BOONE, Iowa—Janet Cross, 91, from Boone, IA, moved into her heavenly home on September 21, 2024. She was the devoted wife of Carl Edward Cross, Sr., who awaited her in heaven.
Janet was born at home in Boone, on May 23, 1933, to Ralph and Lillian (Wallace) Jackson. Janet was welcomed by her older siblings, Ralph Eugene (Helen) Jackson, Elizabeth Jackson, and Charlotte (Ralph) Anderson. The family was completed with the addition of her younger siblings, Sharon (Marvin) Holmberg and Judith (John) Rossey. Following the loss of her mother, Janet took on the role of helping to raise her younger siblings.
She married Carl Edward Cross, Sr., on October 17, 1953, and together they welcomed three children: Carl Edward (Letha) Jr., Marvin (Terri) Cross, and Marsha (Matthew) Arrowood.
Janet initially worked as a telephone operator until her children arrived, later dedicating many years as a teacher’s aide at Page and Bryant Elementary schools in Boone. A devoted follower of the Lord, she loved sharing her faith through teaching Sunday School, leading youth groups, and conducting Bible studies. Janet had a beautiful singing voice like her mother and also played the piano for church services. Her family fondly remembers evenings spent around the piano, singing praises to the Lord.
A loving grandmother, Janet cherished her grandchildren, each of whom knew which one was her favorite. They hold countless wonderful memories of Grandma (or Nana), who is survived by grandchildren Rebecca (Jeff) Ebel, Jen (Steve) Pickett, Lindsey (Tyler) Blake, Dustin (Tianna) Cross, Nicholas Cross (Gabby Lopez), Jeremy (Sami Jo) Cross, and Zane Arrowood. The family also includes seventeen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Janet is survived by sisters, Charlotte and Judith; sister-in-law, Edna Bullard, and brother-in-law, Marvin Holmberg. Janet cherished many dear friends who were like family to her: William Newland, Yuk Lan Cho and family, Karen and Russell Page and family.
A private family service will be held.
Memorials may be directed to the family, to be used at their discretion.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to Janet’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com.
Janet Cross, 91, Boone, Iowa
