Joan Cross

Joan Hartman Cross

Joan “Jo” Cross passed away on January 17, 2026, in Richland, Washington. She was born

January 29, 1932, in Ellensburg, Washington, to Clarence and Addie Hartman.

A gifted student, Jo graduated as valedictorian of Ellensburg High School in 1949. She married

Ralph Richard “Dick” Cross on August 12, 1950. Following Dick’s graduation from the University

of Washington School of Pharmacy in 1953, the couple made their home in Prosser,

Washington, where they spent the next 45 years and owned Cross Pharmacy.

Jo lived a life of service and community involvement. She was active in many civic organizations

and was honored with the Prosser Chamber of Commerce POLY Award in 1970. She was a

lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi, a 50-year member of P.E.O., and volunteered extensively at

Prosser Memorial Hospital as part of the hospital auxiliary.

Her faith was central to her life. At St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Jo served faithfully on the

Altar Guild, as church treasurer for 15 years, as a Sunday School teacher, and as Bishop’s

Warden.

Jo enjoyed golfing, reading, and playing bridge and pinochle. In 1998, she and Dick retired to

Richland, Washington, and Gold Canyon, Arizona, where they delighted in art galleries, golf

courses, and time together.

She is survived by her children, Cathy (Kent) Brown, Sue (Ron) Newhouse, and Paul (Cindy

Springer) Cross; grandchildren Brian (Kendra Murray) Newhouse, Randy (Greg Trimble)

Newhouse, Nathan (Bo Mee Sin) Cross, Sarah (Euclide) Galvez, and Laura (Mike) Reiter; and

great-grandchildren Alina, Mason and Kinsey Newhouse; Toby and Oliver Cross; Jade and

Juliano Galvez.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Dick; her brother, Howard

Hartman; her sister, Dorothy Micheletto; and an infant sister.

A memorial service will be held in the spring at All Saints Episcopal Church in Richland,

Washington. Valley Hills Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may

be made to the All Saints Memorial Fund or Heartlinks Hospice.