She was born in Pendleton on June 11, 1928 to Percy and Sadie Cable Hascall. Velma’s great-grandfather, Charles Daniel Hascall, settled south of Pilot Rock in 1886. Velma was raised on the family ranch on Stanley Creek and attended the one-room Byrd School house, nine miles south of Pilot Rock (the school is now a museum in Pendleton). At age 18, she married Truman Cross Jr., at the Cross Ranch in Coombs Canyon south of Pendleton. They lived together at their ranch south east of Pilot Rock on Rocky Ridge.
Truman and Velma had six children, Jody of Hermiston, David and Charles, both of Pendleton, Karen Fulbright of Pilot Rock, Troy of Walla Walla, and Travis of Hermiston.; four grandchildren, Alicia Rogers, Pendleton, Jennifer Thompson and Tyson Cross of Pendleton, and Chester Fulbright; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Percy Eugene Hascall and Sadie Estella Cable; sister, Effie Irene; and brothers, Henry Eugene, Wayne Everett, John Fenton and Gilbert Burton.
Velma made her life around her family as wife, mother, and homemaker. She loved all kinds of needlework and sewing. She was an excellent cook and baker and she took great pride in her home. Velma loved horseback riding and was a terrific artist. An animal lover, she raised babies from calves to kittens. Velma loved music and played the fiddle, piano and accordion.
She was the heart of our family.
A graveside service will be held at the Pilot Rock Cemetery in Pilot Rock.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
