Martha F. Closson
OTTAWA - Martha F. "Marty" Closson, 96, of Ottawa died at 12:05 a.m. Monday, April 20, 2015 at The Meadows at Ottawa. She was born April 26, 1918 in Ottawa do the late John Ludwig "Louie" and Martha (Callahan) Fenbert.
She was the loving mother of 4 daughters: Joan Kuhlman of Pandora, Diane Ricker of Ottawa, Marilyn Miehls of Kalida, and Barb (Dean) Sager of Ottawa; 10 grandchildren: Richard Geib, Bart Geib, Jodi Maag, Tom Kuhlman, Bob Ricker, Kathy Utrup, Ric Miehls, Barb Schroeder, Dena Kindle, and Amy Martin; 23 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and a brother: Wilbur Fenbert of Findlay. She was preceded in death by a grandson: Ron Miehls, Jr.; 2 brothers: Paul and Tom Fenbert; and a sister: Lori Frost.
Martha was a very accomplished business woman and a hard working perfectionist in her career. Her background in business started with her husband, Elmer Kuhlman. Martha and Elmer were part owners in Hoyt's Tavern. During this endeavor Martha learned a great deal about the business world and the persistence that is required in managing a business. In a sense, this was her hands-on education to what would become her life's passion. After the sale of Hoyt's Tavern she worked at the Oak Restaurant and after hard work she was offered a management position at the L & M Restaurant where she worked for many years.
With many years of experience she and her second husband, Cal Closson, opened up the Red Tops Pizza. Red Tops was the only place in Ottawa to offer pizza along with the best chicken and hamburgers in town. Martha enjoyed the hard work and rewards she encountered. Her children and grandchildren still have memories of eating at Red Tops till this day.
Later in life, Martha decided to become a child care professional for the nicest people in Ottawa. The extraordinary care that she provided their children is remembered by all and the children still had a passionate relationship with Martha, always remembering her loving ways.
Martha was delighted with the relationship she had developed with her fantastic grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She left them a wonderful legacy. Her family feel truly blessed and thank God for every day that they spent with her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2015 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa with Fr. Matt Jozefiak officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa. Memorials may be made to the Challenged Champions.
Condolences can be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.

---