Phyllis Cross

BETHEL – Phyllis Elvira Smith, born on Feb. 17, 1935, in Auburn, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. She was the daughter of Jason G. Smith Jr. and Phyllis Taylor.

Phyllis completed her early education in Leeds, New Gloucester, and Auburn, later moving to Bethel and graduating from Gould Academy in1952. She received a William Bingham Scholarship and earned a degree in early childhood education from Gorham State Teachers College in 1956.

On April 22, 1956, Phyllis married Norton Louis “Wimp” Cross, and they had two children, Elaine Sue (Lainey) and Stephen Louis. She began her teaching career at Ethel Bisbee School in Bethel, teaching 1st grade before taking a break to raise her children. In 1963, she returned as a full-time kindergarten teacher, managing two sessions with up to 70 students daily for 15 years.

Phyllis also worked as a cashier at Mt. Abram Ski Slopes, where her husband was a part owner, and continued her involvement there after she finished teaching. In recent years she loved to go down to the mountain. She often shared origin stories and was issued a season pass with the name, Social Director.

Phyllis was excited to become a grandmother. In 1988 her grandson, Michael, was born, followed by her granddaughter, Jennifer (JCStyles) in 1990.

Phyllis loved to travel and enjoyed family vacations. She cherished the memories she made with her loved ones during trips to Melrose, Mass.; Springdale, Pa.; Maryland; and a cross country road trip to Wyoming with her parents. In addition to these trips, her family also spent time in New York City, N.Y.; Washington D.C.; California; Las Vegas, Nev.; and Alaska. They visited iconic landmarks, Disneyland and DisneyWorld, and enjoyed several memorable cruises. Phyllis and her husband, Wimp, became snowbirds in Florida, once he retired, spending their winters there. Phyllis has visited every state except North Dakota and Hawaii.

In 2005, she bought timeshares in Aruba and shared them with family and friends. She visited there 14 times. In 2024, her last visit was a special one because both of her children were there with her. However, the summers spent on Songo Pond with family and friends were the absolute best!

Phyllis was a social butterfly who cherished her family, friends and shared a special bond with her former students. She had a magical way of making everyone feel like they were part of her world. With her warm smile and a lifetime of stories to tell, she was a special lady.. In later years, her daughter Lainey ensured that Phyllis could continue to spread joy and happiness. Her passion for dancing will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Phyllis’s passing has left an indelible mark on her children, grandchildren, brother Jerry, aunt Joyce, and numerous family members, friends and former students. One can only imagine that she experienced immense joy upon reuniting with her husband, parents, brothers and friends.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Andwell Hospice caregivers for their warm and compassionate care of Phyllis.

The family would like to invite you to Phyllis’s memorial service on Tuesday, July 29, at 3 p.m. Located at the Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walker’s Mills Road, Bethel, ME 04217.

Arrangements by Cliff Gray Cremation and Funeral Services, Bryant Pond.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Mt Abram Ski Club in her name by the following methods.

A check payable to

Mt Abram Ski Club

P.O. Box 211

Greenwood, ME 04255

or on their website

http://www.mtabramskiclub.com/take-action