Elva Mae Cross was born November 16, 1921 in Bristow, Oklahoma to Maggie (Einkoff) and Fred Childress. She grew up in Bristow and when her mother died, she helped to raise her brothers and sisters, who adored her. She met a young boy, Paul Andrew Cross from Stigler, who was living with relatives in Bristow while working as a cotton picker. They were married December 20, 1939. Paul and Elva moved from Oklahoma to California several times before settling in Wasco in 1956. Elva worked at Jackson & Perkins and also at the Famoso Restaurant with her daughter but retired from North Kern Hospital after working as head cook and dietician for 14 years. Elva loved working in her garden and quilting, cooking and taking care of her family. Elva was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Andrew Cross who passed away February 23, 2004. Grandson, Jason Paul Salyards, sister Merle and brother Jerry. She is survived by her children; Frank Cross and wife Judy of Wyoming, Carl Cross and wife Kate of Alaska, Odis Cross and wife Barbara of Wasco, Pauline and husband Bert Marquez of Wasco, Richard Cross of Bakersfield and Larry Cross of Wasco; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren, brother, Albert Childress of Oklahoma and sister, Jo Moss of California. A memorial service will be held Thursday, January 21 at 11am at Christ Community Church for Elva Mae Cross, age, 88, of Wasco who passed away January 14, in Bakersfield. Pastor Wayne Montgomery will officiate the service; interment will be private at Wasco Memorial Park.