Dorothy Louise (Cross) Robinson

Dorothy Louise (Cross) Robinson, 98, of Richards, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born December 14, 1927 in Hume, Missouri, to Don W. Cross and Marguriette (Foster) Cross, Dorothy loved country life, flowers, music, friends and family.  She graduated valedictorian from Rich Hill High School, attended Central Missouri State College and enriched children as an elementary teacher and as a 4-H leader for 25 years.

Dorothy married her beloved husband, Bruce A. Robinson on May 20, 1949 and built a remarkable life on their farm near Richards.  She was always busy with baking, sewing and painting, but mostly with her magnificent flower garden!  She was a skilled, professional seamstress. She was often a “hired hand” when raking hay in the fields and sorting cattle.  She grew and preserved fruits and vegetables, and raised chickens which allowed them to be nearly self-sufficient.  Dorothy and Bruce were quite a couple!  Dorothy and Bruce raised their two daughters on that farm.  She lived independently on the farm for 31 years after the loss of Bruce.

Dorothy was extremely kind and caring, yet very strong. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Vernon County (Mo) Health Department where she served as a trustee for 26 years. She was active in church; the Richards PTA; leader of the Rinehart 4-H club; the Vernon County Fair board; the Nevada Public Library, and the Pryor Creek Cemetery as an officer and caretaker.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce in 1990 (after 42 years of marriage); daughter Janice Kay born November 13, 1956; her parents Don and Marguriette Cross; and a sister Barbara A. Brooks.  

She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Ann Wilson (and Jim E. Wilson), Karen Beth Jeffery (and Bryan D. Jeffery); her cherished grandchildren, Sarah N. (Jeffery) Korte (and Erik Korte), Kyle A. Jeffery (and Sarah Jeffery); her wonderful great-grandchildren, Kenzie Korte, Regan Korte, Warren Jeffery and Sienna Jeffery; and her sisters Josephine Mitchell (Adrian, MO), Patsy R. Cross (Rich Hill, MO), Donna S. Knapp (Spring Hill, MO), Elaine King (Stillwell, KS).

“Being a Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother

have been the greatest joys of my life!”

A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pryor Creek Cemetery, in c/o Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, MO.