Cole Cross

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Cole Cross on Wednesday July 1, 2026.

Cole was a proud member of the Pit River tribe.

Cole was Born on August 7, 1961, in Redding, California to Jim and Marina Cross. Coles parents separated and divorced in 1968. Summer of 1969 Cole, his mother and his 5 siblings moved from Anderson Ca. to Eureka Ca. 

Cole held the understanding that no matter what hardships he faced, he always had his brothers and sisters to lean on and help carry him through whatever obstacle he might be facing.

While living in Humboldt County, Cole’s mother met and married Merkie Oliver a Yurok tribal member. Merkie became a stepfather and a cultural mentor to Cole and his siblings. On Yurok land Cole learned alongside his brothers to hunt, fish, practice ceremonial dance and sing traditional songs. Cole was proud in being Native American, holding cultural knowledge and traditional values. In Cole’s adult life, he saw the importance of teaching the next generation and passing his knowledge down the same way knowledge was passed down to him by his stepfather, his uncle Daniel Bugarin and other elders.

Cole spent time living on several Indian Reservations where he made a point to leave the Rez better than he found it through cultural engagement and traditional preservation for youth on those reservations. While living on the Susanville Indian Rancheria in Susanville CA, he made cultural connections and long time friends through community outreach. 

Cole received his associates of arts in Human Services from Lassen Community College in the year 2005. He used his degree to devote his life to being a mentor, a counselor, and a coach. 

While living on the Grindstone Indian Rancheria, Cole was an assistant high school football coach and started his journey as an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Coordinator. Cole later moved to Klamath CA., to continue working as an ICWA worker for the Yurok tribe, honoring his commitment to native youth and advocacy. 

Cole retired in Crecent City, Ca where he lived a peaceful life on the Northern California coast with his youngest son, Ke’get Cross. Cole spent his days maintaining his passion for sports. Cole loved to cook and host family and friends on important game days when his favorite teams played, never missing a 49ers game.

Cole is survived by his two sons Ke’get Cross, Crescent City CA., and Kyle Cross, Eureka CA as well as his adult stepchildren, Sebastian and Mikara Mahnke, Pocatello Idaho. Cole is also survived in by his brothers Jon Cross, Susanville CA., Benjamin Cross, Susanville CA., Anthony Cross, Visalia CA., his sisters Kay Cross-Saavadra, Oroville CA., Catherine “Cheeshap” Oliver, Requa CA. and Gail Cross Lundsten, Tacoma WA., his uncle, aunties, cousins and his many nephews, nieces. This includes his niece Violeta and nephew in law Andrew Forsht who supported Cole in any way they could as an elder, whether it had been rides to the store or extra time spent at his house just to spend quality time. 

Cole was preceded in death by his father, Jim Cross, his Mother, Marina Cross Oliver Evans, his stepfather, Merkie Oliver, as well as his oldest brother David Cross and his oldest son Charles Bowen-Cross.

Cole will not only be missed by his family, his friends, and his community, but by the various lives he touched through coaching, mentoring, and cultural outreach. Cole was an outgoing, loving, passionate person who will truly be missed in this life. His family will be happy to connect with him again in the next life. Until then, we love you Cole. Much love and Respect.

Celebration of Life will be held at the Elk Valley Rancheria August 8, 2026 at 1 pm.