Shirley I. Kiss

MORRIS—Shirley I. Kiss, 92, of Morris, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 30, 2021 surrounded by family.
Shirley Irene Voss was born May 29, 1928 in Chicago, the daughter of Everett and Rose (Naumeyer) Voss. She was raised and educated in Chicago and graduated from Kelvyn Park High School in 1946. On Aug. 12, 1960, Shirley married Joseph H. Kiss Sr. in Carpentersville, IL 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 Crimestoppers, 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, Az; 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; her brother, Everett Voss and her sister, Rosemary Voss.
The family received friends for a COVID observant walk-through visitation at Peace Lutheran Church in Morris on Sunday, May 2, 2021
Private family services followed on Monday, May 3, 2021 in the church with Pastor Lu Cantrell officiating.
Private family burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Morris, where Shirley was laid to rest next to her late husband, Joseph.
Pallbearers were: John Kiss, James Kiss, Jerome Kiss, Joseph Kiss, Doug Cardot and Jason Cardot.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Shirley’s memory to We Care of Grundy County, The Shirley Kiss Center, 530 Bedford Rd., Morris, IL 60450 or to Operation St. Nick, P.O. Box 781, Morris, IL 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 were made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes.