Phyllis B. Cross, 81, a lifelong resident of Dutchess County, died on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie.
Born on March 17, 1928 in Poughkeepsie, she was the daughter of Anthony and Sarah DeFazio Benza.  For 20 years, she worked for the family business, Cross Orchards Roadside Market in LaGrange until her retirement in 1990.  During the 1960's, she had operated Phyllis' Beauty Shop from her home. She was a parishioner of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Church in LaGrangeville. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the LaGrange Fire Department Company #1 and the Town of LaGrange Republican Committee.

On November 12, 1950, Phyllis married Robert G. Cross who survives at home.  She is also survived by her son, Robert G. Cross, Jr. and his wife, Darnell of LaGrangeville; her daughter, Deborah Cross of Hyde Park; her sister, Mary B. Sepe of Binghamton; her brother, Joseph Benza of Enwell; her grandchildren, Bridgette Cross, Megan Hanson and her husband, Mike, Michael Cross, Matthew Cross, Jessica Samothrakis and her husband, Zack, Jennifer Novak and Jonathan Novak; her great-grandchildren, Olivia and Noah Hanson, and Hailey and Isabella Cross; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Raymond Benza, Augustine Benza, Andrew Benza and Nicholas Benza and her sisters, Anna Fiore and Rose Rotunno.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1925 Route 82, LaGrangeville followed by interment in the family plot in LaGrangeville Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1925 Route 82, LaGrangeville, NY 12540.