In loving memory of

Patricia J. Coss
January 10, 1952 - April 21, 2011

PATRICIA COSS MUSCATINE, Iowa - Patricia J. Coss, 59, of Muscatine, died on Thursday, April 21, 2011, at Select Specialty Hospital in Davenport. Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at Mulford Evangelical Free Church, 2400 Hershey Avenue. Reverend Jerry Foote will officiate the services. Honorary bearers will be Louise Meerdink, Bonnie Schmelzer, Nancy Velasquez, Nancy Wall, and Debi Welk. Casket bearers will be Bill Bedenbender, Larry Bedenbender, Ken Bierman, Rich Hartsock, Nevin Roberts, and Steve Wolfe. Burial will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 25, 2011, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Patricia Coss Scholarship Fund through the Muscatine Community School Foundation or Camp Courageous. Patricia was born on January 10, 1952, in Hampton, the daughter of Dwain and Betty J. Tucker Reed. She graduated from Hampton High School and attended University of Northern Iowa, where she earned her degree in social work. She attended Marycrest College and earned her teaching degree, she later earned her Master's degree from Western Illinois. She married Donald E. Coss on January 22, 1977, in Atalissa. She was a teacher with the Muscatine Community School District for 16 years with the last 11 years as a fifth grade teacher at Madison Elementary School. She was a member of Mulford Evangelical Free Church and the Iowa State Teachers Association. She sang in the choir at Mulford for 15 years where she also served as the head of the music committee. She had a strong love for reading and mentoring young children. She also loved cats and was an avid Chicago Cub fan. Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Donald Coss of Muscatine; four sons, Matt Coss and wife, Melissa, of Muscatine, Mark Coss of Muscatine, Andrew Coss of Chicago, Illinois, and Ben Coss of Muscatine; and her mother, Betty J. Reed of Muscatine. She was preceded in death by her father and three sisters, Janice Reed, LeAnn Reed, and Diane Reed.

Tributes

Dennis & Lou Heiman wrote on May 1, 2011:

"Matt - our family will keep you in our prayers Your Mom was so proud of all you have accomplished dennis & lou"

Sandy Schomburg Wagner wrote on Apr 26, 2011:

"To Betty & the Coss Family: I was so very, very sorry to hear that Patty Jo had passed away. I graduated from Hampton High School with Patty Jo & we were good friends from grade school through High School. She was the sweetest, kindest & most caring person--& she also could be so silly & funny. We had such good times together. I wish we could've gotten together as adults & met each other's families. It is hard to let her go, but she is with God, her dad & her sisters now & they are all talking over the "good ole' times". Cherish the memories & good times & always remember the love she gave to everyone. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. God Bless You."

JoAnn Schaapveld wrote on Apr 25, 2011:

"I am so sorry to see that your Mom has passed, but know that she is in God's hands now and without any pain and suffering. She would want all of you to celebrate her life and not to dwell to long on sadness. Alex and I remember her from our sports days at MHS and she was a lovely person to know. You have ours prayers for strength to get thru this time. Sorrowfully"

Matthew Swanson wrote on Apr 25, 2011:

"Pat was a great human being and she will be missed very much by so many. my favorite friendship verse puts me in the mind of her. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends" - John 15:13"

Jeff & Cathy Hendriks wrote on Apr 25, 2011:

"Deepest Sympathies Jeff and Cathy"

Mary Beth Carey wrote on Apr 25, 2011:

"Dear Coss Family, There is something that always touches my heart when a family member of a former student passes. And especially when a person has as many gifts as Pat did. It was my privilege to have taught at West Middle School and to have had Pat as the mother of a former student. Pat also was a great role model of what good teaching should be-- caring, giving, and going the extra mile to make a difference in a child's life. I am glad she is without pain, I am glad I had the opportunity to know her and pray that her family will hold the memories that she leaves behind as precious and dear as she herself was. With my sincere sympathy, Mary Beth Carey Retired Sixth Grade Teacher West Middle School"

Pastors Jeff & Cindy Peterson wrote on Apr 25, 2011:

"Don, We are so saddened to hear that your wife has passed. But know that she is in the best place there ever will be. Thinking of you and your family at this time and may God watch over you all and give you peace in Jesus name.. ."

amanda and joseph newsome wrote on Apr 25, 2011:

"my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this hard time"

Kris Weis wrote on Apr 25, 2011:

"Coss family, I am writing to express my family's deepest sympathy over Pat's death. I knew her through school matters, mostly, and don't really know you who are left; my husband Bob and 2 sons Justin & Ryan did not really know Pat, but Matt and Ben from Muscatine tennis. We are sorry for your personal loss and know that Muscatine children have lost a good teacher and kind person as well! Sincerely, Kris Weis and family"

kathy carter townsley wrote on Apr 24, 2011:

"betty & family, i am so sorry about the loss of your daughter. i am thinking of you & praying for you in this trying difficult time. love, kathy"

Diane, Holly and Amy Renaud wrote on Apr 23, 2011:

"Dear Coss Family, I am stunned and saddened to hear that Pat has died. Pat was my companion in the soprano section of the Mulford choir, my fellow member of the music committee, and a loving friend for many years. I remember how well Pat managed my nervous mother when she was unsure about leaving my autistic brother in the nursery. Pat, I love you as my sister in Christ, and I look forward to seeing you again in Heaven. God bless you, Coss family; we will keep you in our prayer. Diane"

Vanessa A. wrote on Apr 23, 2011:

"Dear Family, My sincere condolences goes out to the Family and friends of Mrs. Cross. May you all find comfort from the "God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations." 2 Cor. 1:3,4."

Janet Clark wrote on Apr 23, 2011:

"Coss family, Your mother was such a lovely woman. She was a wonderful teacher to my daughter, piquing her interest in science and encouraging her and other kids every day. She will be sorely missed."

Regina Mullins wrote on Apr 23, 2011:

"I'm saddened to hear the news today of Pat passing away. Our time working together in the Covenant House group home, Burlington, brought us to be friends. Thank you Jesus for that. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Take care."

Marti Walker wrote on Apr 22, 2011:

"Oh, Pat, I'm going to miss you. Marti"

Ann Phillips wrote on Apr 22, 2011:

"I never had the honor of meeting Pat, but my heart goes out to Matt and Melissa. Lean on Him. He is your strong tower."

Julie Stauffer wrote on Apr 22, 2011:

"To: Matt & Melissa & Family: Sorry for your loss, of your loved one. I did not know her, but I have a friend, whose daughter had her as her teacher. The little girl spoke highly of her. Just remember to keep your grief light hearted, and as time goes on, the sorrow will fade, and then you will be blessed with a beautiful memories of her. Take care & God Bless."

Tom Thoma wrote on Apr 22, 2011:

"Matt and family. So sorry for your loss. I remember you spoke of your mom and family often. From the stories you told me, I know as a teacher she touched a lot of lives and left this a better place. Take care. "