Marie Cross

Marie Campbell Cross, passed away peacefully Friday night, Feb. 26, 2010, in Gatesville. She lived a long and enjoyable 81 years. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, March 6, at Pleasant Home Baptist Church near Andalusia, Ala.Marie will be interred following the services in the Pleasant Home Baptist Church Cemetery.The family will receive visitors 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, at the Gatesville Funeral Home Chapel, with a brief tribute of her life beginning at 6 p.m. Marie was born Feb. 7, 1929, to Ivan and Annie Mae Reed Campbell of Austin. She graduated from Austin High School, then met and married a 20 year-old Army Air Corps 2nd Lieutenant flyboy by the name of Jim Cross. Duty called the flyboy to China near the end of WWII, so Marie moved back to her parents' home until the war ended. She then followed her husband all over the globe early in their marriage and made countless friends throughout the world. Everywhere they were stationed, Marie turned a house into a home for herself, her husband, and eventually children. June came first, then Jeanie, followed by Joanie and then John. She was the best mom a child could ask for, the best wife and the best friend anyone could have. She was truly devoted to making those around her happy. She was loved by many, admired by more, and cherished by those who knew her true spirit. Marie and Jim retired to the Levita community in 1983 where they lived and ranched for 25 years before moving into Gatesville in 2007. Waiting for her at the pearly gates to Heaven were her parents; her brother, Felton Lee Campbell; her daughter, June Marie Cross Rainwater; and her granddaughter, Chloe Ann Cross. She is survived by her husband, Jim Cross of Gatesville; daughters, Jeanie Stark and husband, Bill, of Round Rock, and Joanie MacLean and husband, Doug, of Huntington Beach, Calif.; son, John Cross and wife, Sherry, of Liberty Hill; sister, Jeanette Gruetzner and husband, Bobby, of Elgin; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Due to the distance to Alabama, the family requests memorials be made in lieu of flowers to Coryell Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1511 West Main St., Gatesville, Texas 76528. Please sign the online guest book at www.gatesvillefh.com. February 7, 1929 - February 26, 2010 Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com