Edna Cross

Oct 24, 1936 -

Apr 30, 2025

With deep love and gratitude, we announce the passing of Edna Cross, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who passed away in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by her family.

Born in Deering, Alaska, to Grace Tiepelman and Charlie Okuda, Edna was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Jack and Ina Tiepelman. Rooted in tradition, she grew up fishing, hunting, gathering, preserving and cooking. These skills shaped her resilience, independence and deep generosity.

Edna graduated from Mt. Edgecumbe High School and attended Northwest Nazarene in Idaho before becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her nursing career included serving at the Alaska Native Medical Center, John Moses Hospital in Minot, N.D., and Valley Hospital in Palmer, Alaska.

She married Kenneth Van Horn and welcomed their first child, Kenneth Jr. After Kenneth's passing in 1962 and the loss of their second child, Tonya, Edna later married Hary Cross in 1963 and raised four children: Kenneth, Loretta, Yvette and Shawn. The family lived in Alaska and North Dakota during Harry's military service.

Edna was the heart of her family. No one left her home without a full belly, a handmade dish scrubby or towel and a piece of her humor or wisdom. She expressed love through food, crafts and storytelling. Whether beading with the Southcentral Foundation Elders, playing bingo or fishing at the Eklutna Trail Race, Edna embraced life with joy and generosity.

After a stroke in 2022, she lived with daughters Yvette and Shawn, then transitioned to assisted living in Anchorage, where her warmth and vibrant spirit remained.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Cross; and daughter, Tonya. She is survived by sisters, Carol Barr and Daisy Norton; children, Kenneth (Kathy), Loretta (Greg), Yvette (Steve) and Shawn; 17 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to Mary Sue Anderson for her loyal support. A celebration of life will be held in Anchorage at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Southcentral Foundation Elder's Program in her honor.