The last song has been strummed and the paintbrushes lay drying.

Richard Carl “Dick” Cross, 82, a creative soul with a passion for the outdoors and a deep love for music and art, passed away peacefully with family by his side in his hometown of Helena, Montana, on August 7, 2026.

Dick was born November 14, 1943, to Ken and Maxine Cross. He was one of five siblings, alongside Joe Cross (Carla), Mariann Wenstrom (Lynn), Tamara Ferris (Forest), and Candy Lyman (Steve). In his early life, he worked as an auto mechanic, ranched, fished, hunted, and raised five children—Carl, Penne, Rusty, Bill, and Stacy—with his wife, Rita. He later married Linda, retired, and moved to Lump Gulch to enjoy a peaceful life. He loved cowboy life and took every opportunity to ranch, work outdoors, play his guitar, sketch, and paint.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Maxine Cross; his son, Carl Cross; his brother, Joe Cross; his stepdaughter, Laura Mainard; and his granddaughter, Hailee Cross.

He is survived by his children, Penne Cross (Doug Mann), Rusty Cross (Kim Rasmussen), Bill Cross (Kim Koenig), and Stacy Cross (Danny Roope); his stepson, Bobby Keech (Lacey Hallberg); and his grandchildren, Rachal Connor, Nicole Cross, Nickolas Cross, Jaimee Little, Autumn Cross, Hunter Cross, Hayden Cross, Cody Cross, Destiny Kinsey, Kaden Cross, Cooper Cross, Marcus Roope, Justin Roope, Trey Roope and Abbi Keech. His legacy also lives on through his many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of dear friends.

An intimate celebration of Dick's life will take place at a date to be determined. He will be laid to rest where his parents are, underneath a sculpture he created in his mother's honor. Please reach out to the family for more information. In his memory, please play a favorite song, pick up a paintbrush, or simply appreciate a Montana sunset.