Shirley Kiss

Shirley I. Kiss

Age 92 of Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 30, 2021 surrounded by family.

Shirley Irene Voss was born May 29, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois, a daughter of Everett and Rose (Naumeyer) Voss.  She was raised and educated in Chicago and graduated from Kelvyn Park High School in 1946. On August 12, 1960, Shirley married Joseph H. Kiss Sr. in Carpentersville, Illinois and together they raised their seven children before relocating to Morris in 1973.

In Morris, Shirley’s desire to help others led her to a 35 year career in service, care and hope for others with her founding of We Care of Grundy County. The building today carries her name “The Shirley Kiss Center”. In addition, she started Adopt-A-Family opening food pantries in each town and village throughout Grundy County. Shirley’s tremendous impact continued when she co-founded Operation St. Nick and she was also active with Crime Stoppers, where she served as President. Her continual service to the community and leadership qualities allowed her to receive the first and only key to the City of Morris in 2001.

Shirley was a dedicated member of Peace Lutheran Church in Morris where she served as a deacon. She cherished artistic endeavors and traveling, and will be remembered as an author and avid reader. Her autobiography, “In Spite Of” tells her inspirational life story, of perseverance and commitment to family. Shirley was also a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother, who leaves behind a legacy of giving from the heart.

Survivors include six children: John (Sharon) Kiss of South Barrington, James (Donna) Kiss of West Dundee, Joyce (Joe) Warczak of Carpentersville, Jerome (Linda) Kiss of Phoenix, Arizona, Julie (Douglas) Cardot and Joseph Kiss Jr., both of Morris as well as 13 grandchildren; 20 Great grandchildren and 2 Great-great grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: one daughter, Judy Pearson; and her brother, Everett Voss and her sister Rosemary Voss.

The family will receive friends for a COVID observant walk-through visitation at Peace Lutheran Church, 101 Candlelight Lane in Morris on Sunday, May 2, 2021 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Face coverings will be required and occupancy restrictions observed. The funeral home staff will assist the family in maintaining the limitations.

Private family services will follow on Monday, May 3, 2021 in the church with Pastor Lu Cantrell officiating.

Those wishing to participate in the funeral services virtually are welcome to join the live stream beginning Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. or watch the funeral via Facebook live. Links for the event will be available on Shirley’s memorial page.

Private family burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Morris, where Shirley will be laid to rest next to her late husband, Joseph.

Pallbearers will be:  John Kiss, James Kiss, Jerome Kiss, Joseph Kiss, Doug Cardot and Jason Cardot.

Please no flowers. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Shirley’s memory to We Care of Grundy County, The Shirley Kiss Center, 530 Bedford Road, Morris, Illinois 60450 or to Operation St. Nick, P.O. Box 781, Morris, Illinois 60450

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Shirley’s memorial page online through social media by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com/obituary/Shirley-Kiss

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes. ( 815-942-2500 )