Evelyn Cross

Evelyn Cross, 95, of West Des Moines, Iowa passed away on Thursday February 24th, 2022 surrounded by family, Wesley Life Edgewater & Hospice caregivers. She led a very full, long life and was a true blessing to all who knew her.

Evelyn was born on July 25, 1926 in the mountain village of Tagliole, Italy to Fillipo and Lina (Mordini) Barbati. In June 1930, at the age of 3, her family emigrated to the United States via Ellis Island taking residence in Missouri where her father worked in the coal mines. By the 1940’s Evelyn had moved with her parents and siblings, George & Elsie, to live in Madrid, Iowa. Here, she and her siblings would learn to speak & write English, explore the country roads on their bicycles and graduate high school.

During WW-II, Evelyn found work at the Des Moines Ordinance Plant helping with the war efforts. Here she met her future husband, Leonard Cross. Evelyn & Leonard married in 1945 and raised three children in a home they built just south of Ankeny, Iowa. Their children, family members & future grandchildren would celebrate many holiday events together and would enjoy tending to the garden, fruit trees, grape vines, playing with the dogs & farm cats, swinging in the trees, riding the old tractors, walking the railroad tracks and so many other adventures. She and Leonard were members of All Saints Catholic Church and worked for many years at Meredith Publishing Corporation. They enjoyed dancing at the Tromar & Val Air Ballroom, listening to music & of course, spending time with family.

Shortly after her husband’s death in 1989, Evelyn moved to Urbandale where she would spend her next 20 years getting to know a new area, making new friends and finding a neighborhood community with people she would forever hold close to her heart. She belonged to the Catholic Widows & Widowers Group and volunteered with St. Pius Church as well as Hospice.

In 2011, Evelyn began yet another chapter of her life’s journey by moving to Wesley Life Edgewater’s Independent Living Facility in West Des Moines, Iowa. These friends and caregivers would become her second family. She enjoyed attending events & programs including watching movies, playing cards – especially Skip Bo, Mexican train dominos, swimming, exercising, assembling puzzles, working on crafts, listening to many speakers, singers & children’s groups – and even Wii Bowling! Evelyn, as well as her family, were extremely grateful for all the love, care and support she received while being at Edgewater.

Evelyn was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, brother George, sister Elsie and her youngest daughter Lynda Benson. She is survived by her son Joseph (Cyndy) Cross of Wichita, KS, daughter Virginia Friend of Norwalk, IA as well as 5 grandchildren & 6 great grandchildren.

A visitation & memorial service will be held at Wesley Edgewater in West Des Moines on Thursday March 10th from 1PM – 3PM (service to be held at 2PM) – 9250 Edgeline Drive, West Des Moines, Iowa (assisted living entrance – masks required). A mass will be held in her honor on Friday March 11th at 10:30AM at All Saints Catholic Church followed by graveside burial at Highland Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or Hospice in loving memory of Evelyn.

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