Patricia Ann Cross

Patricia Cross, age 70, passed away on Saturday, April 19. She was preceded in death by her father, J.D. Cross; mother and stepfather Helen and Clair Wellman; sisters Durinda (Rindy) Cross and Jo Carol Thomson; and brother, Terry Wellman. She is survived by her daughter, Krista Swift (and future son-in-law, Jeff Lutz); grandchildren Jaydi Briones, Gavin Swift, and Liam Swift; niece, Paula (Jason) Spicer; nephew, Brandon Cross; and many much loved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Patricia was a fun-loving spirit and has always been like a mom to everyone, including all of Krista’s friends. Krista was her only child, and she devoted her life to her. She began her career at GM in 1977 and retired from there 30 years later at the age of 50. She was a janitor for the last 15 years and loved her job. During that time, she enjoyed spending her time off with family. Patricia and her sister Rindy lived together when Krista was young, and they raised cousins Brandon and Krista together. They had an amazing childhood and enjoyed many trips up north and had so much fun together. Later, Patricia enjoyed fishing trips up north with her special friend Jack. They made wonderful memories together.

After retirement, Patricia completely devoted her life to her grandchildren and helping Krista raise her family. According to Krista, "I couldn’t have done it without her and will forever be grateful. She was the most wonderful grandmother to them and the best mom in the whole world to me. My children all have a special bond with her, and we will miss her and love her forever. More recently, during her illness, she looked forward most of all to her weekly visits from her uncle Tim, who was more like a brother to her. He brought her family pictures and always lifted her spirits and made her feel loved. I want to thank him for that. She loved animals and took care of our dog and cats till almost the very end. She worried about them almost as much as us. She also always donated to the ASPCA."

A celebration of life gathering will be held 3 p.m. Monday, April 28, at Daniels Funeral Home, 9200 E. M-79 Hwy., Nashville, MI 49073. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.