Deborah “Debby” J. Cross

February 14, 1957 - August 12, 2023

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Saturday 9/9, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Memorial contributions in Deborah’s name may be given to

Delta Kappa Gamma, c/o Joan Banning, 531 Cumberland St., West Lafayette, IN 47906

Deborah J. Cross, 66, passed away in her home on August 12, 2023.

She was born on February 14, 1957, in Muncie, Indiana to Jimmy Cross and Mary JoAnn (Mills) Cross. She was a 1975 graduate of Oak Hill High School. She earned a BA from Ball State University in 1979, and a MA from Ball State University.

Debby made her home in West Lafayette, IN where she was a dedicated School Psychologist for the Greater Lafayette Area Special Services G.L.A.S.S. (special education cooperative) for

36 years. Debby was passionate about her work and touched the lives of many children and co-workers throughout her professional career. She frequently mentored new school

psychologists. Her dedication was recognized in 2014 when she was named Indiana’s School Psychologist of the Year. Debby was an active member of her professional association, the

Indiana Association of School Psychologists (IASP), where she served in a variety of board leadership roles, including as IASP President in 2016 and as Chairman of the Independent

Practice Endorsement Committee for several years. Debby was also involved with Hoosier Girl State for 22 years as counselor and mentor. As a longtime member of Delta Kappa Gamma’s

Theta Chapter (an organization of key women educators), Debby stayed current with education and service. Additionally, she served on the Board of the local chapter of the American Heart

Association.

She embraced life to the fullest in the simple pleasures of lunch with friends, reading, attending theatrical events, and watching cooking shows. She experienced her greatest joy, when time was spent with her dear nieces, nephews and especially her great-niece Laurel.

Debby is survived by her sister Cindy Coryea, Austin, TX, brother Jeff (Olivia) Cross, Austin, TX, nieces Kristin Coryea, Fort Wayne, IN, and Nicole Cross, Austin, TX, nephews Bryce Coryea,

Dallas, TX, Emerson Cross, Austin, TX, and great niece Laurel.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jimmy and Mary JoAnn Cross.

A Celebration of Life will be from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm, Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

David Jackson

Dawn Johnston and Bryan Pijanowski

Chester G Cross

Gena

Deb Tillett

Steven Allen

Loretta Wheeler

Kristin Coryea

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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes & Crematory, Lafayette Chapel

400 Twyckenham Blvd

Lafayette, IN 47909

Map

Saturday 9/9, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Memorial contributions in Deborah’s name may be given to

Delta Kappa Gamma, c/o Joan Banning, 531 Cumberland St., West Lafayette, IN 47906

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Deborah J. Cross, 66, passed away in her home on August 12, 2023. She was born on February 14, 1957, in Muncie, Indiana to Jimmy Cross and Mary JoAnn (Mills) Cross. She was a 1975 graduate of Oak Hill High School. She earned a BA from Ball State University in 1979, and a MA from BallContinue Reading

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Great friend! You will be missed!

My deepest condolences on Deb’s passing. I will be out of town and will sadly miss the time to honor Deb. As an elementary teacher in many buildings Deb served, I am grateful for the years I knew her. Always the utmost professional, she was so helpful in helping me work with the students we served. Deb also recruited my daughter and me to serve as counselors at Girls State one year - an unforgettable experience. May she Rest in Peace.

In memory of Deborah “Debby” J. Cross, Dawn Johnston and Bryan Pijanowski lit a candle

Debby has been a dear colleague and friend since she joined the GLASS team... sometime in the 1980s. We have kept touch over the years but my most endearing memory of Debby is, when we were preparing to move back to West Lafayette. I asked her who she recommended as hair stylist, nail technician and dentist and her response was, "Oh, the important things!" :). Such a dear friend... and she met us and introduced us to Element Spa and its holiday party. Really special memories of a very special lady. You are missed!

In memory of Deborah “Debby” J. Cross, Chester G Cross lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Deb was a happy soul within the schools and wanted everyone to feel they played an important role. It was so impressive to see her pride in Ball State and her school psychology field. She took pride in what GLASS offered to children and the school community. She will be missed.

Peace and comfort to the family. Debby was unique and could chat about any topic. Her light will be missed.

This makes me very sad. I’m sorry for your loss, Cindy. Debby was so much fun at Job’s Daughters! I remember how sweet she was. I will keep you in my prayers.

In memory of Deborah “Debby” J. Cross, Deb Tillett lit a candle

In memory of Deborah “Debby” J. Cross, Steven Allen lit a candle

Debby enriched my life as a friend in “Book Club” in West Lafayette many years ago. She also was a neighbor on Happy Hollow Road, an adorable neighbor! Her compassion, sense of humor and common sense helped me through some very difficult years in my life. Energetic, bubbly, with an infectious laugh and irresistible smile, Debby shared many moments of conversation and fun with our reading group. Her joy of life was matched only by her big, humanitarian spirit! I’m so grateful to have known her. God Bless and comfort Debby’s sweet family.

My heart is so sad knowing you are no longer with us on this earth. Rest in peace my friend.

Laurel and I miss you so much. I took Laurel to Arni’s with Bryce for the first time last Tuesday in memory of you. I also took her to Happy Hollow park to play for a few then it started raining…… we know those were your tears because you wanted to be there with us. We love you so very much. We love you Aunt Debby!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.