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Jane Cross
CHARLESTON, Mo. — Juanita Jane French Cross passed away at her home in Charleston Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, at the age of 93.
Jane, as she was known by, was born June 5, 1929, at Mount Level near East Prairie to the late Claude and Alberta Williams Green. She graduated from the East Prairie School System, where she was quite the basketball player. She attended Central Methodist College for a brief time before marrying Oliver French Jr. in 1947.
Jane worked as a bookkeeper for French Implement Company for many years. Jane also worked in the food and restaurant business, and she worked as a riverboat cook, a job she just loved and always wished she could have spent more time at.
Jane’s main job in life was being a loving mother and caregiver at which she excelled.
As a young woman, Jane loved to sing and was asked to sing at many funerals in East Prairie. She also directed a children’s choir at First Christian Church in East Prairie.
Jane also loved to play golf with her lady friends. But most of all, she loved to cook for her family and friends!
In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver French Jr.; her son, Joe French; her second husband, John Cross; and her daughter-in-law, Peggy French; her stepmother, Belva Maddox Green; her brothers, Ed Green and Donald Barton; and sister, Louise Yoder.
Jane is survived by her children, Oliver “Trey” French, Illinois, William “Billy” French and Teresa French; her sisters, Claudette Hamm, Cheryl Ann (Al) Montemayor and Penny (James) Starkel; also, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Janes cremated remains will be placed beside her mother, her brother and her son at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery near Charleston at a later date.
Information about her graveside service will be forthcoming.
McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.