ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Mission Network) — Krissie Boss, assistant for Program Human Resources at Mennonite Mission Network, will be remembered for her strength, kindness and friendship.
“She held relationships with her family, friends and coworkers in high regard,” said Betty Weaver. Weaver is the health plan representative and assistant for Finance at Mennonite Mission Network. “She cared about others and the struggles they may be facing, often downplaying her own struggles,” Weaver said.
Boss, 61, died of natural causes at her home in Goshen, Ind., on her birthday, April 3.
She worked for Mennonite Mission Network for almost nine years, beginning August 2005. Deb Byler, the worker care director, and Boss’s supervisor, said, “She was an excellent assistant. When I gave her work, I could forget about it because I knew she would take care of it.”
Stanley W. Green, executive director of Mennonite Mission Network, remembered Boss for her diligence and compassionate spirit.
“For many of us, she was our teacher and guide in the way of how to live gracefully in the midst of struggle, hardship and pain,” said Green.
Numerous coworkers mentioned Boss’s peace and positive attitude despite the physical pain and discomfort she dealt with over the years. Boss had polycystic kidney disease, which meant that neither of her kidneys functioned and she needed daily dialysis.
“Krissie found a way to take the difficulties life dealt her, with grace,” said Rachel Stoltzfus, senior executive of Human Resources. “She was open about her physical challenges without feeling sorry for herself. I will miss the peace Krissie showed to us.”
In 2009, Weaver donated one of her kidneys to Boss. Weaver and Boss were close friends who were active at Sunnyside Mennonite Church (Elkhart, Ind.) and had served together as youth group sponsors. Sometime after the transplant, the donated kidney was affected by an illness and lost functionality.
“Dealing with enormous physical and other challenges, Krissie maintained a calm and uncomplaining spirit,” said Green. “Krissie will live on in our hearts, stirring us to live with courage and good cheer in all the circumstances of our lives.”
Several international workers wrote letters to Byler that mentioned how much they’ll miss Boss’s quiet presence at Mission Seminars. The annual week-long event brings together new and returning mission workers to discuss issues relevant to their ministries. Boss played a big role in organizing this event.
Boss was born April 3, 1953, in Columbiana, Ohio, to Albert and Carol (Schloneger) Blosser.
Boss enjoyed cross-stitching, gardening and reading. Byler also said that Boss enjoyed attending Notre Dame women’s basketball games and Notre Dame football. On Monday mornings, the two would often discuss Saturday night’s football game.
She is survived by her mother, Carol Blosser of Columbiana, Ohio; two children, Adam Boss of Goshen and Kaitlin (Daniel) Buzalski of Middlebury, Ind.; four siblings, Lynn (John) Mays of Union, Ky., Rick (Mary Kay) Blosser, Joanne (Craig) Mercer, and Terri (Tom) Wetherald all of Columbiana, Ohio; nine nieces and nephews; 10 great-nieces and -nephews; and in-laws, Paul Boss of Goshen and Elvira (Kenny) Burke of Mishawaka, Ind.
Two memorial services, one at Sunnyside Mennonite Church and one at the Newton office for Mennonite Mission Network, were held simultaneously on April 8. Memorials may be given to the Sunnyside Mennonite Church or Mennonite Mission Network.
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For immediate release
Mennonite Mission Network, the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA, leads, mobilizes and equips the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ in a broken world. Media may contact news@mennonitemission.net.