Obituary of Shirley June Tossey

Mrs. Shirley Tossey, age 88, of Coffeyville, KS, went to be with her Lord on November 3rd 2016. Shirley June Schmidt Tossey was born June 8, 1928 to Herman and Gertrude Reiche Schmidt of Minden City, Michigan. She grew up on a small farm along with her three younger siblings. She graduated from Harbor Beach High School in 1944 and then attended Alma College for one year before entering Harper Hospital School of Nursing where she received a BS degree in nursing. Shirley married James Willard Tossey in 1952 and they resided in Detroit and Olivet, Michigan where they raised their two daughters, Susan and Ruth. They were members of the Charlotte First Baptist Church before moving after retirement in 1987 to Coffeyville, KS and becoming members of the Coffeyville First Baptist Church. They participated in the Mobile Missionary Assistance Program (MMAP), traveling to various states, volunteering in construction and repair projects. Shirley was an active 4-H Club member as a youth, and as an adult was a leader. She was a member of the Gideon Women's Auxiliary, led Bible studies for Stonecroft Ministries, was a "listening post" at Bible Impact Ministries' Children's Clubs, and especially enjoyed camping trips with her Good Sam's Club. She liked the out-of-doors, gardening and yardwork, and routinely walked a couple miles each day. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Tossey in 1992, and her brother, Keith Schmidt in 2002. She is survived by her daughter Susan Allen and husband Mark of Indianapolis, IN; as well as her daughter Ruth Arrowsmith and husband Jon of Coffeyville; two grandchildren Jacob Arrowsmith and wife Tiffany; Jordan Hall and husband Jonathan; and five greatgrandchildren; two sisters, Elinore Peters and Bernice Sheldon, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at Coffeyville First Baptist Church, Tuesday November 22nd at 1:30 p.m., with Dr. J. Dean McNamara officiating. The family will be available for visitation at the Ivy Room located in the First Baptist Church office building from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. prior to the memorial service. The family suggests memorials to Gideon's International.