Obituary: Bill Dale Cross, 92, Hood River

Bill Dale Cross

Bill Dale Cross of Hood River, Oregon passed away on November 12th, 2023, in The Dalles, Oregon. Bill was born on February 12th, 1931. He was 92 years of age at the time of passing.

Bill was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to Dale and Nellie Cross. He moved to Hood River with his parents in 1949 and only after one week he hitchhiked back to Nebraska when he was seventeen to be with his girlfriend, Betty Orde. He and Betty married in the Spring of 1949 and returned to Hood River, driving a 36 Ford Coupe.

Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing billiards and Keno… he was affectionately known as “Keno Bill”. He was active in the Hood River Elks Lodge and was an Honorary Life Member and held the office of Treasurer.

The first job he had in Hood River was at the AGA (Apple Growers of America) Cannery. He worked two years on The Dalles Dam during its construction. He drove truck for seventeen years for Lester Auto Freight and eleven years for Silver Wheels Hauling Freight. He retired from East Fork Irrigation District in 1996.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years Betty; son, David; daughter-in-law, GayLynn; longtime companion, Janet Peterson; and good friend, Nita Griffith. He is survived by his sister, Donna Dishman; two grandchildren; a great grandchild; nieces, nephews and many friends.

A time to gather and remember Bill is planned for 2:00 P.M., Thursday, November 30th at the Hood River Elks Lodge (304 Cascade Ave., Hood River, Oregon 97031).

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center • 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.