Dora M. Cross

Dora M. Cross, 81, of Centralia, Kansas passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at The University of Kansas Health System, St. Francis Campus in Topeka, Kansas.  She was surrounded by her loved ones and lifted up in prayer.   

Dora was born on July 21, 1941 in Seneca, Kansas, the daughter of Omer and Lucille (Noll) Haug. She was the seventh child of fourteen children born to Omer and Lucille.  Dora graduated from Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School in 1959, and she was united in marriage to William (Bill) Cross on September 12 that same year.  Bill and Dora were blessed with four children, Janice (Jerry) Montagne of McPherson, Kansas, Jackie (Greg) Askren of Ames, Kansas, Bob (Lynda) Cross of Centralia, Kansas, and Joy (Chad) Kramer of Marysville, Kansas; 17 grandchildren, Tyrel, Brice, Kyle (Pam), J.B. (Clari), Jewell (Zach), Janell (Cole), Alex (John), Hayden (Breanne), Bailey, Gabriel, Carson, Shea, Bellamy, Cam, Max, Kane, and Blaise; and 19 great-grandchildren. 

Dora went from being a town girl to a farmer’s wife.  She made the adjustment well learning to cook and keeping life moving on the farm.  She loved to cook and could throw something together out of nothing, and even on short notice.  She always said she wouldn't start cooking until she “saw the whites of Bill’s eyes” coming home from the field.  Dora supported her children in all their activities and traveled, near and far, to their many ball games and activities. 

Blessed with artistic creativity, Dora was immensely talented, and she loved to share her creativity with others.  She and her sisters decorated Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church for many years, she constructed and sewed many of her children’s clothing and costumes, and she decorated cakes for birthdays, weddings, and many other events for family and friends.  A family favorite was the handmade Valentines that she made every year for all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Dora cherished her family and their time together.  She loved visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but she especially loved holding and cuddling with the babies.   

Dora was a woman of great faith, and she raised her children in the way she was raised to love and serve the Lord.  She always had a rosary nearby, loved to read books about the lives of saints, and the Catholic church.  She was always putting the needs of others ahead of her own which was especially evident in the many ways she cared for her parents and siblings throughout the years.    

Dora was preceded in death by her parents; her three brothers, Cotton Haug, George Haug, and Larry Haug; her four sisters, Bobbie Osterhaus, Sister Connie Haug, Gerriann Henry, and Susan Haug; and her two grandchildren, Gabriel Cross and Bellamy Kramer.

Dora is survived by her husband, Bill; her four children; her 15 grandchildren; her 19 great-grandchildren; her brother, Mike (Betty) Haug; and her five sisters, Sister Dominic Haug, Jeanne (Tom) Heiman, Mary Haug, Regina (Ed) Aldrine, and Cathie Wynkoop. 

Dora will lie in state for public viewing on Friday, May 12, 2023 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Popkess Memorial Chapel in Seneca, Kansas.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca.  Prior to the Mass, a visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the church.  Following visitation, a rosary will be prayed starting at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will be made in the Saints Peter and Paul Church Cemetery in Seneca.  Memorial Contributions are suggested to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School in Seneca sent in care of Popkess Memorial Chapel, 814 Castle, Seneca, Kansas 66538.