Elizabeth Ann "Liz" Closser

Elizabeth Ann “Liz” Closser, 83, of Sedalia, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Westchester Village in Lenexa, KS.

She was born on October 25, 1941, in Sedalia, MO, a daughter of Robert Carver and Velma (Paxton) Craig. She married Jesse E. Closser in Sedalia, MO, in 1960 and became the parents of Susan Hausam and Barb Closser.

Liz grew up in Sedalia, Missouri, where she attended Whittier Elementary School and Smith-Cotton High School. She later earned her GED in 1979 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and went on to achieve her Practical Nursing License in 1989 in Knoxville, Tennessee—a proud milestone that marked the beginning of a long and compassionate career in health care and long-term care. Her dedication to caring for others defined much of her life and touched countless families along the way.

In addition to her professional work, Liz had a generous spirit and often gave to help those in need. One cause close to her heart was the Columbia Buddy Pack Program, where she regularly donated to ensure children would not go hungry.

Liz had a joyful soul and found happiness in music—especially gospel and classic country and western tunes. She also enjoyed the friendly competition of playing pool and was an avid slow pitch softball player. Some of her fondest memories came from sharing the softball field with her daughters.

Above all, Liz treasured the moments spent with her family who she loved very much.

Survivors include two children, Susan Hausam, of Columbia, and Barbara Closser (Julie) of Lee’s Summit, two grandchildren; Michael Hausam and Ryan Hausam (Ashley) all of Columbia, two great-grandchildren; Gavin Hausam of Jacksonville, FL, Makenna Elizabeth Hausam of Columbia; one brother Ernest Craig, Sr. (Shirley), of Smithton, three sisters, Gloria Kruse of Sedalia, Kay Milligan (Dennis) of Aviston, IL, and Deanna Gleason (Bill) of Sedalia; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Liz was preceded in death by both of her parents and her husband; one half-sister, Mary (Carver) Holbert.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the funeral home with burial to follow in the Pilot Grove City Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.