Martha J. “Chickie” (Stodart) Close, 92, of Madera died on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at 4:45 PM at the Clearfield Hospital.
Born on January 14, 1919 in Madera, a daughter of the late William A. and Jessie P. (Herdman) Stodart. She graduated from the Madera High School in 1938.
On September 23, 1940 in Hagerstown, MD, she wed Irvin “Chubby” Close who preceded her in death on March 25, 1984. She was a homemaker and Presbyterian by faith.
Mrs. Close is survived by three daughters, Rebecca L. DeVinney and her husband Richard of Bellefonte; Mary Kathleen Swoope and Ed Polacek of Glen Hope; and Linda M. Sukala and her husband Michael of Coalport. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.
A sister, J. Pauline Orner of Gettysburg, also survives as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Close was preceded in death by a brother, John “Jack” Herdman Stodart, and four sisters, Emma Stodart, Ida M. Knoch, Mary Louise McCoy and Rebecca Swartsworth.
Friends will be received at the Kruise Funeral Homes, Inc., Madera on Thursday, March 10 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and on Friday, March 11 from 9-11 a.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 11 at 11 a.m. in the Kruise Funeral Home, Inc, Madera, with Rev. Thomas A. McCoy officiating. Interment will follow in the Brisbin I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Brisbin. Condolences may be sent to: condolences@kruisefuneralhome.com