden and Norway respectively. She started her schooling in a one-room county school, which she was proud to have attended, then went to Staples, Minnesota where she graduated. She went on to graduate from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota and began her teaching career. In 1972, she married Thomas Cross, also from Staples and followed and supported him through his USAF career, living in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Omaha, Nebraska, Bossier City, Louisiana, (where their two sons, Robert and William were born; who brought them immense pride, joy, and restlessness), then on to RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom and finally to Wichita Falls, Texas where Tom retired and they stayed.
After an eleven-year break, when their sons were young, Carol re-entered teaching full-time at John Tower Elementary School, where she remained until her retirement. She had forty plus years of full-time teaching (her passion.) Then, tutored for a few years after retirement.
Wherever they lived Carol was always active in their church, whether it was teaching Sunday school, making billboards, being on church councils, or call committees. She was always involved in her professional education organizations. This continued until her death, at which time she was Vice President of and coordinated the monthly speakers of the Burkburnett Retired Teachers Association.
She enthusiastically supported and followed her sons in their education, sporting endeavors, and careers. Including her grandsons, she survived twenty-eight years of youth and collegiate tennis and soccer.
Preceding her in death were her parents; brother, Douglas; sister, Louise; and son, Robert (1977-2021).
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Tom; son, William and his wife Amanda; grandsons, Cale and Lukas; nephews, Craig Wilson and David Anderson; niece, Kristy Wilson Jedinak; and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1437 Southwest Pkwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76302; Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4400 Cypress Ave, Wichita Falls, TX 76310; or to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at owensandbrumley.com
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