Shirley Koss

Shirley Jane Koss was born to Dale and Anna O'Neil on January the 11th, 1928 in Flint Mi. Her father's dream of owning a farm came true in 1939 and the family moved to Gaines Michigan. She attended school at Gaines elementary. Grief overtook the family when her father unexpectedly died leaving her to care not only for the farm but her mother and young siblings. Times were tough and Shirley bailed hay for a penny a bail and picked produce for neighboring farmers. She learned to drive at a very young age. Through hard work and perseverance they held on to the farm. She got a job in town with Dr. Covert. It was this time in her life that led her to her dream of becoming a nurse. She graduated from Durand high school and went on to Saint Mary's of Saginaw, where she met her life long friend Ruthann Butler. She graduated nursing school in 1949. She met her husband Charles Koss of 53 years. They married on October 13th 1951 in Gaines. They moved to Southfield where she worked as a surgical nurse. They had 5 children. Ann, Lynn, Kelly, Charles and Eric.They moved to Linden, Mi. in 1972. The love of farming returned to her as she raised vegetables, fruit and flowers in her amazing backyard garden. Genealogy became a passion for her which provided many trips for her and Chuck in research. They retired to Shiawassee Shores and following a happy and content life of 94 years, Shirley peacefully passed. And in Shirley's favorite words to you as you left her home, I can still shake it! Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, June 6, 2022 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 9450 Duffield Road, Gaines.  Fr. David Harvey celebrant.  Burial in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Gaines.  Visitation will be held at Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad St. Linden Sunday from 4-8 PM where a Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM and at church Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass.  Those desiring may make contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.