Eileen Boss

Eileen Boss, 77, of Zeeland, died Friday, May 13, 2005, at her home. A North Holland educator whose career spanned 40 years, she started teaching in a one-room school at 18. She was named Michigan Rural Teacher of the Year in 1956, by the Michigan Rural Teachers' Association. She also received an "Excellence in Education" award the year she retired. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis Boss. Surviving are her children David and Barbara Boss of Bellevue, Wash., Christopher Boss and Rosemary (Murray) Smith of Santa Monica, Calif.; one granddaughter; brother-in-law Howard and Mary Bouwens of Zeeland; a nephew and several nieces. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, at Beechwood Reformed Church, 895 Ottawa Beach Road in Holland with the Rev. Jim Lankheet and Marlyn Vis officiating. A time of visiting will follow the service. Memorials or donations of children's books can be made to North Holland Elementary School Library, 11946 New Holland St., Holland, MI, 49424 or the Williams Syndrome Association, PO Box 297, Clawson, MI 48017-0297. Arrangements are by Lakeshore Memorial Services, 11939 James St.