Edna Marie Goss

Edna Marie Goss, Sullivan IL, age 90, passed peacefully with her children at her bedside on Friday, December 28, at Mason Point, Sullivan, Illinois. Edna was born August 16, 1928, to Anson and Bertha (Kauffman) Miller, of Arcola, Illinois. Edna married Charles Goss Jr. of Nappanee, Indiana on August 20, 1950 and for 68 years, Edna and Charles lived life on the farm, raising 5 children, teaching them to love the Lord and a strong work ethic.

Leaving family to cherish her memories are her husband Charles, and her children Donald Goss (Beverly) of Mattoon, Illinois, Robert Goss’ wife, Karen of Sullivan, Illinois, Lyle Goss (Esther) of Findlay, Illinois, William Lynn (Bill) Goss (Geneva) of Salem, South Dakota, Lori Goss Plank (Jim) of Sullivan, Illinois; 17 grandchildren: Erin Goss Brooks and her husband Frank of Richmond Heights, Missouri, Madeleine Goss Powers and her husband Cory of Shelbyville, Illinois, Charles W. Goss of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Broderick Goss of Sullivan, Luke Goss and his wife Heidi of Sullivan, Lisa Goss of Sullivan, Steve Goss and his wife Hannah of Harrington, Delaware, Brenda Goss Bankes and her husband Aaron of Medford, Wisconsin, Cheryl Goss Meyer and her husband Tom of Salem, South Dakota, Melissa Goss Fitzjarrald and her husband Christopher of Palmer, Alaska, Kimberly Goss of Mattoon, Illinois, Shelbi Plank Swartzentruber and her husband Jeremy of Arthur, Illinois, Spencer Plank and his wife Tayler of Omaha, Nebraska, Micah Plank and Magdalen Plank of Indianapolis, Indiana, Isaiah Plank and Ian Plank of Sullivan, Illinois. 12 great-grandchildren: Sydney Dehart, Elana, Olivia, Liam, Iliana Krutsinger, Celia, Avery, Oliver, Camille Goss, Lucy Goss, Judah and Gavin Swartzentruber. Special care given by Sharon Goss, Viola Jess, Betty Helmuth and the First Collins Nursing staff of Mason Point.

Edna loved to prepare a home cooked meal for her family—mashed potatoes covered with a chunked beef gravy was a requested specialty! She also loved to work outside, especially mowing the huge lawn on the farm. While her children were young, Edna had an “Egg Route” in Mattoon for which her 1,000 laying hens provided the eggs. In later years, Edna graduated with her CNA certification from Lake Land College and was employed through LincolnLand Home Care as a Caregiver. Edna’s grandchildren brought her much joy and would delight in giving tractor rides or watching them play in the enormous playhouse she created from cardboard for inside the house and the ‘Kinderhaus’ she created outside under a big tree!

Celebrating Edna’s heavenly homecoming are her parents, one infant sister, and her son Robert Goss.

Edna’s kindness and respect for others, her devotion to family, her love for Jesus, and her gentle way of caring for others will live on for generations.

Celebration of Life services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 31, at Sunnyside Mennonite Church, Rt. 133, Chesterville, Illinois with Pastor Brian Petersheim officiating. Burial will be in the Sunnyside Mennonite Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, December 30, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Sunnyside Mennonite Church. Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice. Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.