Mary Louise Cross, formerly Mitchell, born Russell, passed away on February 14, 2024, after a short and courageous cancer battle.   Born March 4, 1949, to Richard and Dorothy A. Russell (Frankford), Mary Lou lived her whole life in Lancaster, PA.  Mary graduated from Lancaster Catholic High in 1967.  She is fondly remembered by school friends for her "heart of gold" and active days as a cheerleader.

After raising 3 loving and loyal sons in Lancaster City, she rose to the challenge of transitioning from housewife to joining the workforce.  Mary started working in the Lancaster Newspapers mailroom in the early 90's and enjoyed the independence her career provided for her up until her retirement.

An avid gardener with an extraordinary green thumb, Mary had a talent of turning any piece of earth into a flowering garden.  She enjoyed thrift shopping and always had a keen eye for gently used antiques that she enjoyed flipping into new unique creations.  A perfect day for Mary would have been spending time in her garden with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandbaby.

Preceded in death by her parents and 8 siblings, Mary is survived by her 3 sons: Mark Mitchell and wife Amy, Erik Mitchell and wife Brenda, and Troy Mitchell and wife Anna.  Her grandchildren include Jenna (Beckett) and husband Herb, Chandler, Connor, Julia, Lillian, Elise, Carter, Emily and one great-grandchild, Herbie Beckett IV.

Mary Lou will be fondly remembered for her generous-to-a-fault kindness, selfless spirit, and heartwarming smile.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in memory of Mary to: Columbia Animal Shelter, 265 South 10th Street, Columbia, PA, 17512.