Agnes Jean McKechnie Cross
Agnes Jean McKechnie Cross, 94, a beloved
daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed
away of natural causes on February16, 2010, at her residence at St.
John’s Jensen Cottage in Billings Montana. Her life can be
summarized in five words: courageous, vivacious, supportive,
cordial, and dignified.
Jean was born January 31, 1916, in Great
Falls, the only daughter of Edward and Alice McKechnie. Her early
years were spent in Wallace Idaho and Billings going to school at
McKinley Grade School where she often had the privilege of sliding
down the slide because of good behavior! Jean graduated from
Billings High School in 1933.
In 1936 Jean and Frank C. Cross were married
at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The Great Depression hit, and she
remembered having their car up on blocks “so as not to be able to
drive”. During her husband’s WWII service, Jean and their son, Ted,
lived in Roundup with her parents.
Jean spent her life committed to Billings
through loving her family and through serving her community as a
volunteer for various organizations including the Ground Observer
Corp., the Pink Ladies of St. Vincent Hospital, the Junior Women’s
Club, and is currently a member of the Daughters of the King. Jean
was also an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church; at the
time of her death she was the oldest member of the parish.
Over the years one of her greatest joys was
playing bridge with a multitude of good friends. Jean and Frank
spent their latter years traveling to many countries and around the
United States, enjoying their cabin south of Red Lodge, a cabin on
the Stillwater River and visiting Frank’s sister in Washington.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents;
her husband; and great-granddaughter, Anika Jane Berger.
Jean is survived by her 4 children, Edward (Diane) Cross, of
Billings, Donna (Dean) Schreiber of Gearhart OR, Robin (Carl) Berger
of Olympia WA, Frank (Kathy) Cross of Billings; 9 grandchildren,
Cobi (Ken)Sims of Hillsboro OR, Peter (Jessica Rossman) Berger of
Seattle WA, Darby (John) Kaikkonen of Lacey WA, Erin Berger of
Everett WA, Tyler Cross of Bozeman, Brittany Berger of Chesapeake,
VA, Patrick Cross of Big Timber,
Cremation has already taken place. The family will gather on a glorious summer day to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for prayer books or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to her friend and caregiver, Carmen Thompson; and those who have given her such special care these past twelve years.
Remembrances
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