Valeda Ann Close (Kirby), 84, resident of Collinsville for 48 years passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 17, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. with her husband and daughter by her side.  Valeda was born in Denver, Colorado on October 14, 1939 to Charles Kirby and Ann Crawford.

Valeda (Val) is survived by her husband, Loren Dean Close, Sr. (Collinsville), daughter DeAnna, J Close (Troy), Andrew Huckla (St. Louis), Nathaniel and Jordan Huckla (Phoenix), Zachary Doussard (Troy.), her son Loren Dean Close, Jr. and Angela Close (Edwardsville), Madalyn Close (Troy), Ashlin Close and Brooklin Close (Edwardsville) along with nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

Valeda worked as a paraprofessional for Collinsville Unit 10 with students with special needs.  She married Loren "Larry" Close on April 18, 1964 after meeting at the local bowling alley where she bet him that she would win in a game of bowling. He lost that day, but won her love for almost 60 years.  Larry was in the Air Force so they moved frequently.  In 1970 a son, Loren was born in Wichita, Kansas.  Their daughter DeAnna was born in Mountain Home, Idaho in 1973. The family then moved to Germany where they remained for the next two years. In 1975, Collinsville became their home.

Valeda was an avid volunteer for many organizations including the local thrift shop, meals on wheels, she was an active PTA member at Dorris School and also worked at the SOS soup kitchen.  She was a devout Christian and longtime member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Collinsville where she attended church on a weekly basis and loved going to Bible study.  She never met a stranger and was always willing to help with any and everything as she always put everyone else before herself

Valeda and Larry had many friend circles and loved to dance many dances. They played cards, rode bikes, and ate out and gathered with friends and family on a weekly basis.  She truly believed and said that she was fine with every obstacle she was faced in life; her cup was always half full and always told everybody that God was in charge.  She had a decline in her health a few years ago yet never missed a day of visiting her husband and she took care of him until her last breath.  She will be truly be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family has recommended that donation be made in her name to the First United Presbyterian Church (Collinsville, IL) or Vitas Hospice and Palliative Care: https://vitascommunityconnection.org