Nathalee Cross

Nathalee H. Cross, age 89, of Nashville, Tenn., passed away Thursday, March 3, 2011, in Nashville, Tenn. Born in Licking Mo., on April 28, 1921, she graduated from Licking High School and Drury College in Springfield with a degree in Music Education. Nathalee taught music classes for the Cabool School District and taught private piano lessons to numerous students in Jefferson City for 49 years. She served as organist and music assistant at First Baptist Church in Jefferson City for 35 years. Upon retirement from First Baptist Church, Nathalee served as interim organist for Union Hill Baptist Church, Holts Summit and Calvary Baptist Church in Jefferson City. She is survived by her children: Barry (Deborah) Cross of Spokane, Wash., Vicki Cross Diestelkamp of Nashville, Tenn., and Colette Cross of Houston, Texas; grandchildren: Shannon and Donnelle Cross, Travis and Sheri Cross and Robyn (Cross) and Matt Waltermire, all of Spokane, Wash.; and great- grandchildren: Ryun, Ella, Meggie and Cyrus. She was preceded in death by Robert D. Cross, her husband of 43 years; her parents, Eli Cyrus and Anna Lanier Halbert; and grandson, Ryan Alan Cross. Nathalee's family would like to thank Virginia Vick, our close family friend, Lakeshore Meadows, and Alive Hospice for their devoted care to our Mom. Dr. Doyle Sager will conduct a memorial service to celebrate Nathalee's life at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 18 at First Baptist Church in Jefferson City. The family will receive friends from noon until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church, 301 East Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203. Sign on-line guest book at AustinFuneralService.com