Tonya Cross is planning to retire the end of November in the Glen Dale UMC most recently as our beloved church secretary for over 14 years. The following is an edited article by Bill Knuth (Author of the Steeplechase publication from 1992):
In 1974, Tonya was working a “ho-hum” job in a Moundsville cleaning establishment when a frequent customer from the National Guard unit stationed there tried to enlist her in the military police unit where they needed office help. Half convinced she could handle a part time job like this (weekends), she talked to her husband Henry, about it. “You’ll never do anything like that” he said, shaking his head. “That was the wrong thing to say” said Tonya, grimly. She enlisted, left Henry with their three year old son J. R., and shipped off to Alabama for eight weeks basic training. (This, from a woman who told me, “there’s nothing interesting in my life”) Born in Wheeling WV September 3, 1948 to June and Harry Miller, the family moved to Glen Dale in 1950. Her parents soon became active members in Glen Dale United Methodist Church, and their daughters went to Sunday school. Tonya, Susan Bowersock and Kristina (Kris) McClendon
Their mother, June is deceased. Tonya has a half sister, Heather. Tonya graduated from Union High School and attended WVU for two years. In 1969 she married Henry Cross and they have two children, Henry Jr. (J. R.) and Joy.
It seems Tonya involved herself almost completely in her children’s lives as she listed for me some activities she engaged in earlier: Sunday school teacher 4 years, 4-H leader 4 years, little league mom 9 years, swim league mom 4 years. In addition she served on many church committees: Education, Finance, Church & Society, Youth and Family Committee chairperson. Currently she is Financial Secretary and secretary of the Administrative board.
She was one of the first two women in the National Guard Unit of Moundsville, the 152nd Military Police, During basic training in Alabama she participated in the same rigorous training as other soldiers; obstacle courses, weaponry, drills, etc. Her job with the MP unit was clerk-typist, and near the end of
her four-year enlistment she earned her sergeant stripes (SP4). She values her service experience very much,
“I’ve never regretted those four years”. She enjoys her job at Northern Panhandle Health Center where she is an accounts-payable clerk, and someday—soon, perhaps—she wants to go back to college for her degree. Henry, if you want to see that happen, just tell her, “You’ll never do anything like that”.
From Tonya herself: I joined the church in 1961 and have worked many positions in the church over the years: Financial Secretary, Treasurer (back when it was a volunteer),
and served on all committees in the church. In the 80’s I taught Sunday School. I was hired as the Office Manager in May 2010 and a paid Church Treasurer in January 2012. I married Henry Cross in November 1969 and had two children Henry Jr (JR). and Joy We have 5 grandsons Cody, Doug, Mac, Aaron, Marshall and 1 granddaughter, June who gave me three great-grandchildren Lacey, Lucas and Lillian.
I served my country from 1974 to 1978 with the Army National Guard 152nd Military Police POW unit in Moundsville WV. I have worked at many jobs, waitress (Elby’s, Windmill Truck Stop, Bella Via) Bar Server, Northwood Health Systems (18 years)– where I found the love for numbers and have been working with numbers ever since; Bank teller (Community) , Marc Toy Plant – blow mold horses; H&R Block (more numbers), Tupperware door to door parties, Day Care in my home. Retail – Hill’s Department Store- cashier and office clerk, LS Good’s (my first job 1965). Gee have I lived that long or was I just a bad employee LOL.
I have worked for six different pastors; each one different in his own way. You have already heard stories on Rev Lepp .but the first time I met John was at a friend’s wedding and John was wearing bib overalls. I wasn’t employed at the church yet and I wondered what GDUMC was getting. Billy Ray Carpenter hired me as Office Manager – and then he retired. (I hope it wasn’t me LOL). Chris Arverson came to GDUMC. John Lepp filled in until a new pastor could be appointed after Chris resigned. Rev Morrison came to us with a wife that had a pierced nose (which I don’t even notice anymore) When Donna got to the church the first or second time she saw Henry (custodian at the time) and thought how wonderful a church we were for letting a homeless man stay in the church. We still laugh about that comment. John called me the BOSS not his Boss just the BOSS. Chris Duckworth came next and I couldn’t figure out how we were going to see
him over the podium. He fixed that by using a music stand. Then COVID hit and we got thru that; his wife and also Chris are still dear friends today. Jonathan Moon is next in line and last because I’m retiring before the next pastor comes aboard. Jon is full of energy and sometimes hard to follow for this old brain but he is patience with me and he has been good for my soul. I told John Morrison that I would retire one year after he retired just to help the next pastor with the change. Ha Ha Two pastors later I’m finally retiring.
The compassion fund has opened my eyes to the real world and different individuals that need us and the stories are too many to share. The individuals we have helped speak to me on the street and say “Hi” or if they happen to need more help here, they come in as if we are old friends. It makes my heart warm.
I guess the best story is how Lucas (non-verbal autistic great grandchild) has blended in with the church family. He doesn’t take to strangers but when he enters this church there are no strangers. Kathleen Richmond was the first lady he just walked over and climbed up on her lap, Dolly Blowers was the latest friend for Lucas. Lucas loves his Sunday School Teacher Debbie and Children’s Church Erin and Kristin.
My plans for after retirement: helping June with the great grandchildren, going to lunch with friends, sitting on the porch reading (also sitting on a friend’s porch with the fan blowing and good ice tea and conversation)
I love my Lord and I love my church family.
I’m not leaving my church family – just the extra work.
Thanks, Church. Tonya
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Glen Dale UMC