Irene Emily Cross

Irene Emily Cross was born in Gering, Nebraska on October 3, 1938. She was the fourth daughter born to Jake and Rose Kaufman. She grew up in Nebraska on a farm where she learned to work hard, garden, care for the animals, and drive a tractor. Irene lost her father at the young age of 14. She left school, moved into town with her mother, and started working at this young age to help provide for herself and her mother. She worked for her Home Economics teacher doing housework and childcare. Irene learned to knit and embroidery. Later, Irene was able to get her GED. She had further education in beauty, real estate, and dry cleaning.

Irene married Sam in 1955. Their first home was in Colorado Springs where Sam served in the military. They were then transferred to Germany. Irene and Sam had three children: Rodney, Bonnie, and Connie.

After their military service they moved to a farm where they built their own home. Here they continued to raise their children, and Irene drove a mail route for seven years.

Irene and Sam were involved, worked, or owned many different businesses; livestock auction, bar/café, bakery, car crushing, trucking, farm, ostriches, rentals, and dry cleaning/laundromat.

Irene and Sam retired and moved to Ranchester Wyoming. Here she came to know the Lord.

After the death of her husband, she moved to Nebraska to be near Rodney’s family. Irene cherished this time with family where they spent a lot of time together making happy memories. One of her fondest memories was the day she met her great, great granddaughter, Lainey Dean, at sixteen days old.

Through the years Irene’s talents of knitting, hardanger (Norwegian embroidery), cooking and baking have blessed her family and friends. Irene cooked for the harvesters. She was given the nickname, “cookie lady”.

Irene’s love of the Lord and her involvement with the Ranchester Community church increased as she served in the Community Cupboard and Closet. She said, “I talk to God all the time. He is my friend.”

Irene’s friends and family will remember her as hardworking, loving, generous, cheerful, and her goodness and service.

She is survived by children Bonnie Longtine and family, Connie (Coy) Pepper and family. Daughter-in-law Barb Cross and family, 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren. She was proceeded in death by husband Sam, son Rodney, son in-law, Dewey Longtine.

A Celebration of Life is at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Ranchester Community Church, 1000 Dayton St., Ranchester, WY.

Memorials to honor Irene can be made to the Community Cupboard and Closet, PO Box 166, Ranchester, WY 82839.                                                                                                                                        

Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.