Shirley Lillian Elle

Shirley Lillian Elle, age 90 of Center Line, died Thursday, April 16, 2020 surrounded by her loved ones at home. She was born December 1, 1929 in Detroit, daughter of the late Edward and the late Martha (nee: Stoumen) Koss.

Though it may be rare for an obituary to come with a tagline, this one does and is encapsulated down to one word,…”Dedicated.”

Even from a young age, Shirley had her own vision of how she wanted to make her mark upon the world. Back in the era of World War II when women were a large part of the support network for our fighting heroes overseas, this notable network was affectionately known as “Rosie the Riveter,”…and they helped to establish what was a huge aspect in influencing the war’s end. Shirley may not have been an actual Rosie, but she was definitely one of her cousins. At a time when many of Michigan’s automotive operations were being retooled to supply our troops, Shirley’s job hunting hopes were happily met when she landed a position at the Budd Wheel plant. Famously noted for the tens of thousands of anti-aircraft shells the plant produced, Shirley was proud to be a part of a company with such deep rooted patriotism and history. She loved her job and the time spent learning her trade, and was considered quite the “dedicated” employee in the role she played.

But soon that little voice in her head began to pull at her heart, invoking the attributes of becoming a Mom,…and it wasn’t long before Shirley & Robert’s lives began to change as they welcomed their first of five boys into the world, the beginnings of a lifetime of happiness for them both. It didn’t take long before Shirley would come to know the joys of being a homemaker and Mom. To be true,…there was a lot of cooking, cleaning and keepin’ up, but she managed it all with her own brand of finesse. As her boys grew and each came into their own respective sporting tastes, you would have found no greater fan in the stands than Shirley. When her boys were playin’, she was definitely watchin’! She knew it would have an impact,…but little in how she would be touched as well. She was simply “dedicated” that way.

Yet where her “dedication” reigned supreme laid faithfully in the lives of her sisters. It was so much more than merely the ties of blood and kinship,…there was a bond that held them all together in a most magical way, a bond that grew closer and tighter with each passing year. And they shared so much together. From their love of bowling, to the joys and pleasures of sharing their many shopping extravaganzas at the Kroger’s and Meijer’s stores, Shirley and the Supreme’s made wonderful fun together and shared a million laughs in the process. And just when you thought the fun meter had been pegged,…now it was “Casino Time.” That’s right, a trip to the casino never disappointed. Even if they came away with no winnings, the sisters still considered themselves winners because they had each other.  For Shirley, her game of choice was most always giving Ol’ Lady Luck a run for her money on the one-armed bandits,…and her favorite was a slot machine by the name of “White Orchid.” It may not have had a huge pay day if you won, but that was Shirley’s throne for sure!

Yet the true and poignant example of Shirley’s “dedication” to her sisters was evidenced in the care and compassion she poured upon them all as they each made their way through the challenges of their golden years. Whatever they required, Shirley was their Florence Nightingale,…a help in the time of need. Right up to the end, she managed to find strength when there was none,…hope when all seemed bleak,…and laughter through it all. Her sisters have been waiting for her, and now they’re all together again. So just what do you think they’re doing?

When her work was done and she found a little “me time” in the day, it wasn’t rare to find a can of Busch beer by her side. Considered by Shirley to be the nectar of the gods, it was probably more of an elixir than anything. Her cold & refreshing brewski never ceased to bring a smile to her face. She was also a huge fan of the Game Show Network and could sit for hours enjoying the fun and entertainment it always provided,…especially when she was watching one of the shows from yesteryear. Yet her personal favorite, above all else, was satisfying that dominant sweet tooth of hers. Cookies and doughnuts often fit the bill, but when her candy jones kicked in and that iconic box of Jujyfruits appeared, she looked like a kid on Christmas morning.

Shirley was a rare treat. She spoke her mind, sometimes mixed with a bit of colorful language, but always honest to the core. She adored her family, especially her three precious grandchildren. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Shirley was the epitome of “dedication” and the personification of compassion. She touched a multitude of hearts and souls in her journey through life, may she now rest in peace.

Beloved wife of the late Robert. She was also the dearest mother of Daryl (Sharon) Elle, Dale (Alisa) Elle, Dana Elle, Darin (Christine Hucul) Elle, and the late Daniel Elle. Loving grandmother of Christopher, Autumn, and Robert. Sister of Ruth (Bob) Miller, and preceded in death by siblings Lillian Dupee, Edward Koss, Warner Koss, Millie Fischer, Norma Jaeger, Edna Minx, and Elmer Koss. Shirley leaves many loving nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan.

Please share memories of Shirley at her guest book below.