Sarah Ann 'Sally' Klose

KLOSE, Sarah Ann Sally
Portage Surrounded by the love of her family, Sarah Sally Klose died peacefully at home on June 3, 2013 following a short illness. Sally was born on July 17, 1940 in Kalamazoo to the late Victor F. and Anna L. Dargitz. She graduated from University High School in Kalamazoo and attended Western Michigan University. She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, LeRoy Larry; their three loving children: Lee Robert Bob Klose and wife Becky of Portage, Kimberly Sannella and husband Joseph of Fishers, Indiana and Michelle Klose of Portage; and their five grandchildren, Nick Sannella, Kristiana Sannella, Marah Klose, Olivia Sannella and Elliott Klose. Sally is also survived by her dear twin sister, Judy Goodling and husband Norm of Kalamazoo, a brother-in-law, Leonard Zickler of Nashville, Indiana and sister-in-law Carol Klose Tingwall and husband John of Novi and many nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased in 1997 by her sister Victoria Zickler. Sally's life was filled with the joys of her family and she delighted in motherhood and being a grandmother. An avid reader, she also was a crossword puzzle whiz, enjoying them even during her illness. She was an accomplished seamstress who not only upholstered furniture but created for her children and others a family of much-loved Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals that would rival those found in the Hundred Acre Wood. She also enjoyed gardening and cooking. Sally was a charter member of a bridge club that started in the 1960's and is still in existence. Her love of animals was sensed by the family pets and she was the center of the universe for Frannie, the family's golden retriever who will miss her dearly. For many years, she worked alongside her husband Larry at L.R. Klose Electric, was a member of the Service Club/Junior League of Kalamazoo and did volunteer work at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, June 9 at First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street, Kalamazoo. The family will receive visitors at the church at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice of SW Michigan, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Kalamazoo Humane Society or Junior League of Kalamazoo.