Shirley M. Gross, age 92, passed away surrounded by her loving family on July 26, 2026.

She was born on August 25, 1933, in Warrensburg, Missouri, to Richard Brown and Goldie Mae (Brookshier) Brown. Shirley was the youngest of their two daughters.She graduated from Warrensburg High School in 1951. In 1952, she enrolled at Central Business College of Kansas City, a program that typically took 9 months, yet she completed in only five months. Soon after, she married the love of her life, Paul Gross, on September 7, 1952, at Jacoby Chapel near Warrensburg. From this marriage they were blessed with two children, Russell and Robin. Shirley's strong work ethic was evident throughout her life. She began her career as a clerk at Sears, where she faithfully served for nearly 25 years.

Shirley was a woman of unwavering faith, quiet strength, and generous service. A devoted Christian, she lived her beliefs every day by putting others before herself and always looking for ways to lend a helping hand. She was a longtime member of McMurry United Methodist Church in Claycomo, where she participated in the women's group and volunteered in numerous outreach efforts to support those in need.Shirley was a lovely person who had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her home was always a place where family and guests alike were greeted with warmth, good food, and good conversation. Active in her community, she enjoyed bowling, playing cards, church activities, and spending time with dear friends. Above all, Shirley cherished family. She and Paul were true partners in life, complementing one another. Whenever Paul took on a building project or home addition, Shirley was by his side, adding the thoughtful decorative touches that transformed their house into a warm and welcoming home.

Though they built their life in the city, they made frequent trips travelling across the country to spend time with Shirley and Paul's families, ensuring those bonds remained strong across the years. They even organized the first Gross family reunion, bringing together the famously stoic German Gross family for several unforgettable days together. What began as one gathering grew into a cherished tradition, with reunions held every other year for the next fifteen years in memorable places such as Taos, New Mexico, creating lasting memories for generations of the family.Shirley and Paul believed it was important for their children to be involved and active alongside their peers. Together they served as assistant Scout leaders, guiding Russell and Robin through the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts while encouraging their independence and service to others.

Shirley's love of travel led to many family camping trips. When this tradition began the family used their tents as shelter. After her children had moved out of the family home they decided to upgrade to a camper and continued exploring the United States, eventually visiting all 50 states and nearly 40 countries. Their travels also took them on extraordinary adventures abroad, including a journey down China's Yangtze River before it was dammed, as well as many memorable trips throughout Europe. They returned home with wonderful stories.Shirley found joy in life's simple pleasures: reading a good book, playing cards, entertaining family and friends, and creating lasting memories with those she loved. In recent years, when reflecting on her life, she would often say with gratitude, "I have lived a good life!"

Shirley was the last of her generation on both her and Paul's side of the family and is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 67 years, Paul Gross; her son, Russell Gross; and her sister, Lavern Parsons. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her daughter, Robin Gross and her husband, Marvin Boone; daughter-in-law, Debbie Gross; grandchildren, Nathan Gross and Katie Heier; great-grandchildren, Drake, Autumn, Teller, River, Mason, and Fiona; nephews Dana Parsons and David Gross; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery on Wednesday, August 5, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m., funeral service at 2:00 p.m., followed by burial and a gathering of family and friends at Wexford Place – Stratford Room at 5:00 p.m..

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to:

- KC Hospice and Palliative Care (www.kchospice.org)

- Healing House KC (www.healinghouse.org)

- Veterans Community Project (www.veteranscommunityproject.org)