Reva Gose

Reva Gose lived a life few of us can imagine today. She grew up on a farm in rural Kentucky, hoeing tobacco, riding horses bareback and attending a one room school house. While it may seem quaint to some, Reva learned about hard work, responsibility and gaining strength from one’s faith and family.

Born on April 15, 1912 in West Liberty Kentucky to Troy and Elizabeth (Williams) Haney, Reva was the fifth of six girls. Reva was always fascinated by the fact that she was born on the same day as the tragic sinking of the Titanic. Troy and Elizabeth worked hard to raise their large family on their farm. Reva and her sisters learned early on the necessity of hard work, cooperation and responsibility. There were plenty of chores and of course the children were expected to do their fair share. Reva had early memories of hoeing tobacco, and collecting eggs from the hens. She also had fond memories of waking up to her dad’s banjo playing, popping corn over an open fire, climbing trees and swinging on the garden gate. Later in life, the memory of horses running through water could bring a smile to Reva’s face as she remembered her childhood.

In school there was a family named Gose with three young boys. In a small town everyone knows everyone else and of course Reva and her sisters were acquainted with the Gose brothers. Reva caught Garlan Gose’s eye and she in turn noticed him. Garlan asked Reva to marry him and she said yes. The two were married on December 20, 1930. Reva’s sisters noticed the Gose brothers too, each of them marrying one of Garlan’s brothers, Corbett and Arnold. The sisters remained close and they all eventually relocated to the Vicksburg area in Michigan. The families were often together and Reva enjoyed trips back to West Liberty to visit with the family members.

Over the years, Reva and Garlan brought five beautiful children into the world: Maxine, Dale, Denzil, Kenneth and Ethylene. While Reva was a caring mother who would sacrifice for her children she was also a strict disciplinarian who taught her children right from wrong. She had rules in her house and expected the children to follow them. She had strong hands, for loving but never for discipline. She also was a woman of strong faith, who made sure her children knew the Bible, followed “the Golden Rule” and treated everyone with respect. Sometimes Reva would not give her opinion, so as not to offend anyone. Reva was also a good cook and baker who made the children’s favorite dishes when she could: fried chicken, Johnny cakes, cobbler and custard pie.

Great tragedy came to Reva later in life with the death of her grandson Bradley in 1968, Garlan in 1983, the death of their son Dale who died unexpectedly in 1988, and her son-in-law Wayne in 2001. It was Reva’s strong faith in the Lord that lifted her up, giving her the courage and strength she needed to get through these difficult times, setting the example for her family

Reva had many happy times in her life, but two of the happiest times were when her children were born and when almost all of the family and many friends came to help her celebrate her ninetieth birthday. These were special times that she always cherished.

In 2000, after a fall, Reva had to leave the home that she loved so much. She moved into Park Village Pines, an assisted living facility. She soon became accustomed to her new home, making friends and joining in the activities. Some of Reva’s favorite activities were movie night (with popcorn, of course), playing tossem, music with Matt, and attending church and prayer services.

Reva Gose was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother. She was a hard worker who used her talents to support and care for her family. She was a strict, but loving mother who taught her children right from wrong and she possessed a wonderful sense of humor which she passed on to her children. She will be missed by all who were blessed to know her in her long and fruitful life.

Reva Francis Gose died on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Park Village Pines. Learn more about Reva, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the same location. Her legacy includes her 2 daughters: Maxine Stienbarger and Ethylene and her husband John Miller, 2 sons: Denzil and his wife Marsha Gose and Kenneth and his wife Janice Gose, a daughter-in-law Bonnie Gose, 15 grandchildren and 37 great and 37 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Garlan, a son Dale, a grandson Bradley as well as her sisters Anzie, Bessie, Rissie, Minnie, and Geneva and her son-in-law Wayne. Please visit Reva’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the Faith Fellowship Church..