AVA – Wilma Ruth Cross, 86, of Ava, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Ava.

Wilma was born in Jackson County, Illinois, on December 27, 1938, the daughter of William S. and Ada Jane Smith Popejoy. She married Willard Allen Cross, on December 3, 1960 in Murphysboro, Illinois. He preceded her in death on March 13, 2022.

Wilma was a member of Ava Missionary Baptist Church, Ava, Illinois. She retired from Spartan Printing.

Wilma is survived by her sons, Mike (Deb) Cross of Ava, Roger (Wanda) Cross of Ava, Larry (Kim) Cross of Ava and Gary Cross of Ava; her daughters, Regina Reiman of Murphysboro, Ruth (Joe Dean) Smith of Ava, Susan (Roy) Wanless of Ava and JoAnn Hunter (Tim Davis) of Steeleville; 16 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

Wilma was also preceded in death by her Parents; two brothers, Jim and William Wayne "Bud" Popejoy; sisters, Mary Jane Guy, Betty Cline, Sally Sarenson, Barbara Sue Young, Donna Searcy, and Vera Cross; and two sons-in-law, Scott Hunter and Joe Reiman.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 10:00 am at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, with Rev. Kent Eaton officiating. Burial will follow in Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call on Tuesday from 6 pm until 8 pm, then on Wednesday from 7:30 am until 10 am. Memorials may be given to St. Jude's.