It is with heavy hearts that we bid adieu to our mom, Mary Eleanor Cross, on Friday, March 7, 2025.
Mom had a zest for life, travel and adventure (even if just walking around Salem). Mom and Dad started their early adventures by living in Germany for many years. She was a willing participant in adventures with her kids and grandkids packed into the car on the way to the beach, the Grand Canyon, and more. Her love of life extended into helping anyone – mom NEVER met a stranger. She was quick to make friends around Salem, on her Amtrak journeys west, and any other place. She truly would offer the shirt off her back if it was needed. We fondly remember the Thanksgiving that the stores were closed and she found a family needing last minute Thanksgiving supplies. Mom brought that mother to our house and shopped her pantry on Thanksgiving afternoon!
Mom collected whimsical toys and rubber duckies that she shared far and wide with family and friends. Her favorite activity was to go to stores and walk through the Christmas aisle setting off EVERY singing and dancing toy in the place. She would always purchase at least one! Her other vice was her sweet tooth, enjoying candies, bubble gum, and Peeps (yellow and stale). In fact, we are sure that she has kept the Peep company afloat.
In providing for the community, mom and dad had a yearly Christmas party that all of us helped with. That party was always to benefit a charity of mom and dad’s interest, such as the Food Panty, the Clothes Closet, the Bradley Free Clinic, the Turning Point, and more. In the first years, mom always made sure to collect donations. Our favorite was the year of diaper collection for one of the charities. Our friends and family brought so many diapers that we filled an entire bedroom. So the next day was spent with us throwing diapers out the window to pack into a car. Mom and dad were active members of the Salem Kiwanis Club and she could be found working tables, handing out popcorn, and more. But the yearly highlight was to ring the Salvation Army bell in front of Kroger. The day after dad died, she was working his shift ringing the bell, because she knew that’s what he would have wanted.
Much as she devoted herself to the community, she supported, encouraged, and taught her children to love others and life. Any of our friends were immediately enveloped into the family grouping with the same love and support. All of us, Judith M. Painter (Mike), Allen Rawles Cross, Jr. (Jennifer), Griffin A. Cross (Ashley), Clayton A. Cross (Renee), and Greg S. Kuetemeier (Sarah), wish her blessings and peace in her next adventure with dad, Allen R. Cross, Sr., and other family members in eternal life.
She especially doted and offered advice and wisdom to her grandchildren. She appreciated her adventures with them and always shared their accomplishments and adventures. Sending her love and hugs are Emma, Noah, and Sam Painter; Annabelle Shifflett and William Cross; Spencer, Wesley, and Graham Cross; along with her great granddaughter, Violette Shifflett.
Moving around in her early life (Texas, Louisiana, Washington, DC, and Germany) made mom appreciate living in Salem as a constant location since the 1970s. We want to thank her Salem community for taking the time to pause and talk with her and invest in our lives too. We appreciate the support from our community of friends and family, John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home and First United Methodist Church during our time of mourning and grief.
We invite you to come give hugs, support, and remembrances at a visitation from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, Salem, Va. The service and a reception will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, Salem, Va.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please support one of mom’s favorite charities: The Salem-Roanoke County Food Pantry, Mrs. Dorsey’s Clothes Closet, the Salem Fire and Rescue Squads, or any charity that you prefer.
