Washington 1981 Ronald Dean Cross

July 5, 1963 - Jan. 4, 2018

SOUTH BEND - Ronald Dean Cross, 54, of South Bend passed away peacefully at 8:36 AM on Thursday, January 4, 2018, with his wife Deb at his side. He was under the care of the Specialists at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida.

He was born on July 5, 1963 to Robert and Cleo (True) Cross, and had been a lifelong resident of South Bend. Ron graduated from Washington High School and Indiana University with a degree in Finance and Business Management. Ron was passionate about anything related to stocks, bonds, and financial planning. He was always ready to help anyone who needed assistance with a financial question or taxes.

Ron was very active and excelled in many sports. He received his First Degree Black Belt in Japanese Ju-Jitsu at the age of 18. He was involved in baseball, softball, golf and bowling, which included 2 sanctioned 300 games. He was also an avid Notre Dame and Buffalo Bills fan.

Ron loved anything related to Disney, such as going to the parks, their beautiful resorts, and the Disney Cruises. Traveling to Hawaii and staying at Aulani, the new Disney Resort was one of the many highlights of his busy life. Cruising with family and friends on Royal Caribbean was enjoyable and something he always looked forward to doing. He was an expert at finding good cruises at a great price. Ron and his wife enjoyed the warm weather of Lakeland, FL during the winter months for the past several years.

On May 25, 1991, he married Deborah Johnson of South Bend. He is survived by his wife of 26 years; and two children, Mathew (Sarah) Gitchell of Port Orchard, WA and Lindsey Gitchell of South Bend, IN. He is also survived by his two grandsons, Kaleb (his little buddy) and Maxwell (his newest pride and joy) Gitchell. Also surviving are his sisters, Sandy (Bob) Chabera of North Liberty, IN and Linda Cross of Mishawaka, IN; brothers, Bob Cross of Granger, IN and Rick (Sue) Cross of South Bend, IN, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ron was preceded in death by his parents.

Per Ron's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, 1/29/18, at 10:00 am. at Harvest Bible Chapel, 52277 Hickory Rd., Granger, IN 46530.

In lieu of flowers we respectfully ask that you make any donation to your favorite charity in memory of Ron. We are so appreciative of your desire to make a gift in memory of Ron but just know that your prayers, thoughts and well wishes are all that are truly needed.

Published in South Bend Tribune on Jan. 21, 2018

jmc 22 jan 2018