Jean Closs

Sibagene “Jean” (Widemon) Closs passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, early Thursday morning, December 7, 2023, at the age of 95 years old.  She was born on September 13, 1928, in Leachville, AR, the daughter of John and Mamie Widemon. She met and married her husband, David Closs on May 7, 1955, and they settled in Marshall, MI. There they welcomed their only child, a daughter, Linda (Closs) Michael. Jean valued hard work, a skill that served her well when she picked cotton as a young girl and worked various factory jobs to help support her family, eventually retiring from Corning. After losing her husband in 1973 she navigated life with remarkable independence, resilience and strength, raising their daughter alone and instilling in her many of the same values. She was an active member in various churches throughout the years and loved to visit the Gospel Barn on the weekends for the music and fellowship with friends. Jean loved a good deal, a passion that she shared with her daughter. They would spend hours combing the clearance racks in search of bargains; family and friends were often recipients of the treasures they found. She was by her daughter’s side in 2010 when Linda lost her battle with breast cancer. If you knew Jean, you knew she loved: the color red, gospel music, Shirley Temple movies, Louie’s Bakery, butter pecan ice cream, pizza with crushed red pepper and chicken strips with honey mustard. She was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, and her daughter. Surviving are her two grandchildren, Tabitha (Steven) Neal and Joshua (Leslie) Traughber; six great grandchildren, Kendal and Camden Schmitt, Karlie Neal, Jackson, Claire and Mykalin Traughber; and a special nephew, Anthony Widemon. The family will receive visitors on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 11AM at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27N, Marshall, MI 49017 where a funeral service will be held at 12 PM with Pastor Troy Gentz officiating. Interment will be immediately following at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall. Also, please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave the family condolences.