Wilma Ruth Closson

Wilma Ruth (Stith) Closson, also known as “GG,” 77, of Cincinnatus (Taylor), NY, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2014, at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Johnson City, NY, while surrounded by her family.

Born in North Pitcher, NY on January 10, 1937, Mrs. Closson was the daughter of the late William and Myrtle Carr Stith.  A lifelong resident of the area, she was a member of the Pitcher Federated Church where she served as the President of the Ladies Aide Society.  She was also a member of the Taylor Wesleyan Church where she served as a Sunday School teacher, coordinated vacation bible school and the missionary society.  In her spare time, she served as a leader for the Cincy Chef’s 4-H Program for several years and also the seeing eye dog program.  In her earlier years, she supported her children as one of the “band mothers” that traveled and assisted the school band.  A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, she also was a babysitter to many children throughout the years.

She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, LeRoy Oliver Closson; and her children, Randy (Jacque) Closson, Shelby (Steven) Mudge, Luann (Kevin) King, Debra (Terry) Root, and Janet (Dean) Hufford.  She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; a brother, Jack (Rita) Stith; sisters, Margaret Parker, Roberta (Donald) Fuller, and Linda (Robert) Springer; a sister-in-law, Lori Stith; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Isadore, Charles, and Theodore Stith, Sr.

A graveside service will be held at the Taylor Rural Cemetery on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at 12:30 p.m. with Pastors Roy Morris and John Portney officiating.  The family will be present to receive friends at the K.L. Sharp Funeral Home, Cincinnatus, NY, on Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.  Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Closson may be directed to the Ladies Aide Society, c/o Pitcher Federated Church, Box 282, Pitcher, NY 13136.