Lila Jean Cross

Lila Jean Cross, 65, of Des Moines, passed away at Unity Point Methodist Medical Center on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Lila was born to the late David and Norma Jean Paxson on January 13, 1961 at Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr, Iowa. She graduated from Tech High School in Des Moines, Iowa. Lila married Gary Cross February 21, 1981 at Indianola Church and celebrated 45 years together. They made their home in Des Moines with their son, Joshua.

Lila worked at Kmart, was an in-home day care provider, a cook at Deluxe and was on the Boy Scout Council. She enjoyed helping Joshua through his life and loved taking photos like his graduation senior photos and watching him play in the Special Olympic Games in Alaska. Lila liked exploring parks, day trips, going on vacations, collecting rocks, fishing, going to White Eagle Pow Wow and spending time with family and friends and her special fur babies.

Lila is survived by her husband, Gary; son, Joshua and his wife, Amanda; granddaughter, Zoey; brother, Eldon (Lorna), Wayne (Lori), and Kenny Paxson, and several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Fort Des Moines Park, Shelter 3 at the rock on Saturday, June 27 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The family invites everyone to bring a potluck dish and share memories. The family requests that no one bring peanuts.