Lora "Bunny" Cross Ferris was an exceptional mother, wife, and friend, a gentle lady whose life was defined by her gracious heart, her warm demeanor, her endless kindness, and her selfless devotion to her family and her faith.
The youngest of three, Bunny was born to Dr. Albion and Lora Maye Cross on November 20, 1951 in New Orleans. The family moved to Baton Rouge in 1954 where Dr. Cross opened his medical practice. Bunny graduated from Broadmoor High School in 1969. She began her university years at LSU, becoming a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She later transferred to the University of Virginia where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree. Following her return to Baton Rouge, she earned a Masters Degree in Speech Pathology from LSU.
In 1978, she married Ron Ferris, the love of her life for over 47 years. Her two new stepsons, Doug and Greg, were soon joined by daughter Rebecca in 1980, followed by son Christopher in 1982.
Bunny adored her children and devoted herself completely to building a life of love, laughter, stories, travel, football games, and fellowship for her family. She volunteered wherever she saw a need, for everything from her children's schools, to cancer awareness fundraisers, to numerous other organizations and causes. She was a member of the Baton Rouge Junior League and The Baton Rouge Assembly. She loved children, animals, gardening, visiting friends, and all the holidays.
Her faith and her family were the most important parts of her life. She was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge, where she served as a deacon and fulfilled multiple teaching and volunteer roles throughout the church, including president of the Presbyterian Women. She was a long-time member of the Crossroads Sunday School Class, Women's Circle One, and a small group called The Tri Pi Bible Study Group (Praying, Praising, Presbyterians). Bunny was a caretaker at heart, always seeking to serve others.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Dr. A.B. and Lora Maye Cross. She is survived by her husband, Ron; sisters, Amelia Cross Wood and Susan Cross Cornell (Pat); daughter Rebecca Behrnes and husband Jacob; son Christopher Ferris and wife Megan; stepson Doug Ferris and wife Julie; stepson Greg Ferris and wife Kori; grandchildren Douglas, Lyndsey, Taylor, Tyler, Camilla, Madeleine, and Gigi, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a very special group of friends, the Tri Pi's: Annie Kelly, Cheryl Tyler, Sherry Tucker, and Lindy Weiner.
Visitation will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge, 763 North Blvd. at 10:00am on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. A memorial service will follow in the sanctuary at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, or to the charity of your choice.
