Leona Delores Gosh's Obituary
Leona (Payne) Gosh, age 81, passed on Thursday, August 11, 2016, gracefully moving from this earthly body into her heavenly one. Born September 7, 1934, she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Ronald Gosh Sr.; daughter, Lenore Marie Gosh and son, Michael Robert Gosh; sister Judith (Payne) Cates; brothers Harold Payne, Merlin Payne, and Don Payne. She leaves behind one daughter Leona (Gosh) Adams, and two sons, Ronald Gosh Jr. (wife Patricia), and Patrick Gosh (wife Robin). Also, 10 grandchildren Paul Gosh (wife Kelly), Misty (Gosh) Hutchinson, Adam Elliott, Angela Elliott, Stephanie (Summerix) Wesley (husband Jim), Damon Gosh, Amber White, Autumn Damm (wife, Libby Cox), Eric Adams (wife Leichia), and Ryan Adams (wife Misty); 21 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren and 17 nieces and nephews.
Leona’s greatest loves were singing, dancing, and making music. Inducted into the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994, guest singer in the Grand Ole Opry when it traveled through West Michigan in the 60s, Leona performed on many stages and with many musicians throughout her years, starting when she was merely 2 years old. She produced a record in the 60s which made it onto the national Billboard charts. She may have been on her way to fame, which was a great dream of hers, but when asked to travel with the “Opry,” she realized her family meant so much more, and her choice to stay in Muskegon and give the child she was carrying (Patrick) a better life was a huge sacrifice of love which she never regretted.
She was highly regarded by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and loved to play hostess to the yearly family parties, not a one without the requisite “git-fiddles, singing with all the cousins, and reminiscing around the bon fire.”
Leona loved to dance, and was disappointed when that was taken away from her in May due to a broken pelvis. The heavenly choir just received a joyous new member, and her family rejoices with her knowing she is dancing on streets of gold, on newly-nimble feet, and joined by those who went before her. We all look forward to a cousin’s hoedown in heaven when we get together again. You will be missed, but we all rejoice that you are pain free, and able to do again all of those things you loved here on Earth.
Per Leona’s wishes, a funeral will not be held. The family invites any family members and close friends to come celebrate her life with them Wednesday, August 17, 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. at The Sytsema Chapel, 737 Apple Ave, 231-726-5210. Memorials in Leona's name may be made to the American Diabetes Association. You can sign her online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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