Charles Cross

WALKER CROSS Click here to view a video of Walker's life WEST YELLOWSTONE, MT -- Charles Walker Cross, 90, of West Yellowstone, Montana, passed away October 10, 2008, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of causes incident to age. His death was two days short of his 91st birthday. Walker was born October 12, 1917, in Ogden, Utah, to Elias George Cross and Florence Hoxer Cross. He attended Mount Fort School, Ogden High School, Weber State Academy, and the University of Utah. On October 4, 1974, he married Bonnie Jean Tressl in Soda Springs, Idaho. They made their home in West Yellowstone, Montana, where he owned and operated multiple motels. For a time, he served as the Regional Governor of Best Western. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Walker enjoyed fly fishing, golfing, trap-shooting, bowling, and was a classic car enthusiast. He also loved spending time with his family, friends, and black Labrador retrievers. Survivors include: Wife: Bonnie Jean Cross, West Yellowstone, MT Daughter: Suzanne Cross (Bill) Folland, Kenilworth, IL Daughter: DeeAnn Cross (John) Batson, Bountiful, UT Daughter: Pamela Cross Stallings (Mitch), Ennis, MT Daughter: Cindy (Paul) Schaumberg, Missoula, MT Son: Kelly Jay (Lael) Anderson, West Yellowstone, MT Brother: Dr. D. H. (Ellie) Cross, CA Brother: Dr. E. G. (Joan) Cross, Kalispell, MT Sister: Joan Wixom, Colorado Springs, CO 10 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great Grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Anne Olson, and his first wife, Mary Russell Cross. A Celebration of Walker Cross’ life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 18, 2008, the West Yellowstone LDS Chapel, 245 N. Faithful Street, West Yellowstone, MT. In lieu of flowers, and according to Walker’s wishes, memorial donations may be sent to the following organizations: Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 11390, Bozeman, MT 59719 Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741 Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center, P.O. Box 996, West Yellowstone, MT 59758 --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Dan Bowers westerntelephone@msn.com I am sorry to hear of Walker's passing. I'll always remember him as a good man whose word was as solid as his handshake. My thoughts and prayers are with you all . Cathy Hansen I didn't get to see Walker very often but I will always remember his cheery "Hello doll" when he would walk in the door of the hotel. Charlotte Stone, Claudia Stone, Rancy Stone and Jay Stone goldenflower44@yahoo.com All our love in your time of loss. Walker was a great man and a wonder ful man. I remember many many great times at my grandmother Arita’s (Cross/Stone) home and Grey Cliff Lodge with the Cross family. Our best to you and yours. Love, Charlotte, Caludia, Randy and Jay Audra Jenson rainyskies07@gmail.com I was sorry to read of the passing of Mr. Cross in the newspaper. Because the Best Westerns were established in West Yellowstone, I was able to go and work there for two summers in a row after high school graduation. I will always be grateful for those opportunities. I am deeply sorry for your loss and pray that comfort and peace finds you at this time of sorrow. Mr. Cross will be sorely missed by many. Kelli Ehresmann Bonnie, I am thinking of you often and remembering many fun times with you and Walker. I am so grateful for times I spent with you guys as a kid. As an adult, I am grateful for the example Walker was in living his life with spunk and energy. When the time comes, and I am faced with a choice, I will remember Walker, and choose a fishing pole instead of a rocking chair. Take good care of yourself. Love, Kelli Sue Sharol Waddoups sharolcleve@msn.com Hi Sue: Just a note to tell you how sorry I am to hear of the passing of your dad. It doesn't seem to matter how old our parents are it is always hard to have them pass. I think of you often and we really missed you at the class reunion. I had so hoped to see you there. Life gets so busy and we just can't do all we would like to do. If you ever get to Utah I would really like to get together and have an old fashioned gab fest. I just want to let you know I care about you and am sorry you have to go through the loss of your dad. Love, Sharol Waddoups Barbara Lang barbara_lang@comcast.net Dee Dee, I am sending light and love to you and your family at this delicate time, to support you in letting in the best memories while celebrating your fathers life. Be blessed, Barb Dennis Liptrot dennis@blainejensen.com Dear Bonnie (Bo) I was so sorry to here about the passing of Walker. Although I only got to know him from talking to him about your motorhomes and seeing the two of you when you were either on your way to or coming back from West Yellowstone, I really enjoyed my visits with Walker. We had a little in common when it came to our Bladder Cancer. He always made me feel like a friend and confidant. I've missed not seeing you two the last couple of years. I hope that his passing was peaceful. My prayers our with and the family. Sincerely, Dennis Liptrot Blaine Jensen RV Hal and Norine Jensen hjnern@hotmail.com Dear Bonnie and Family, Please know that we were so sorry to learn of Walker`s passing. We have always cherished our friendship and the fun time we had together in the field, on the stream, or on the golf course.We know this is a great loss to you and want you to know that our prayers are with you as you go forward. Love, Hal and Norine Jensen Collleen Anderson Colleen@ColleenAndersonRealtor.com DeeDee and Family, As a friend of DeeDee's, I send my warmest condolences to all of the Cross family. DeeDee talks about him often, and I know he was a wonderful example for all of the family. Warmest regards, Colleen Anderson Larry and BJ Hultz Hotsymt1@aol.com Bon, Just wanted to say that our prayers are with you and our heartfelt wishes that you are doing okay through the passing of your "Walk." We hope to be able to attend the service in West on Saturday but if life gets in the way at least you know we love you and are just a phone call away...........Larry and BJ Dr. Dennis Staker djs100@comcast.net Dear Pam, So sad and sorry to hear about your father's death. My sympathy to you and all of your family. I Wish you the Best, Dennis Edd Lesley bonmrshll@hotmail.com I am sorry to hear about Walker. I would so love to visit with all of you in the family, but circumstances would not let me be there. Sincerely, Edd 680 W. 4400 S. Riverdale, Utah 84405, 801-394-9872 The e-mail address is my daughter's Harry Baker harry@phch.org I was saddened to hear that Walker has passed away, and send my sincere condolences to the family. Mother (Devorah) was twelve when Walker was born in 1917. She always said to Sharri and me, “Walker was such a dear little boy!” I have fond memories of going to the family house on Christmas Eve and Thanksgiving dinners at our house as we were growing up. I wish the very best to each of you. Harry Baker Heidi Mitchell heidi.mitchell@gmail.com Your family is in our prayers. I grew up in West Yellowstone. I remember Halloween nights - it was always something to look forward to - to go trick-or-treating at the Cross' house. More recent memories with Walker and Bonnie were when I worked at the clinic and as an adult was able to get to know your family a little better. Although I haven't been home much since my parents passed away (Joe and Bonnie Roos), I still have good memories of the West Yellowstone families who have been around for years. Please find comfort and know your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you and can bring you peace at this time. Vickie Branz Maughan vjmaughan@comcast.net Would you please get a message to Pamela Stalling and DeeAnn Batson, along with the other family members expressing my deepest sorrow in the loss of their Father. I was out of town and just learned of his passing. If possible will you please ask Pam to contact me at the above e-mail or by phone at (801) 391-1033. I miss her and would love to talk to her. Again please pass on my condolences to the Cross Family. Sincerely, Vickie Branz Maughan