Stanley Francis Cross

Stan was born March 29th, 1937 to Orville & Mary (Peggy) Cross in Forsyth, Montana where they raised seven children. Stan graduated from Laurel High School where he was involved in school athletics earning all-state honors. Stan was preceded in death by his father, his mother, his siblings Elmer, Mary Ellen, Pat, Dale, Gale, and Gary and most recently, his eldest son Kurtis. Shortly after high school, Stan was drafted in the U.S. Army. While serving his country, he met Joan Brown of Harrisburg, Nebraska. On November 26th, 1960 they began their loving-64 years of marriage.

Stan received his B/A and M/A from the University of Puget Sound and served 32 years as a teacher, coach, High School Principal and as Director of Secondary Education with the Puyallup School District. At Rogers High School, he was well known for his abundance of compassion, loyalty and dedication to his students, staff and to his community. He established a schoolwide positive learning atmosphere and pride where people felt welcomed. He was a true “RAM”. As a surprise to him during his last year as a principal, the students and staff honored Stan with a new school scholarship award to be issued each year to the outstanding senior class boy and girl who demonstrated strong academic and leadership skills. This award would be called the “Stanley F. Cross Leadership Award”. After his retirement in 1996, he entered a 20 year career at Western Washington State Fair serving as the Education Superintendent.

Stan enjoyed several hobbies including cheering for his local sports teams, bridge & pinochle card games, traveling/cruising & Lake Chelan vacations with his family. He was a true country kid that never forgot his Montana “Roots” nor the pleasure of residing in the State of Washington. Stan was active and involved in several community service organizations including the Puyallup Kiwanis Club, and several education and administration professional organizations. In 2022 Pierce County transformed their Frederickson family farm into a beautiful community park also known as Stan and Joan Cross Park.

Stan is survived by his wife and loving partner Joan; Kurt’s wife Jill and their sons Jason & Aaron; son Kent, wife Sarah and their daughters Jasmine and Jenna; son Kyle, wife Kelly and their sons Mason & Kyson. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Stan’s “Leadership Award/Scholarship” through Kiwanis Foundation for Kiwanis Foundation for the Stan Cross Leadership Scholarship at P.O. Box 246 Puyallup WA, 98371. Service for Stan will be held Sunday, April 13th at 4:00 pm at the Puyallup United Methodist Church, 1919 West Pioneer Ave, Puyallup, WA 98371.