Charlie Neva Cross, 90, Butler, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2003, in Bates County Memorial Hospital, Butler. She was born February 13, 1913, to Joe A. and Gertie F. Pinkman Budd in Cedar County.
Charlie, one of three children, was raised in El Dorado Springs. She attended the Pleasant Ridge Grade School just southeast of town. On Feb. 23, 1935, she was united in marriage to Emmett Cross. To this union four children were born. Charlie was a homemaker most of her life, dedicating her life to her family and home. In 1946 she and her husband moved to Ballard and later moved to the farm on East Hwy. 52. In 1979 they moved to town in Butler. She attended the Cove Creek Christian Church, the Pleasant Gap Christian Church and the Ft. Scott Church of Christ in Butler.
Charlie was a strong but sweet Christian lady. She could be described as outgoing and independent. Her hobbies included sewing, quilting, gardening and canning. She was a wonderful caregiver to her husband, Emmett, during his illness. Charlie also enjoyed playing in the "Kitchen Band" at the local nursing homes. Her grandchil¬dren and great-grandchildren were an important part of her life and she was very proud of them.
Charlie was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett Cross; infant son, Charles Cross; daughter, Judy Easterling; brother, Granvil Budd; and sis¬ter, Pauline Houle.
She is survived by two daughters, Mary Joe Speck, and her husband, Frank - Raymore, and Janice Tatro and her hus¬band, Aubrey - Lake Lotawana; son-in-law, Robert "Rob" Easterling - Albuquerque, NM; sister-in-law, Ardis Budd - El Dorado Springs; five grandchildren - Debbie Howard, Daphne Tucker, Kevin McCubbins, Mike Easterling and Jeff Easterling; six great-grandchildren; and nephews and nieces.
Services were held Saturday, July 26, in Schowengerdt Fu¬neral Chapel, Butler with Bill Herndon officiating. Musical selections were "Amazing Grace" and "In The Garden." Casketbearers were Kevin McCubbins, Mike Easterling, Jeff Easterling, Jim Howard, Gene Brown and Bobby Budd. Interment was in Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler under direction of Schowengerdt Funeral Chapel.
