Mary L. Kessler

Mary L. Kessler, age 85, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, died Friday, January 16, 2009, at the Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2009, at the Frank – Law – Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll. A memorial visitation will be held from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home on Sunday, January 25. Inurnment will be held at a later date a Oak Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carroll. A Memorial has been established in Mary’s name. Online condolences and memorial tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com .

Mary was born November 30, 1923, in Salem Twp., Mt. Carroll, Illinois, the daughter of Kenneth and Gladys (Campbell) Schneider. She attended country school at Oakville, and graduated from Mt. Carroll High School in 1942. Mary was united in marriage to Herbert W. Kessler at her parents home on March 23, 1943. Herbert preceded her in death on August 17, 1995.

Mary had worked for Ashby’s Grocery Store, Holman’s Food, and as a cook for the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department. She was also a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great – grandmother who enjoyed taking care of her family and spending time with good friends. Mary was known as an excellent cook, and her pies were “world famous.” She enjoyed piecing together puzzles and gardening.

Mary is survived and lovingly remembered by one daughter, Karen (Larry) Zink of Mt. Carroll, Illinois; two sons, Ronald C. (Sara) Kessler of Tucson, Arizona, and Rick L. (Linda) Kessler of Mt. Carroll; nine grandchildren, Scott, Jill, Jeff, Troy, Drew, Brooke, Laura, Megan, and Rikki; fourteen great – grandchildren; two sisters, Norma (Lawrence) Woessner of Shannon, Illinois, and Doris (Wilmer) Smith of Davis, Illinois; three brothers, John (Shirley) Schneider of Lanark, Illinois, Bill (Lelia) Schneider of Mt. Carroll, and Kenny (Donna) Schneider of Mt. Carroll; and one sister – in – law, Mary Schneider of Mt. Carroll; one brother – in – law, Charles Kessler of Mt. Carroll; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Herbert Kessler, one sister, Betty Kessler, and one brother, David Schneider.