Shirley L. Moss

Shirley L. Moss, age 95, of Elmira, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022 surrounded by her adoring children. She was born in Elmira, New York on March 3, 1927, the daughter of the late Stanley and Bessie (Hemmingway) Helm. Shirley married the love of her life Delbert K. Moss, Jr., at Centenary Methodist Church in Elmira on April 26, 1947 and is survived by their son Larry and their daughter Nanette Moss both of Elmira; nieces and nephews Tamara (Rich) Dean (El Dorado, CA), Jeffrey (Pok) Lain (Allegany, NY), Candace (Ted) Barth (Bolivar, NY), Helen Hoover (Binghamton, NY), David Gale (Binghamton, NY) and special mention of grandniece Lindsey Teeter (Johnson City) and grandnephew Daniel (Erin) Gale (Endicott, NY); Robert West Jr. (Fassett, PA), Gary (Wanda) West (Charlotte, NC), Steven (Sharon) West (E. Smithfield, PA), Kim West Clarkson (Gillett, PA); Michael (Jackie) Rinehart (Elmira, NY), Martin Rinehart (Phoenix. AZ), Diana Rinehart (Ithaca, NY), Rebecca Cleary (Elmira, NY), Gregory (Courtney) Rinehart (Ithaca, NY); Rita (Emil) Krazinsky (Elmira, NY). Shirley is predeceased by her sisters Ruth (Jerome) Fitzpatrick, Betty (Harold) Rinehart and Beverly Helm; brother Zane Helm; nieces Wendy Lain, Melody Pettit, Kitty Mooney, Alice McGann, Jeannie Fitzpatrick and Kathy Cass and nephews Jerome Fitzpatrick, Jr. and Patrick Rinehart.
Shirley worked at the Remington Rand as a bar fitter for typewriters. She graduated from Southside High School in 1945. She was high school friends with Ruth Moss who had a brother Delbert who was serving in the United States Marine Corps whose service picture was displayed proudly in Ruth’s home and definitely caught Shirley’s eye. Shirley was introduced to her future husband Delbert when she was invited to accompany his father and step-mother to visit him in Scotia, NY where he was stationed at the time. They were married the following year on April 26, 1947 at Centenary Methodist Church, Elmira. She continued to work at Remington Rand along with her husband and retired after 10 years. She was a homemaker who was way ahead of the home decorating shows creating things for the home using items at hand. She was very good with a needle and thread and became interested in making quilts and made everything by hand, using old patterns and creating her own special designs, cutting and piecing each panel, along with setting the quilt and quilting, binding. Delbert was right along side her, helping with designs and doing the math of how much material was required. Her children also gave her ideas for quilts she lovingly made for them with each stitch. She would toil away sewing late into the night when all were asleep. She enjoyed using her quilting talents for 40+ years. She also loved reading mysteries and watching mysteries and detective shows and wonderful old movies on TV. She and her husband Delbert also ran a thriving business operating Del’s Antiques and Collectibles from their home. Her devoted children will forever miss her, her sweet smile and personality, celebrating birthdays and especially Christmas dinners with family.

Family and friends are invited to call on the Moss family at Olthof Funeral Home on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m. there will be a funeral service to celebrate her life. Pastor Richard Hack officiating. Flowers appreciated. Graveside services will take place on Monday, August 29, 2022 at Woodlawn Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Those who wish to attend the burial, may meet at the Walnut St. gate.