We stopped overnight and the next morning the cruise and the light were both working. I drove home with my fingers crossed. Both the dash light and cruise continued to function. It was 100 degrees in Carlsbad. Your 1998 Stratus' cruise-control problem is most likely a poor connection somewhere in the system.
Heat does funny things to electronics.
The problem could be a loose solder connection inside the control module, a poor contact in the switch or loose harness connector somewhere in between. Unfortunately, it will be very difficult to find. The system will have to act up again while at the mechanic's to diagnose the problem. I would suggest talking to the dealer. It may be a common defect that the dealer has encountered previously.