Obituary of Ethel Pauline Coss

Ethel Pauline Prater was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky on May 9, 1939.  She was the daughter of Dallard Prater and Estelle "Stella" (Sandifer) Prater.  Raised with several half siblings, Pauline was one of Dallard’s fourteen children.  At the age of 14 she moved with her family to Michigan where they settled in Monroe.

Pauline married Raymond Walter Coss in LaSalle, Michigan on April 6, 1957.  While Raymond provided for the needs of his family, Pauline took care of her husband and children as a homemaker.  Her role was certainly a full-time obligation as the couple were blessed with six children.  They worshipped at LaSalle Presbyterian Church for many years.

Pauline enjoyed cooking, which was a good thing since she had so many mouths to feed.  For many years she tended to a garden.  Whether yielding fresh produce for the dinner table or arranging beautiful flowers to enhance her home and yard, she was blessed with a green thumb.  When Pauline had the opportunity to catch her breath she often sat outside in the driveway and peacefully loved to watch the planes fly over. 

Pauline loved her family implicitly and cherished the time she spent with children and grandchildren.  Her home was a testament to her love of collecting, she truly believed that one person’s trash might be another person’s treasure.

Ethel “Pauline” Coss, age 85 of LaSalle passed away at 9:57am on Thursday; May 16, 2024, at the Alice Lorraine Care Center.  She had been under the care of Elara Caring Hospice. Her passing was preceded by her parents; thirteen siblings: Gracie, Otsie, Viney, Annie, Susie, Ray, Gene, Charles, Calvin, Jerry, Finnely, Louella, and Hazel; and a daughter-in-law:  Janet Coss.

To cherish her memory she leaves five sons: Raymond (Anita) Coss Jr., Karl (Kim) Coss, Michael Coss, Donald Coss, Mark (Carla) Coss; one daughter: Donna (Lee) Southworth; ten grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; one brother-in-law: Shawn O'Brien; two sisters-in-law: Sheri Prater and Carol Coss; and her lifelong, best friend: Darlene Bowman.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Tuesday; May 21, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday; May 22, 2024 also at Merkle’s with Reverend BJ McDaniel pastor of One Way Christian Fellowship officiating. Procession will follow to LaSalle Township Cemetery for burial.

Memorial donations in her honor are suggested to the Alice Lorraine Care Center.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.