“But now this is what Yehovah says, He who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I am calling you by your name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
Michelle Foss knew this promise and because of it, died peacefully Saturday night in her earthly home after a battle with cancer, completely ready for Yeshua to take her to her eternal home.
In 1954, Harold “Red” Foss and Wilma (Dillon) Foss had their fourth child – a miracle baby, Michelle. Growing up, Michelle led a full life, keeping up with her older brothers, playing many sports, and participating in the marching band. She fondly talked about taking many road trips with her parents, hitting all the lower 48 as her mom sped down the interstate. After graduating from Madison High School in 1972 and doing an assortment of jobs – from dental technician to State Highway Patrol dispatcher, Michelle went to Southwestern Assemblies of God University and earned her degree in pastoral ministry and counseling. She dedicated her life to helping people by working primarily with adolescents in many capacities as a counselor throughout Ohio. Her longest position, and the one of which she was most thankful for, was as the director of the Positive Opportunities Program for Mansfield City Schools. She worked with over a thousand teens as a part of that program and loved every minute.
Michelle continued to play the drums, and up until a month before her death she and a friend were recording mini sessions for a quarantined audience. She primarily played with Healing Songs, a local worship team, but she also played for other groups whenever she got the chance. If you ever got to hear her play, you know words couldn’t describe the anointing she had on the drums.
Michelle’s other joy was teaching the Torah and Scriptures. Michelle was the first one to tell you she wasn’t perfect, but she strived to live strictly by the Holy Word and follow the entire Torah to the best of her ability. For many years she taught at local places of worship as well as in her home and in Rittman, Ohio. Having a Jewish birthright, and finding the Jewish Yeshua, brought her the most peace and happiness – and she wanted to share that with the world. She treasured her faith and after retiring in 2010, spent each day “working” at her desk – studying the Word, Hebrew, writing sermons, blogging, and encouraging others.
Up until Michelle’s very last day, she was a feisty preacher and great encourager. She loved people fully, was very forgiving and gracious, and wanted the best for everyone in her life. She will be incredibly missed by everyone who knew her.
Michelle was preceded in death by her parents, Harold “Red” Foss and Wilma (Dillon) Foss. Her infant sister, Cheryl Foss; her two brothers, Douglas Foss and Michael Foss. She is survived by two sisters-in-law: Katy Foss of Mansfield and Marlene Foss of Ohio City; four nieces and nephews: Mindi (Michael) Brinegar of Mansfield; Stephan Foss of Mansfield; Bryan (Tony) Foss of Columbus; and Michaela Foss of Florida; 5 great nieces and nephews; several cousins; her little dog, Titus; and too many mishpocha and “kids” to count.
A memorial service will be Thursday, July 16, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Fusion Church in Lexington, Ohio. Social distancing guidelines will be followed.
Please forgo sending flowers, and instead, consider donating to the International Fellowship of Christian and Jews at ifcj.org
The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family of Michelle Foss.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.wappner.com.
