Obituary of Donald Cross

Donald Robert Cross age 91 of Arriba, Colorado passed away Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the Lincoln Community Nursing Home in Hugo, Colorado. He was born August 10, 1920 on the family homestead north of Arriba, Colorado the son of John Raymond and Grace Fern (Mougey) Cross. He grew up north of Arriba, Colorado and graduated from Sunny Slope High School in 1938. On March 23, 1941, Donald was united in marriage to Inez Blanch Beedy on the family farm north of Bovina, Colorado. They shared over fifty-eight years of marriage before Inez passed away on January 7, 1999. To this union they shared two children, Jack Keith and LoJuana Gay. Don was a lifelong farmer and rancher whose work ethic was very dedicated to the land he farmed and the cattle he ranched. He grew up during the great depression which explains his toughness and his determined drive for working hard. In 1976, Don and Inez moved to Karval, Colorado from Arriba where they operated a ranch. While living in Karval he helped a neighbor build his house and other ranchers during round ups. From Karval, Don and Inez moved to Linden, Texas in 1981 due to Inez’s health. There, he raised prize winning and grand champion limousine cattle and was named the Cass County Stockman of the year. He was always thinking about the future of agriculture and raising cattle. It was that reason he was very active in helping the young 4-H Club members by selling his calves and donating his knowledge and experience to the next generation of cattleman. In Texas, Don was the kind of neighbor everyone wished they had whether it be helping a friend restore an airplane or helping build the Pine Crest Baptist Church. He also went to Waco, Texas to help build a house for Habitat for Humanity. Don was there for his community, neighbors and friends. He didn't have many hobbies but when he wasn't in the fields working he could be found working with wood which he enjoyed very much. Most of all, he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He sacrificed many family trips because of his dedication to the farm and ranch. He always made sure he provided for his family and was always giving to others. His love, his strong work ethic and his sense of community will continue on through his family and friends lives forever... He was very active in the Arriba community that he loved and cared about so much. He was a member of the Arriba School Board, the Lincoln County Stockman Association, 4-H Leaders, Karval Lions Club and the Arriba Lions Club. He took much pride in helping build the community building that stands by the Bethel Church of the Brethren today. All of the surrounding communities in the area came to roller skate with their friends and family and he really enjoyed seeing the use that the community building served everybody for many years. Donald is survived by his son, Jack Keith Cross (Nancy) of Arriba, Colorado; his daughter LoJuana Gay Davis of Castle Pines, Colorado; two sisters, Marylyn Walters of Scottsdale, Arizona and Helen Lemmons of Phoenix, Arizona; four grandchildren, John Cross (Sharon) of Flagler, Colorado, Alise Klann (Mike) of Arriba, Colorado, Dena Noe (Zane) of Wray, Colorado, Chris Davis (Jill) of Arriba, Colorado; eleven great grandchildren, Marcus Cross, Michael Cross, Merisha Cross, Matthew Cross, Cameron Klann, Kyle Klann, Katelyn Klann, Ryan Davis, Cole Davis, Wesley Noe, Ashley Noe. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Inez; and his son-in-law, John Dean Davis.