Betty Cross (née Dolbear)
July 5, 2023
Betty went home to the Lord on July 5th, 2023 in her 85th year. She was born to a farming family in Strathroy, where she spent many happy years alongside her siblings Ken (Mary Jane), Mary (Al), Dean (Brenda), and Burton (Marilyn). Betty was intelligent, passionate, and loved to learn. She graduated from Bible college in 1960 and taught the Lord’s Word to local children for 60 years. Betty married the love of her life, Donald, in the summer of 1962. The birth of her two sons soon followed, and she developed close friendships with members of her church and community. She was an avid enthusiast of live music and theatre and would often spend her free time watching plays at Stratford. She maintained close relationships with her siblings all through her life, vacationing at cottages all over Ontario. She loved spending the summers with her grandchildren, and took them on numerous trips over the years to see natural wonders, museums, parks, and attractions. Her birthday letters were famous among all who received them.
Survived by her husband of 60 years, Donald, her two sons David and Kevin (Rose), her grandchildren Violet (Marceline), Mario (Madison), Dylan (Shaelynn), and Paul (Jacqueline). Great-grandmother to Melvin. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Predeceased by her parents Russel and Ruth, and great-granddaughter Mara.
The family gives their sincerest thanks to the compassionate staff at Victoria and Parkwood Hospitals for their outstanding care. A special thank you goes out to the Huang family and grandson Paul, who threw her a farewell concert at the family home prior to her arrival at Parkwood Institute.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the funeral service will be conducted on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. A livestream of the service is available for those unable to attend in person.
To register for the livestream, please click here: Funeral Service for Betty Cross
Interment at Strathroy Cemetery. Donations to Christian Service Centers of Canada (Key Bible Clubs) or a charity of your choice in Betty’s memory.
Leave a tribute for Betty Cross (née Dolbear)
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Condolences to Betty's family. Betty was greatly admired for her many talents.
My sincere condolences to you Don and family. Many memories of visiting with our second cousins at the Dolbear reunions. Mary and I attended high school together and Betty was about the same age as my oldest brother Don. My late sister Louise spoke fondly of the many conversations and visits to her and Walter in St Andrews New Brunswick to go over the complexities of the Dolbear genealogy and beyond. I believe Betty was a master at this and will be fondly remembered for all her dedicated research.
Burton and Family Sending my Condolences Love and Prays to you all Ruth Michelin
To Don and Family: Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Betty. We remember our long-time cousin and her very pleasant personality. We were in touch with Betty over the years with regard to our family. Thinking of you. Our deepest sympathies. Joan Parrott and Larry Ashby
To Don and Family: Betty has been part of my life since are Bible College Days. We graduated together in 1960 from L.C.B.M.. We have kept in touch for more than sixty years and I will miss her chats and will be praying for you as a family at this difficult time. She will be missed but we will meet again in heaven. Beulah and Family
Betty will be greatly missed by so many people of all ages. She was such a neat person to spend time with. Betty's solid faith and willingness to lend a hand, an ear to listen, or encouraging word will never be forgotten. Her ministry to children through Key Bible Clubs will also be remembered for generations. I'm sorry I didn't get one more conversation with her but knowing she is in the loving arms of the One who loves her more than any other I can't wish her back. Praying for Don and family as they mourn.
Don and family: Please accept our sincere condolences in the passing of Betty. We will miss seeing her at Iona Christian Fellowship and at the Breakfasts at Lawrence Station. She was a wonderful Christian lady and had a friendly smile for everyone.
Condolences to Mr. Cross, Kevin, David and family. What a pleasant and thoughtful person you are now missing. She and Mr. Cross came to the funeral visitation at Westview for my own mother back in January just this year. Mrs. and Mr. Cross were at most of our concerts and at many other musical and spiritual functions that we attended. They never failed to come up and greet us with those cheery smiles they both possessed. Come to think of it, were they ever without those terrific smiles? They were magnificent supporters of the Wheable Music Department and continued to be our friends long after David and Kevin had graduated. They never failed to ask us about the music and about our family. I hope your smiles will be rekindled often by fond memories of her. You must have so very many, including the celebration of their anniversary party a few years ago. Believers in Jesus can look forward to seeing her again soon. May this thought warm your hearts as you grieve this wonderful lady.
Uncle Don, David, Kevin and family; sending our deepest sympathy, love and prayers to you all. It was an honour to call Betty "Aunt" and we were blessed with countless memories. We'll never forget her infectious smile followed by a giggle that could warm anyone's heart ❤️ RIP Aunt Betty, there's comfort in knowing you're rejoicing 🙏 Love: Laurie, Paul, Bran and Roo
Don, David, Kevin & Rose and family, Our deepest condolences to you all. One favourite memory of ours of your Mom is the marvellous poem she wrote and read aloud at our wedding. She always had a wonderful smile and a lovely giggle, and we enjoyed conversations with her over the years. We know she is with her Lord. Our prayers for you for God's peace and comfort in these days.
Services for Betty Cross (née Dolbear)
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
July 9, 2023 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visitation will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
July 9, 2023 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Funeral Service will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
July 10, 2023 11:00 am
Additional Service information
A livestream of the service is available for those unable to attend in person.
To register for the livestream, please click here: Funeral Service for Betty Cross
Interment at Strathroy Cemetery.
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I saw your name on my phone. I am so very sorry for your loss. I have been blessed to work with you both and miss the comradery of those times. Ally love. Bonnie
~ Bonnie Baker