02/27/2013Shirley Lou (Sussex) Moses died peacefully in her home on February 27, 2013.

She was born in Lansing Michigan on July 24, 1926 to Frederick Stewart Sussex and Flossie Genevieve (Kieffer) Sussex. Shirley was very proud to work as a Rosie the Riveter building B29's at the Fisher Body Plant in Lansing.

In 1956 she married Quentin O Moses at the Holt United Methodist Church. Quentin's army career took them to many US Army bases but they returned to the property they purchased on Pickeral lake whenever they could. Shirley was able to finally settle in the place she loved, Northern Michigan, after moving to Petoskey in 1980.

Shirley had a lifelong enjoyment of sewing, gardening, parades, her family and ice cream. Shirley was a steward of the environment believing in protecting our land for the next generation. Shirley's extended family was very important to her and the Sussex family reunions were one of the summer highlights. She felt blessed to have been taken into the homes and hearts of many good women: Mrs. Eno, Mrs. Loomis, aunts and beloved sisters.

She is survived by her children: son Fred (Sue) of Holly, daughters Kelly of Petoskey and Kerri of Traverse City. Grandchildren: Fred Scott (Michelle), Patrick (Stacia), Sean, Jennifer and Michael. Great granddaughter Melody. As the second eldest of seventeen Shirley leaves many cherished siblings, nieces, nephews and many people who called her ma, grammie and grandma Lou that were related by choice rather than blood.

Shirley lived with dignity, courage and grace. She was kind and generous with a ready smile and a twinkle in her eye. She will be missed by all.

A heartfelt thank you to Hospice for the wonderful care she received in her last months. By her request a memorial will be held at a later date to celebrate her life.