Obituary of Richard Allen Cross

Richard Allen Cross (known by his friends as Rick and his family as Rich) passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2020 at his home in The Villages after over a seven year battle with ALS.   He was born 11/16/1951 in Alpena, Michigan to the late Clifford and Marilyn Cross. But when he was 1 year old they divorced, and he moved to Flint, Michigan with his mother.  She later married Rick's stepfather, Edson Place and his father later married Ruth, his stepmother.  Both Edson and Ruth are also deceased.  He grew up in Flint, Michigan.  Graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business from Central Michigan University.  He was employed as an Accounting manager at Ford Motor Company, hired in at the Wixom Assembly Plant in July 1974, and took an early retirement in April 2002 at the age of 50. He always realized how fortunate he was to have had the opportunity to retire at that young age.   

 

Richard is survived by his wife, Jeanette and stepdaughter, Meredith Elliott (CA).  He is also survived by stepbrothers James Ruell, wife Kathy (Ohio) and James Place, wife Mary (Michigan), Stepsisters Terri Place (MI) and Connie Thorn (MI).  Another stepbrother, Robert Daoust (VA) who preceded him in death.  Also survived by his cousin, Janet Feist, husband Darrell (Ohio). 

 

Rick's goal was always to move to The Villages when he retired so that he could golf anytime he wanted and often.  The four years before the ALS struck, Rick enjoyed golfing several times a week in The Villages just as he had planned.  He moved with his wife Jeanette part time to The Villages in 2010, still spending their summer and fall in Plymouth, Michigan, and Rick played lots of golf in both places.   They moved permanently to Florida in November 2014.

 

 The following tribute was written by Meredith Elliott, Rick’s stepdaughter.

 

 Early morning, on March 29th, we said goodbye to Rick Cross, as he lost his 7-year battle with ALS.  He is survived by my mom, Jeanette Cross.  My mom and Rick had been together for 27 years, after being good friends and co-workers for years prior to their romance.  Rick was the kindest, most generous and patient man that I have known.  He didn't have children of his own, and he always treated me as if I were his daughter.  Rick made my mom so incredibly happy for so many years, and they enjoyed their life together so much.  They had many common interests (golfing and long motorcycle rides, traveling and going out to dinner with friends), and were up for many new adventures together.  I had never seen my mom with such joy and such contentment until she was with Rick.

 

ALS is a nightmare disease, and for the past 3 years, Rick had been homebound in a power wheelchair, unable to move his arms or legs, to hold his head up, or to breathe without a machine.  My mom has been home with him this whole time, with a caregiver for 5 hours a day, seven days a week.  She has been superhuman; keeping her spirits up and barely sleeping more than a few hours a night for these past 3 years.  He appreciated her so much, and said thank you every time he needed her help, dozens of times a day.  And when he could barely speak anymore, he said thank you using the talking computer that he operated with his eyes.  He always encouraged her interests (golf every Monday), and had her happiness at the top of his priorities.  They were an ideal match, through sickness and through health!

 

One of my favorite things about Rick was that he adored animals.  He did everything he possibly could to end the mistreatment of animals.  Those ASPCA commercials were directed at him.  When he became wheelchair bound, his activism didn't cease, it merely shifted to financial support and letter writing campaigns.  I always thought that he would bring home all of the animals from the pet store, or the shelter if he could.  He especially loved cats.  He had cats all his life as a child and an adult.  His beloved cat Putter died at 19 years old 6 years ago, after having her leg amputated and undergoing chemotherapy and radiation at the age of 12.  Several months after Putter was gone, my Mom and Rick adopted Molly, another sweet kitty who I am so thankful is there with my mom.  Rick always treated his cats as if they were family.  When my animals were sick or in need, he insisted on financially supporting their treatment, and doing whatever was possible for their health and healing.  His nickname among some friends was "Saint Rick" because of his huge heart and his incredible generosity.  It was an accurate description and a fitting name.

 

Prior to being wheelchair bound due to ALS, Rick was an avid golfer, he loved swimming, playing racquetball, and riding his Harley.  His appreciation of his time on his bike, or on the golf course was always evident; he never took that time or those experiences for granted.  He loved good food, and great rock and roll music, and seemed to always be relishing the best parts of life.  Rick had an amazing circle of friends, and was beloved by friends new and old.  His kind and easygoing spirit was always evident, and appreciated by those around him.

 

Due to the severity of the pandemic, no services will be held in Florida.  When it is safe to do so, my mom will hold a Celebration of Life event in Michigan.  Meanwhile, I'm certain my mom would appreciate any calls or notes or kind words you could send her way. 

 

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in his memory to Cornerstone Hospice, donate.cshospice.org, The Humane Society/SPCA of Sumter County, hsspca.org/donate, or The Elizabeth Lake Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 126, Union Lake, MI  48387, elarmom1@aol.com.