Barbara A. Cross

LAUREL- Barbara A. Cross, 72, of Laurel, died Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury surrounded with love by her family. She was born July 27, 1944 in Jamesburg, New Jersey, a daughter of the late James and Dolores (Tufts) Novak. A 12 year cancer survivor, Barbara was a full time homemaker, a job she took very seriously. If you asked her, she’d have told you she was a “Household Executive"; after all, raising 5 children and several animals, such as horses, cows, rabbits, pigs, and peacocks can be a never ending job. However, she loved being a proud wife, mother and grandmother, and especially enjoyed the holidays and family dinners. In 2001, she became a member of St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Delmar, where she eagerly served with the prayer shawl ministry, Relay for Life, Decorating Delmarva at Christmastime and taught Sunday school for many years. She loved life and being able to help others in any way she could. She volunteered at Dunbar Elementary School in Laurel by becoming a foster grandparent, was a member of the Laurel Exchange Club and headed the Miss/Little Miss Laurel pageant from 2003 to 2013. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ronnie Cross, Sr.; children, Dawn Tomeski and husband, John of Bridgeville, Ronnie Cross, Jr. of Georgetown, Bobby Cross of Georgetown, Jody Jenkins of Quantico, and Jolene Cross of Laurel; grandchildren, John II, Katie, Bradley, Ronnie III, Allyson, Peyton, Matthew, Cody, Fisher, and Charli Rose; a great grandson, Bryson; sisters, Jane Hansen and Dorrie Hoagland and brothers, James and Keith Novak all of New Jersey. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Warren Novak. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Delmar. The Reverend Phyllis Walton will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 101 E. State Street, Delmar, DE 19940. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Barbara A. Cross

July 27, 1944 - December 17, 2016