Bernice A. “Betty” Cross, 92, of Bridgton, died unexpectedly, Thursday morning, Feb. 20, 2020, at her home in Bridgton.

She was born on Nov. 17, 1927, in North Bridgton, a daughter of William and Crystal (Shackley) Ash. Betty attended Otisfield elementary schools and later graduated from Bridgton Academy.

On Nov. 11, 1944, she married Harry Cross Sr., in Bridgton the day before he left in service to our country. Upon his return they lived with his parents on the Cross farm in Naples before starting on their forever home in Bridgton, where she worked as a loving homemaker to her family.

She was ever-present at school and stayed very involved in her children’s education including having been recognized as Mother of the Year by Bridgton High School.

Betty was a longtime member of the Bridgton United Methodist Church and was instrumental in the Sunday school program there. Alongside “Jinx” Staples, she also worked diligently to make baccalaureate services part of the Lake Region High School graduation again after they had ceased and, at one time, also enjoyed her involvement in the Rebekahs. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and loved to celebrate birthdays and enjoy lunches with the girls.”

She enjoyed arts and crafts, particularly stained glass work, flower gardening, playing the organ, watching the birds, and especially catching the sunrise and sunset. An avid baker, lots of family favorites including Saturday night biscuits and lemon meringue pies, to name a couple, will be surely missed.

Betty is loved by her husband of 75 years, Harry, of Bridgton; a son, Larry Cross and his wife, Sonia of Texas; a daughter, Crystal Morgan and her husband, Steve of Bridgton; six grandchildren, Shawn Morgan and his wife, Sherry of Bridgton, Nicky Desjardins and her husband, Dale of Bridgton, Becky Ingersoll of Waterford, Missy Morgan of Auburn, Jan Olsen and her husband, Nick of Texas, and Patrick Cross and his wife, Tanya of Colorado; 14 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Harry Cross Jr., and a brother, William Ash Jr.

A graveside service for Betty will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 15, at the Oakdale Cemetery in Bolster’s Mills. Family and friends are invited to share kind words and tributes about Betty at www.hallfuneralhome.net. Arrangements are in the care of the Hall Funeral Home, 165 Quaker Ridge Rd., Casco.