Mary Ellen (Boyd) Cross, formerly of Berlin, passed away on Thursday, Febuary 3, 2011 at "The Lodge" hospice in Burnsville, Minnesota.
She was born on June 8, 1924 in Golden, Illinois, the daughter of John and Edna (Parson) Boyd. Since 1988, she had lived in Burnsville, Minnesota.
Mary Ellen graduated from Berlin High School in 1942 as her class valedictorian. Mary Ellen attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, graduating in December 1945. On Febuary 10, 1946 she married her Berlin High School sweetheart, Richard W. Cross. The ceremony took place at Grace Lutheran Church, Berlin followed by a reception at the Whiting Hotel, Berlin.
Until moving to Burnsville, Mary Ellen and Richard lived in Normal, Downers Grove, and Oak
Brook Illinois. In the summer, the family enjoyed their home at Silver Lake, Wautoma.
She was an accomplished musician, English teacher, travel consultant, and bridge "Grand Life
Master" with the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). Because she competed both
nationally and internationally in duplicate bridge tournaments, often with her daughter, Jean, as
her partner, she also had extensive Master Points with the English Bridge Union (EBU). Her
love for scholarship, bridge, and travel (especially foreign) kept her mentally and physically
active. She leaves behind friends from throughout the world, including Vijay her AFS "son" in
India,
Mary Ellen is survived by her son, John (Virginia) Cross; daughter, Jean (David) Rostollan;
grandchildren, Cynthia (Ales) Butler, Richard (Christiane) Cross, David Cross; and a sister,
Carol Bark.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents; and her brother, Wendell.
The funeral memorial gathering for Mary Ellen was held at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Christian Life Center on Saturday, Febuary 12. A private interment will take place at Oakwood
Cemetery, Berlin.
A memorial has been established at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13901 Fairview Drive,
Burnsville, MN 55337.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at barbolafc@yahoo.com