Betty Goss

TRAVERSE CITY — Betty Ruth Goss, age 86, died peacefully at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010, after an extended illness.Betty was born Aug. 8, 1924, in Randolph County, Ind., the youngest of nine children to Ara and Clarissa Collins (Clark). As a young girl, Betty's family moved to a small farm in the Long Lake community, where her family were members of the Long Lake Friends Church.She attended Stricker School K-8 and later graduated from Traverse City High School in 1942 with her future husband, Carl Arthur Goss. Betty and Carl were married in Rolla, Mo., on Sept. 4, 1943; they eventually raised four children. Betty and Carl celebrated their 61st anniversary prior to Carl preceding her in death in 2004.Betty was a parishioner of the First Christian Church, where she actively sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She was also a member and teacher in the 4-H extension club and a committed participant of the Traverse City Child Study Club.Betty was determined to follow her family genealogy as she became a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution through both her mother's and father's lines. Betty was employed by the Traverse City Public Schools, where she worked as a cook for Willow Hill Elementary, and later owned a restaurant in Acme, Stoney Hollow Hut, with Carl in the 1960s. She was also a medical secretary at Munson Hospital, a professional seamstress, quilter and knitter. She exhibited her talents in numerous craft shows in the Traverse City area, which was a source of great pride and leaves a wonderful trail of keepsakes and treasured memories. She was also fortunate to travel to a variety of unique destinations including a trip to Hong Kong for the 1987 International Lions Club Convention. Betty Goss lived her life with an exuberant presence and a smile for each person she encountered. She had a passion for the game of Bridge and delightfully played any other game that involved family and friends. Many can remember how much she enjoyed the company of others, as well as her love for socializing and dancing. In retirement, Carl and Betty were able to embrace these aspects of their lives during the winter season in Vista Pines, Stuart, Fla.Survivors include her three wonderful children; two sons, Carl James (Margaret) and John Arthur; one daughter, Ruth Ann Corcoran (Patrick), all residents of Williamsburg. Her loving daughter, Janet Hults (Richard) preceded her in death in January, 2003. Betty was fortunate to have 11 grandchildren including, Kellie Wells, Erik Goss, Kara Jackson, Natasha Flanagan, Sunrise Goss, Damon Goss, Brooke Goss, Tania Bouwman, Adam Goss, Kacey Riley and Willow Goss; and was further blessed with 14 lovely great-grandchildren. She will also be dearly remembered by a thoughtful companion, Donald Ingram, of Canada.Betty Goss was beautiful both inside and out, and it radiated to all who knew her. She was full of life and thankful for the blessings she received everyday. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have many loving memories and a wonderful example of what family means. They will follow her footsteps in their own lives as Betty's life was a celebration of love. A memorial celebration will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010, at the First Christian Church in Traverse City. A visitation will be held two hours prior at the church. Please share thoughts and memories with the family at Betty's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Betty Goss

November 4, 2010