Ruth Rae Cross
September 10, 1961 ~ September 2, 2023
Ruth Rae Cross, 61, of Great Mills, MD, formerly of Hollywood, MD, passed away on September 2, 2023 at her home. Born on September 10, 1961 in Oakland, CA, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy Keffer and the late William I. Keffer. Ruth was the loving wife of Earl Cross, whom she married on June 22, 1985. She is survived by her children Crystal Johnson (Brithon) of Hollywood, MD, Nicholas Copenhaver of Leonardtown, MD, Jessica Cross of California, MD, and Jamie Cross (fiancé, Louis Frobish) of Lexington Park, MD, 13 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Ruth is survived by her siblings William C. Keffer of Hollywood, MD, Barry Keffer of Lexington Park, MD, Carol Catalina of Hollywood, MD, and Susan Lancaster of California, MD.
Ruth attended Chopticon High School. After raising her children, she received her GED later in life. Ruth had such a passion for motherhood, she was a daycare provider for many years. Ruth was a Personnel Administrator for the State Department of Virginia for 14 years.
The family will receive friends on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD, where a funeral service will be held at 5:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Peter Ackerman officiating. Interment will be private. Serving as pallbearers will be William C. Keffer, Barry Keffer, Brithon Johnson, Charles W. Lee III, and Louis Frobish. Honorary pallbearers will be Anthony Copenhaver and Sean Copenhaver.





Earl,
Randy & I are sorry to hear about Ruth. You are in our prayers!
Carol, Susan, Billy, Barry, Earl, and children, I am very sorry to hear of Ruthie’s passing. Sincerest condolences to all of you. May she be at peace.
Sincerely, Sheila Readmond
Deepest sympathy for Earl and family. May fond memories and love give you peace at this time of such a great loss. We are praying for you.
Maryland State Police Alumni Association
My wife and I met Ruth and Earl in 2019 as we moved into the Cecil Mills neighborhood. We lived directly across the street. Earl was in recovery and I was recovering from spinal surgery. Ruth always waved and she always had a warm smile. God bless you and your family Earl. Love Keisha and Elbie.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family. Ruth was always so pleasant at work, willing to help and give everything 100%. She will be missed.
Pamela Bonnette
My sincere condolences to the Cross Family for the loss of Ruth. She was more than a sweetheart and a blessing to work with. She always made me laugh and helped me get through so many rough patches in my life during our time working at the Department of State. She will be deeply missed.
Dear Crystal and Family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this very difficult times. Keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time and wishing you hope and healing when you’re ready.
You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Diane Vila
To my Baby, the love of my life
My world was made complete the moment I met you and together we made our family. I was forever lost in your blue eyes and beautiful smile. You will always be my wife and
I will always be your husband. Thank you My Love ❤️