Mildred Jean Cross Racey, age 95, of Caldwell, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on January 28, 2024. Mildred was born to Carrie and Dewey King on August 9, 1928, in Buffalo, Ohio. Mildred grew up on the family dairy farm in Summerfield with her parents, two brothers, and sister. She attended school in Summerfield and then moved on to join the workforce. Mildred gained employment at Fletchers General Hospital in Cambridge, where she met the love of her life, the late Edward “Gene” Cross. Mildred and Gene started a family, having three boys and two girls. Mildred and Gene began to raise their children in Grafton, Ohio. With five young children, Mildred lost Gene in a tragic accident in 1962. She moved back to Noble County, making a home for her five young children. Mildred raised her five children alone while working as a nursing assistant at Summit Acres Nursing Home.
Mildred successfully raised her five children and made time for herself once again. Mildred found love when she met and married the late Neil Racey. Mildred and Neil enjoyed a social life together. They spent time tasting the cuisines of the area, traveling, and chartering fishing trips. Mildred never missed a moment with her family and loved spending time with her thirteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Throughout her life, Mildred continued to take road trips to view the countryside, went to concerts, and was always on the hunt for a great book to read.
Mildred was an example of strength, courage, compassion, and love. This shined true through her devotion not only to her family, but to the residents of Summit Acres Nursing Home, whom she cared for over 25 years. Mildred devoted her life to Christ, as a member of the Main Street Church of Christ. Mildred spent the later years of her full 95-year life at home. Mildred enjoyed her interactions with her amazing caregivers, Debbie and Lisa, who took such great care of her in her later days.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents Carrie and Dewey King, brothers Dick and Junior (Shirley) King, sister Beatrice (Luther) Sponcil, husbands Gene Cross and Neil Racey, son Jeffrey Cross, and granddaughters Brandi Gifford and Sara Cross.
She is survived by her loving children Doug (Vicky) Cross, Cheryl Cross, Karen (James) McGilton, and Kevin (Rhonda) Cross.
Friends may call Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 4-8PM at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, Caldwell, where the funeral service will be observed Thursday, February 1st at 11AM with Kenny Pierce officiating. Burial will follow at Buffalo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mildred’s name may be made to the Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 24, Caldwell, Ohio,
