Karen Marie Cross (VerHulst), born August 2, 1938, left this life to enter the kingdom of heaven at the age of 86 on Oct. 31, 2024, the same way she lived her life, surrounded by her loving family, and guiding them to the Lord. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of almost 61 years, Donald Frank Cross. They were the proud parents of four living children and six children that preceded them in death that they now embrace in heaven. Karen was proud to be the oldest of eight children, embracing the unique relationship she had with each of her siblings. She married Don on April 26, 1957 and they began their life together. Their faith and their love held them together through many challenges and tragedies. They set an example that has become the standard for their family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyle and Jacqueline VerHulst, in-laws Leman and Laura Cross, Son Micheal, daughters, Julie and Anne and three babies that did not reach her arms but always remained in her heart.

Together Don and Karen raised their four living children, Lynn (Lonnie) Keech, Sharon Moore, James (Lisa) Cross and Alyssa (Darrell) Bordeaux. They are blessed with 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Karen was a strong, faith filled, determined, loving, kind and welcoming woman. Over the years she enjoyed sewing, quilting, crafting, painting, gardening, baking, playing cards and square dancing. She was part of 4-H, the Cursillo movement, Marriage Encounter and helped found the Family Camp tradition. She was a good neighbor and a true friend.

She was often found at events for generations of grandchildren, bundled up in a blanket for a cold evening game, sweating in the bleachers on a hot fair day, watching a sword fight or enjoying a concert or play performance. It was important to her that they knew how proud she was of them and how much they meant to her. She was known as the family matriarch and enjoyed organizing large family events. She spent countless hours fine tuning the details for each gathering, ensuring each person would feel loved and treasured.

Visitation: Tuesday, Nov. 5th, 6-7 pm - Crandell Funeral Home, Fremont Chapel / 7:00 pm eulogy followed by open sharing / 7:30 pm Rosary

Visitation: Wednesday, Nov. 6th, 9-9:45 am - All Saints Catholic Church, Fremont

Funeral Mass: Wednesday, Nov. 6th, 10 am - All Saints Catholic Church, Father Pete Shafer presiding.

Fellowship and dessert to follow in the parish hall.

Graveside Committal Service: Wednesday, Nov. 6th, St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Muskegon at 2 pm. Father Steve Geerling presiding.

In honor of Karen's love for baking we invite her friends and family to bake their own favorites to bring and share during fellowship after the funeral mass.

Please consider donations to Right to Life of Michigan or Saint Jude's Children's Hospital in her memory.