Connie R. Cross

Connie R. Cross, passed away peacefully June 17th, 2019 at Twin Cities Hospital in Niceville, Florida with her devoted family by her side. She was born north of Edison, Nebraska to Ray Addison and Merna Elizabeth Mills Cross, Connie was raised on a farm and attended a one room country school named Turkey Creek from grades 1-8. She graduated from Arapahoe High School in 1956 as the Salutatorian and was honored to be the Homecoming and Sweetheart Queen. Connie married Wayne McCoy at the Arapahoe United Methodist Church and to this union were born four children Cynthia Rae, David Wayne, Beth Alayne, and Andrew William. Connie attended University of Nebraska at Kearney where she studied Legal Secretary courses and was a member of the Delta Phi Beta Sorority. She received her LPN degree from Central Community College in Kearney and worked at Good Samaritan Home in Arapahoe as a charge nurse. She later moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, attended University of Nebraska Lincoln, and achieved her Master’s degree in Human Development and the Family with an honors distinction. Connie worked for the City of Lincoln as a Volunteer Coordinator at the Downtown Senior Center for many years. She became a certified executive fundraiser for the Lincoln Seniors Foundation. She was a member of the United Methodist Churches in Arapahoe, Lincoln, and Niceville, Florida, where she served on many committees for each church. She was also on the Lincoln Habitat for Humanity Board. Connie relocated to Niceville, FL with the devoted love of her life Robert DeAngelis. Together they lived a beautiful life, in which they touched everyone they came into contact with. Connie’s contagious smile, dimples, kindness plus love and compassion for all created a life surrounded by love and laughter. Connie and Bob had constant visitors from their family including Connie’s eight grandchildren Alesha, (Ben Smith), Katie, (Michael Rigsby), Aaron (Jordan), Callie, Brent, Connor, Max (Alyson) and Isaac, and five great grandchildren Natalie, Mara, Ethan, Claire, and Harley. Connie was a passionate reader, enjoyed crocheting, playing bridge and cribbage, and loved to spend time with her family. She always kept up with each and every extended family member. She loved to travel and be with her family and friends. Connie was preceded in death by her daughter Beth Alayne in 1966, her parents and grandparents Frank and Ellen Cross and Ray and Grace Mills. Those left to cherish her love and memories are: Bob DeAngelis and her children Cindy (Scott) Gaskill, Dave (Jennifer) McCoy, Andy (Tracy) McCoy and Maria Claudia Nassar along with siblings Jan (Doug) Frost, Neal (Jean) Cross, and Dianne (Stan) Ebel and their families. She is also survived by her Aunt Leila Matthews, Aunt Hazel Cross plus numerous cousins, extended family and dear friends. Life was good to Connie, and her laughter, gentle spirit, and joyful personality will be missed and always remembered. For those of us who knew and loved her, we are thankful for knowing such a wonderful person. She touched our lives in so many ways and we are blessed she was part of our lives. She lives on in our hearts. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday July 20, 2019 at the Arapahoe First United Methodist Church with George Probasco officiating. Inurnment, immediately following at the Arapahoe Cemetery. Wenburg Funeral Home, of Arapahoe, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Connie’s honor to the Lincoln Seniors Foundation, 600 S. 70th, Lincoln, NE 68510