Ruth Graham Cross

Mrs. Cross, 82, of Plantation Estates in Matthews, NC, passed away on Monday, December 12, 2011 following a lengthy illness.

She was a native of Red Springs, NC, born there on October 19, 1929, attended Queens College in Charlotte, and Flora McDonald College in Red Springs, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951 in Primary Education. Married in 1950, she was a proud career U.S. Army wife and mother for 23 years prior to settling with her family in Charlotte in 1968.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John C. Graham and Kathleen L. Graham of Red Springs; her husband, Thearon M. Cross; and a son, John Richard (Rick) Cross, both of Charlotte.

Survivors include two daughters, Terri K. Cross of Douglasville, GA and Rebecca G. Cross of Atlanta, GA; son, Wayne M. Cross and wife Rhonda of Statesville, NC; daughter-in-law, Kathy Cross of Charlotte; four grandchildren, Preston G. Cross, Megan M. Cross, Jack A. Cross and Kathleen (Katie) E. Cross, all of Charlotte; a brother, Dr. John C. Graham, Jr. and wife Phyllis of Kitty Hawk, NC; nephew, John C. Graham, III and wife Laurie of Southern Shores, NC; and niece, Stephanie Graham Miller and husband Bill of Greensboro, NC.

A graveside service will be held at Alloway Cemetery in Red Springs on Friday, Dec. 16, 2011 at 3:00 p.m., followed by a service to celebrate her life, on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011 at Plantation Estates at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends following each service.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Charlotte Office, 7506 East Independence Blvd., Suite 120, Charlotte, NC 28227; the Samaritan Fund of Plantation Estates, 733 Plantation Estates Dr., Matthews, NC 28105; or the charity of one's choice.

Harry & Bryant Company of Charlotte is serving the Cross family.