Donna Rae Cross

DONNA RAE CROSS

Donna Rae Cross, 82, Centralia, MO passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Stuart House in Centralia, MO. She was born May 21, 1943, in Moline, IL the daughter of the late Donald and Helen (Towsley) Tipton. She was first united in marriage to Frank Trask and later to Bennie Cross who preceded her in death on December 18, 2012.

She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by one son, Richard Trask and his wife Lori; one daughter Lisa Bowne Reeves and her husband Bob; one brother Gene Tipton; six grandchildren Ryan Bowne and his wife Tara, Samantha Riley and her husband Aaron, Rachel Dickey and her husband Taylor, Courtney Crowley and her husband Michael, Katie Cockrum and her husband Tyler, and Joshua Bowne; eight great grandchildren Tristen, Parker, Jackson, Tinsley, Eli, Finley, Millie and Riggs. In addition to her parents, one son-in-law Tim Bowne, and one great grandson Ryker preceded her in death.

Early in life, Donna worked as a veterinary assistant and had a heart for any animal that crossed her path. Later she worked as a bookkeeper, then as a secretary at MFA in Columbia, MO and finally for 3M until she retired. She loved spending time outdoors; gardening, mowing, and apple picking at her home. Another hobby she showed true skill in was her oil paintings that now hang in her families’ homes. She lived on her farm until she could no longer physically care for her beloved horse, Rock and Border Collie, Bella. She cherished her time spent with her family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved sharing her family recipes, especially her red cinnamon applesauce. One of her favorite quotes was, “I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck” – Doris Day

Graveside services will be 1:00 pm Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Mt. Horeb Cemetery in Sturgeon, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Missouri Humane Society, c/o Oliver Funeral Home, P.O. Box 125, Centralia, MO 65240. Condolences may also be made to the family at www.oliverfuneralhome.net