Jan Cross

Jan Marie Cross lost her long battle with muscular dystrophy, at age 53, March 28, 2016. Jan was born to Don & Merilyn Cross in Arizona on January 10, 1963. Jan grew up in Farmington, NM with her brother Don J. Cross. Jan lived in Dallas, TX for 10 years and studied psychology for 3 years at Arlington Baptist College before moving to Bayfield, CO with her parents. During her time in Durango, Jan competed as Ms. Durango in the Ms. Wheelchair Colorado 1993 contest. She was awarded Ms. Congeniality 1993 and wore the title proudly. This 1993 title came only 3 years after the American with Disabilities Act and Jan used her status to serve as a spokesperson for those with disabilities and helped to ensure accessibility laws were being followed locally. Jan participated in Barrier Busters, who, among other feats, protested in 1993 to make the Durango trolley system accessible to all. Jan found great comfort in the evenings listening to KLLV Christian radio. Jan is survived by her parents & brother Don J. Cross of Dale City, VA. To honor Jan's wishes, her parents will inter her cremains in the family plot at a later date in Petoskey, MI.

The family requests memorial donations be made in Jan's honor to Shriners Hospital for Children.

The Durango Herald printed an article in the Thursday, March 31, 2016 edition. Visit: http://www.durangoherald.com/article/20160331/NEWS01/160339904/0/SEARCH/Jan-Cross-advocate-for-accessibility-dies-at-53, to read the article.