Marylin Cross

Marilyn June Cross began her earthly journey in Wilson, KS, born to James Leon Vlcek and Mary Zbornik Vlcek on August 3, 1935. She married Cecil “Sam” Cross in Wilson KS on June 13, 1953 shortly after high school graduation, and they were married almost 69 years.  They were blessed with three children, Michael “Mickey”, Audrey and Eugene.  The family lived in Park City KS until 1964 when they moved to Hobbs NM.  Marilyn performed double duty as a homemaker and an active helper to her husband at Industrial Salvage Company for 20 years.  In 1980, she and her daughter started Quilts Etc. which became her passion – machine quilting and making quilts for the public.   This quest also afforded her many opportunities to use her talents serving God by making many quilts and donating them to charities, including Red Cross, Manna Outreach, CASA and Eight Days of Hope to name a few.  She made numerous walker caddies that she gave freely to anyone needing one, making sure each recipient knew that “Jesus Loves You”!  She embraced her Czech heritage to the delight of her family by baking delicious kolaches, yeast rolls and bread, cinnamon rolls and houska.  She also enjoyed visits with her family, reading, crocheting and embroidery and word search puzzles.  She was a member of St Paul’s UMC in Hobbs for many years and, upon its closure, First UMC became her church home.

Marilyn passed peacefully to eternal life on May 18, 2022 in Hobbs, NM.  A memorial of her life will be celebrated at First United Methodist Church in Hobbs, NM on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 11:00 am officiated by Pastors Nick and Blossom Matthews.  Visitation is from 10:15 to 10:45 on the same day at the church.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, son and daughter-in-law Mickey and Irene Cross , half-sisters Georgie Vlcek and Adaline Root, brother James Vlcek Jr. and sisters, Virginia Barta and Theresa Ptacek.  She is survived by her husband, Cecil “Sam” Cross, daughter Audrey Parrish (Tom) and her son Eugene Cross (Janet).  She is also survived by four grandchildren Brian Cross, Scott Cross, David Cross (Jessica) and Tracy Cross and six step-grandchildren, Clarence “Eddy” Smith (Ruby), Edna Glenn, Mary Reuse, Raymond Smith (Jenny), Bobbie Dunham (Todd), and Ted Smith (Mary); 6 great-grandchildren and numerous step-great- grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you perform random acts of kindness to others or make a donation to the charity of your choice.

My soul, wait in stillness, only for God—
from Him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress—I will never be moved.      Psalm 62:1-2 (TLV)