William “Bill” Cross

Graveside ceremonial services for 76-year old William “Bill” Cross are  Friday, July 15, 2022 at 4:00 at St Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Porcupine, SD, with traditional Lakota services by Jim Cross and Elroy Cross

William Lee “Bill” Cross, “Tokala Ohitika,” was born on August 28, 1945 in Kyle, SD to Frank Cross and Ella Bissonette. William made his journey to the Spirit World on July 9, 2022 at the Gordon Memorial Hospital in Gordon, NE.

Bill was a United States Army Veteran who served in Vietnam from 1966-1967. He was also a member of numerous groups, events and programs, which include: PAN Young Leader United with Carol Herrera in Alliance, NE; Trail of Broken Treaties Gathering in Washington, DC, from Nov 1972 – Dec 1972; Wounded Knee Occupation Support Group at Fools Crow in Kyle, SD in February 1973; AIM Protest of Wesley Bad Heart Bull in Custer, SD; 

Reginald Heber Smith Fellowship Program

Bill was an educated man. He received numerous degrees from Oglala Lakota College. He earned his A.A. in Paralegal Training in 1990, B.S. in Human Services as Salutatorian in 1991, and Master of Arts with an Honorary Degree in Lakota Leadership in 2004. 

He used his education to help Indian children on the reservation. He worked for the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) for 13 years. He was an ambassador who represented the Lakota Nation in the white man’s court. 

Bill stated that, “the ICWA workers are special kinds of individuals, individuals who sincerely care about Lakota children and families. It takes a lot to stand before the white man’s courts and go against their best law trained and educated attorneys and judges. One has to overcome a lot of barriers to do that.”

Bill Sundanced for 5 years in a row at the Crow Dog Sundance. He also liked to read Carlos Castaneda books, where Don Juan became a mentor for him.

Bill was a father, uncle, brother, grandfather, and friend, taking time to listen and to give advice. He will be greatly missed.

William is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Cross; children, Lisa (Andy) Rincon, Linette (Lenny) Clifford, Mark Red Eagle, Robert (Amber) Red Eagle, Linda (Jay) Marshall, and Clay (Justine) Gibbons; siblings, Cecil Cross, Ruby Clyburn; 13 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and Kitty.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Cross and Ella Bissonette; siblings, Adrian Cross, Clement “TJ” Cross, Wayne Cross, Dennis Cross, Fern Cross and JoAnn Cross; and takoja, Shawn Clifford.

Pallbearers will be Miguel Cross, Dennis (Pepper) Cross, Jr., Timothy Cross, Quentin Red Bear, Justin Poor Bear, Correy Clifford, Jr., Chris Clifford, Meadeau Clifford, Caleb Rincon, Lukas Rincon, Robert Red Eagle II, and Chandler Two Crow.

Honorary pallbearers will be Maria Provost, Dr. Anpo Charging Thunder, Karen Ryder & Jen Cross, Darrell Fast Horse & family, Robert & Kerry Cross, Elroy & Deb Cross, Richard Cross, Ron Cross, Ted Hatten, OD Janis, Andy, Sr. & Margaritta Rincon, Celie Cross & family, Cecile Poor Bear & Milton Bianas, Hope Cross & family, Faith & Adriann Cross & family, Dewey Cross & family, Tom Briggs, Charging Thunder Family, Clyburn Family, Yellow Bird Family, Cross Family, Rincon Family, Ontrac (ICWA) Workers from 2004-2017, Connie Ten Fingers, Spotted Horse Sundancers, NAC Members, Oglala Lakota College Staff & Paralegal Instructors, Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD, Gordon Memorial Hospital, and All Friends & Relatives.
Arrangements entrusted with Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD