Vivian Cross

Vivian Marcella Cross, resident of Ponca City, passed away Friday, January 28, 2011 at the Ponca City Medical Center. She was 85 years of age. Vivian was born February 1, 1925 at the family home outside of Stillwater. She was the daughter of Ralph Walter Welch and Mildred Searcy Welch.

On a blind date arranged by her future sisterinlaw Verna, Vivian met the love of her life in July 1944. She and Richard Lee Cross were married on February 16, 1945 and were preparing to celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary soon. Vivian was the devoted mother of three children, Richard Lee, Jr., Beverly Anne, and Cheryl Jeanne.

In 1958, Vivian began working for Cities Service Oil Company, where she was the manager of the credit union. She subsequently worked in the treasury department for Conoco Oil Company until her retirement in 1985.

She is survived by her husband, Richard, of the home her son, Richard Cross, Jr., and his wife, Paulette of Ponca City and her daughter, Cheryl Taylor and her husband, Roy of Edmond, Oklahoma. Other survivors include her beloved grandchildren, Mark Cross and wife, Marcy, and their son, Kelby of Ponca City Beverly Cross and son Kory of Aurora, Colorado Alyssa Siler and husband, Ryan and their daughter Hayden of Edmond, Oklahoma and Darren Presnall and wife, Alysa, and children Bradyn, Bryce and Brantley of Ponca City.

Vivian is also survived by two brothers, Ray Welch of Newberg, Oregon and Paul Welch and his wife, Clara of Yale, Oklahoma two sistersinlaw, Velda Welch of Yakima Washington and Pat Welch of Ponca City and numerous nieces and nephews, of whom she was very fond. Vivian was preceded in death by her parents her brothers, Gene Calvin Welch and Glenn Roy Welch, and her infant daughter, Beverly Anne Cross.

A graveside committal service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, January 31, 2011 at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery of Ponca City. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Worship Center of the First Baptist Church with Rev. Jack Shamburger presiding.
Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made in Vivians name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 3908 North Peniel, Ste. 330, Bethany, Oklahoma 73008.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to all of Vivians loving caregivers at Via Christi assisted living and skilled nursing centers. Gratitude is also extended to her many dear friends from the First Baptist Church.