Ruby L. Kessler Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ruby Louise Kessler, 88 years, peacefully passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2020. She was born October 11, 1931 at Sawyer, Kansas and was the only child of Jesse and Bessie (Montgomery) Riffey. Answering the call of her Savior, she was baptized along with six of her friends on August 4, 1946 and became a member of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church. Not having any siblings, Mom cherished her childhood friends, her many cousins, as well as her church family. One of her long-time friends, Leonard Kessler, won her heart and they were united in marriage on September 22, 1951 and were blessed with two sons. Leonard and Ruby moved to a little home on the west edge of Sawyer and then in 1961 they moved back to her childhood country home. Mom was a wonderful example of gracious hospitality. She welcomed many into her home and precious memories were made around their dining room table. Mom enjoyed her homemaking, was an accomplished seamstress, raised a beautiful vegetable and flower garden. She cared for her mother Bessie in her home for several years and then as Dad's health began to fail, she lovingly cared for him. After Dad's death in 2013, it appeared Mom was tired, and she often remarked she did not want to be a burden to any of us. It soon became painfully apparent she was being robbed of her memory and when no longer safe for her to remain in her home, with her selfless insistence, she moved to Pratt Rehabilitation and Residence Center where she remained until her death. Through the years, mom so enjoyed singing songs and hymns, and even had her own hand copied songbook. When she was no longer able to carry on a coherent conversation, we were amazed how she could whisper the scripture a long with the minister or join in with those who blessed her with their singing. Nearing the end of her earthly stay, mom had not shown any response for several days, but the afternoon before passing into the arms of Jesus, she lightly responded to the singing of Sun of My Soul Thou Savior Dear. Surviving are her two sons: Merlin (Rhonda) and Ronnie (Nadine). She felt her highest calling as a wife and mother, but found some of her greatest joy when she became a grandmother to her nine grandchildren; Shelly (Paul) Arnold of Ellensburg, Washington, Clayton (Micha) Kessler of Pratt, Dannon (Derek) Craig of Sawyer, Melissa (Denton) Brooks of Pomona, Latisha (Ethan) Fisher of Peterstown, West Virginia, Gregory (Tina) Kessler of Sawyer, Brenna (Jamin) Wade of Pomona, Eli (Dinah) Kessler of Sawyer and Derek Kessler of Sawyer; sisters in law Naomi Stamy and Opal (Roland) Boone and twenty great grandchildren as well as her nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, her parents-in-law Raymond and Minnie (Flory) Kessler, great-granddaughter, Tyra Nell Brooks, and one brother-in-law, Hubert Stamy. Even though we will greatly miss her, we rejoice in her freedom from pain and confusion. We are thankful for her example, our precious memories and look forward to a heavenly reunion where, together, we will join in singing praises around His throne.

Ruby L. Kessler

October 11, 1931 - May 13, 2020