Ruth A. (Smith) Kessler passed away just hours from her husband, Paul R. Kessler’s passing in Decatur Co. Memorial Hospital in Greensburg, IN. Ruth was born August 5, 1937 in Shelbyville, IN the daughter of the late Paul E. Smith and Eileen M. (McKinney) Smith. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul and a grandson Jason, her brother, Paul Smith and three sisters, Wanda Wilson, Linda Jones and Patricia Reed. She lived in this area her whole lifetime. Ruth was a graduate of Waldron HS class of 1955. She was employed for over 30 years as the Liberty Township Trustee’s office in Shelby County. She was a member of the Waldron United Methodist Church and the Rush County Extension Homemakers Club Friends Too. She loved to bake pies, loved to sew and paint, to read and to garden. She loved to entertain her family and friends. She also loved ice cream and candy bars.
Paul R. Kessler passed away just hours from his wife, Ruth. He was born October 28, 1933 in Manilla, IN the son of the late William H. Kessler and Florence (Keppel) Kessler. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth and a grandson, Jason, his sisters, Pauline Stickford, Pearl Kuhn and a brother William Kessler. He also lived in this area his whole lifetime. Paul was a farmer, he drove a school bus for Waldron Schools and was a truck driver for Kibler Trucking Co., and worked in the Shelby Co. Health Department. He was a member also of the Waldron United Methodist Church and was a US Army Veteran and served in Korea. He loved Hereford cows, Civil War History and loved to garden and to take care of his yard and enjoyed trucking along with the boys. He loved to bale hay and loved a cup of black coffee and a cinnamon roll.
Survivors for both Ruth and Paul include children Kathy S. (James) Verseman of Greensburg, IN; Rick (Karla) Kessler of Manilla, IN; Bill Kessler of Rushville, IN.; Grandchildren ,J.P., Emily, Jake, Jeremy, Tyler, Skyler, Michael, Amanda, Elizabeth , Dominic and Aunesti along with several great grandchildren. Ruth’s sister,Sandra (Marion) White of Pensacola, FL and Paul’s sister, Wilma Eileen Mitchell of Valparaiso, IN along with their dogs Molly and Princess.
Memorial contributions for Paul and Ruth may be made to the Blue River Community Foundation-Paul and Ruth Kessler Memorial Fund and or Triple “R” Equine Ranch Inc., 868 S. Co. Rd. 60 SW, Greensburg, IN 47240.
A Celebration of Life for both Ruth and Paul Kessler will be held at a later date. Private burial has taken place at the Blue Ridge Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Glenn E. George Funeral Home, St. Paul, IN.