Betty Marie(Brundage) Cross, 88, of Story, passed away Feb. 13, 2016 at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

She was born Nov. 25, 1927 in Sheridan to George and Edith Brundage and she grew up on the family ranch outside of town. After graduation from Sheridan High School in 1945, Betty taught at the Murphy Gulch School for 2 years before marrying WW2 veteran, John Cross in Sheridan.

She found work as a shop girl at Rockford Studios while John engaged in the automobile business. They started a family in the early 1950's, began taking education classes after work, and they both eventually earned teaching certificates. John taught in Jordan, MT while Betty raised her sons to school age. She then began a teaching odyssey that would span over 30 years. Betty taught elementary grades in Lame Deer and Ashland, MT for 18 years, and then in Buffalo for 13 years before retiring. Mixed into the early years were summers spent taking classes in Laramie, San Diego and Billings.

She spent her later years enjoying the Story lifestyle, traveling with friend, Dick Fisher, and advocating for stray and mistreated animals. Betty was a child of the Great Depression and an absolute member of the Greatest Generation. She will be missed.

Betty was preceded in death by husband John, son John II and sisters Catherine Hardee and Enid Krezelok.

She is survived by son Michael Cross, one grandchild, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

At her request, there will be no funeral. A Celebration of Life is planned for summer.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Francis Animal Shelter, 109 Flatiron Dr., Buffalo, WY 82834.

Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.

The Sheridan Press - Mar. 5, 2016.

Sheridan (WY) Alumni Site - www.shsalumni.net