Obituary of Beulah Lorena Cross
Beulah Lorena (Schlechte) Cross
April 7, 1932 – April 14, 2020
Beulah Lorena (Schlechte) Cross passed away peacefully on April 14, 2020, with family by her side. Mom was born April 7, 1932, in Melfort, to Clara and George Schlechte. The youngest of 5 children, Mom grew up on the family farm near Whittome, SK. She loved the outdoors and spent many days riding horses, caring for her pet deer, Bambi, and following her big brothers around the farm.
Mom graduated high school at the age of 16 and moved to Saskatoon to complete a stenographer course. After working briefly, Mom decided to follow in her big sister, Georgina’s, footsteps and enrolled in nursing school at City Hospital in Saskatoon. After completing her program, Mom moved to Spiritwood in 1953 to work at the Spiritwood Union Hospital, where her sister was employed.
During this time, Mom met Abe Cross, the brother of Bill Cross, who was married to Georgina. Mom and Dad married in November 1955 in Melfort, during one of the worst snowstorms of the year. They settled on the family farm in Spiritwood, in the same yard as Dad’s parents, Edward and Mathilda Cross. In 1962, they purchased the farm when Dad’s parents retired to town. In the early years, Mom and Dad enjoyed many social activities. They were part of the Northern Twisters square dance club and attended many baseball games, hockey games and rodeos together.
Mom had a long career as a registered nurse in Spiritwood. After working several years, she continued her education and became the Director of Nursing, a position she held until her retirement in 1995. Mom had a passion for nursing and made many lifelong friendships from her training and working days. She loved attending the yearly Saskatoon City Hospital nursing reunion to reconnect with old friends.
Mom loved farm life but she also enjoyed her travels to many places within Canada and the States. She was active in the Anglican Church and volunteered for several church committees and events. Mom loved puzzles and it was her tradition to complete a challenging one every Christmas. She enjoyed playing Scrabble with her children and usually won! Mom never wanted to be on an official team to play Trivial Pursuit, but would shout the answers from the side or give one of her famous sighs when we’d answer the questions incorrectly. Mom loved shopping for clothes and shoes (which are fond memories for those of us “lucky” enough to go shoe shopping with her)! Mom enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren at the farm, riding horses and baking, and each year hosting the Alberta family during the Spiritwood rodeo. Mom was a voracious reader. She loved mysteries and fictitious crime novels and continued to read many books well into her 80s.
While Mom had 4 children of her own, she was also a second mom to Georgina and Bill’s 12 children. Mom and Aunt Georgina instilled a special bond within the two families and all the children consider themselves to be more like siblings than cousins. To this day, some people still ask which family each of the kids belongs to!
In the late 90’s, Mom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. While the disease gradually affected Mom’s mobility, she remained on the farm with Dad until 2014, when she moved to the Spiritwood Long-Term Care Complex. The family is eternally grateful to the staff who cared for Mom with love and compassion during her time there.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Abe, of nearly 65 years.
Daughter, Debra (Brian) Jordan: granddaughter, Jaela (Kevin) Menssa, great-granddaughter, Jade; granddaughter, Karli (DJ) Sraybash, great-grandsons, Ashton & Gavin.
Son, Kelly: special grand-dog, Saba.
Daughter, Valerie (Marty) Kelliher: granddaughters, Bailey (Michael) & Madison (Austin); grandson, Logan.
Daughter, Tamara.
You did so many things for us,
Your heart was kind and true,
And when we needed someone,
We could always count on you.
The special years will not return,
When we are all together,
But with the love in our hearts,
You walk with us forever. (Anonymous)
A private family burial was held on July 17, 2021. Friends that wish to make donations may do so in Beulah’s memory to the Spiritwood Long-Term Care Complex or the Parkinson’s Society of Canada (donate.parkinson.ca/inmem; 1-800-565-3000).
Those wishing to send online condolences are invited to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com, Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Lori Saam of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Spiritwood, Sask. (306) 883-3500.
