Florence Voss

With a life that spanned over a century, Florence Voss touched the lives of so many within her reach in her own special way. She was kindhearted and selfless, which were priceless attributes when it came to caring for her beloved family. With an unwavering faith as her constant companion, she taught us so much about what it means to be a woman after Gods own heart. Accompanied by the love of her life for 70 years, Florence experienced so many of the best things life has to offer, finding true contentment in being at home. Life will never be the same without Florence here, but the legacy she leaves behind will be carried on by the numerous generations who follow her. Life in America during the early 1900s was remarkably different from the life we know as Americans today. Labor unions continued to grow as the middle class became more and more unhappy, and unsafe working conditions were all too common in cities all across our great land. It was as the winds of fall were blowing in during the year 1910 that a bustling family from Elbridge Township, Michigan, near Hart, was eagerly awaiting the birth of a new baby. Their wait was over on October 4th when Florence Audrey was welcomed into the family of William and Cora (Conrad) Shepherd. She was the second youngest of seven children in her family including her five sisters, Thelma, LaVerle, Fern, Della, and Isable, and her one brother, Gaylord. Florences father worked as a farmer, and Florence enjoyed an upbringing on the family farm that was rather typical for her generation. As a student she attended a local school. When she was in her teenage years, Florence moved to Muskegon with her family as her father took a job with Continental Motors. She settled into her new surroundings and became at student at Muskegon High School where she also played basketball. Florence went on to graduate from high school in 1929 with hopes of becoming a teacher one day. This dream was quickly dashed, however, as her father died not long before she graduated from high school, which sent Florence to work as a secretary at Sealed Power Corporation so she could help provide for the family. Not to be forgotten during this time was Florences introduction to the man with whom she would write an eloquent love story. His name was Raymond Voss, and he lived a couple of doors down from the Shepherd family. The couple began dating and quickly found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together the couple was united in marriage on October 16, 1935. The couple eventually settled into a home on Spring and Catawba in downtown Muskegon. Together they were blessed with two girls, JoAnn in 1938 and Kathleen in 1943. Since Ray owned the Parcel Delivery Company, which later became Port City Florist Supply, Florence was able to stay at home to tend to the needs of her family. From the moment she became a wife and mother she relished in these roles, and she was highly active in the lives of her children. Both Florence and Ray made their family a priority. They had a summer cottage on Beach Street on Lake Michigan where they loved spending as much time as they could. There were also annual summer trips to a cottage near Cadillac and a memorable trip along the East Coast. The family was active at First Reformed Church where Florence was involved in the ladies aid and in several other ministries as well. She was a fabulous cook whose meatloaf was unmatched. Florence was also famous for a traditional Dutch dish called mouse, which is made with kale and mashed potatoes. A woman who was happiest at home, Florence loved being there more than anywhere else. In the mid-sixties they moved to a house on Bradley Street in Norton Shores that had a view of Mona Lake. This would be the place Florence called home for nearly the rest of her life. When at home she was one to keep busy, often watching soap operas, playing cribbage, and making ceramics and quilts for herself and family members, too. Florence loved being a mother, but she just may have argued that being a grandmother was the very best part of the whole deal. She loved spending time with her grandchildren Kimberly, Eric, and Brent, and was delighted when her grandson, Brent, came to live with them when he was nine years old. This provided Florence with the ability to put her mothering skills to good use all over again. The three of them went on vacations together, and Brent learned the ins and outs of golf from his Grandpa Ray. Florence and Ray continued to enjoy life alongside one another well into their nineties, remaining active as long as they could. When First Reformed Church closed they joined Unity Reformed Church where they were actively involved, too. Florence especially liked spending Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays with her family. For 40 years they always gathered at Joann's house and enjoyed each others company. And when JoAnn moved to a farm Florence loved that it brought back memories of her childhood days. During her sunset years Florence continued to embrace both the great joys and the deep sorrows along her journey. She was deeply saddened with her youngest daughter Kathleen's death in 2001, and the death of her beloved husband of nearly 70 years Ray in 2004. However, she was blessed to remain in her home with the help of family and friends. She was also blessed with two beautiful great-grandchildren, Sydney Rae on Valentine's Day of 2005, and Brady James on January 8 of 2010. She cherished her role as a great-grandmother, and loved them both very dearly. When she eventually needed more care Florence moved into assisted living. In celebration of her 100th birthday, there was an unforgettable birthday gathering at her church that was attended by numerous family and friends. Over time the years began to take their toll, and Florences body gave out. A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Florence Voss was a blessing in the lives of others. Her life was enriched in so many ways, yet there was no greater joy in her heart than being surrounded by her beloved family. Throughout her life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Florence created a brilliant tapestry of memories that will be treasured for generations to come. Florence A. Voss died Friday, March 23, 2012. Florences family includes her daughter, Joann (James) Krieter; grandchildren, Kimberly Krieter, Eric Krieter; Brent (Lori) Ashcroft; 2 great grandchildren; many nieces & nephews. Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; daughter, Kathleen Ashcroft. Services will be held on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 1:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Dr. Sherwin Brantsen officiating. Interment at Norton Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.