Shirley Ann Rossow Obituary (2023)

Shirley Ann (Milosevich) Rossow, age 88, passed away on October 16, 2023, at Cottage in the Meadow, in Yakima, surrounded and comforted by her loving family. Shirley was born on July 3, 1935, at home in Roslyn, Washington, to Stanley and Steffie (Bruketta) Milosevich. She was raised and educated in the Upper County and graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1953. Following graduation she moved to Seattle, where she worked at Smith Gandy Ford, as an office manager. She lived in downtown Seattle with her sister, Barb, and later her cousin, Fran. It was there that she met Jerry Rossow, and on October 11, 1958, Jerry and Shirley were married, at St. James Cathedral in Seattle. The following year, their first child, Vicki, was born. Soon after, they moved to Quincy, Washington, where Jerry took a job as a route driver for Eddies Bread. While in Quincy, Dave, Dan, and Mike were all born, and Shirley was a dedicated and proud stay-at-home mom. During their nine years in Quincy, they developed many close friendships that are still strong today. In 1969, Jerry and Shirley moved the family to Ellensburg, where they purchased Rossow's Campus U-Tote-Em. They spent 21 years working side by side (which they amazingly survived), before selling in 1991. They made a lifetime of memories along the way. In addition to work, Shirley was routinely involved with PTA groups, booster clubs, and everything else that comes with raising four active kids. After selling the business, she worked for several years at Button Jewelers, and possibly bought more items than she sold! She was a huge Elvis fan and treasured her trip to Graceland with her cousins. She owned every Beanie Baby on the market and made sure every grandkid had more than their fair share. She also loved reading, crossword puzzles, trips to the casino, and making sure everyone was well fed. Her heated morning battles of gin rummy with Jerry were legendary (in fact she may still owe him money!). Shirley was an active member of St. Andrews Catholic Church and was especially blessed to be part of her Tuesday Bible study group. The women in this group supported each other through prayer and became wonderful friends. Shirley is survived by her children, Vicki (Bill) Elkins, Dave (Lisa) Rossow, Dan (Michelle) Rossow, and Mike (Shelli) Rossow, grandchildren, Stephanie (Andy) Morrell, Kevin (Katy) Elkins, Matt (Annie) Rossow, Jeremy (Blair) Rossow, Shelby (Jake) Jones, Michael Rossow, Cass Rossow, and Nathan Rossow, great-grandchildren, Sydney Morrell, Emma and Patrick Elkins, Isla Rossow, Jack and Liam Rossow, Baby Jones (arriving in December) and many nieces and nephews. She loved them all dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, sister, Barb, and brother, Stan (Butch). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 11:00am, at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Ellensburg. A Reception will follow in the church hall. A Rosary will be held prior to the service at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, please send donations made payable to The Memorial Foundation in care of Brookside Funeral Home (P.O. Box 577, Ellensburg, WA 98926). We love you Mom, give Dad a hug from all of us! Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. Recitation of the Rosary St. Andrews Catholic Church Wednesday, October 25, 2023 10:00 AM 401 South Willow St. Ellensburg, 98926 Funeral Service St. Andrews Catholic Church Wednesday, October 25, 2023 11:00 AM 401 South Willow St. Ellensburg, 98926 Reception immediately following Funeral Service.