Alberta Emma Kessler, 88, of Rushville died at 5:20 a.m. March 20, 2008, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.Alberta Emma Kessler, 88, of Rushville died at 5:20 a.m. March 20, 2008, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.
She was born Sept. 7, 1919, in Green Valley, a daughter of George and Alice Watson Wilson. She married Marshall W. Kessler on Oct. 20, 1940, in Astoria. He died Nov. 3, 2001.
She also was preceded in death by one brother, Harry Wilson; and two sisters, Laura Smith and Mabel Beam.
Surviving are two daughters, Gloria Diane (and Gerald) Sorenson of Granite City and Lisa G. (and Kelly) Skinner of Elwood; one sister, Mildred Kessler of Astoria; two grandchildren; five step grandchildren; and six step great-grandchildren.
She graduated from Rushville High School in 1938. She and her husband farmed north of Astoria, before moving to Rushville in the late 1960s.
She worked as a bookkeeper for West Foods in Petersburg and was a bookkeeper and arranger for Gaines Greenhouse and Stephens Greenhouse, both in Rushville. Later, she was a receptionist and assistant at Willis Veterinary Clinic. She retired as a ward clerk from Culbertson Memorial Hospital after 14 years of service.
She was a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rushville, delivered Meals on Wheels and volunteered at Schuyler Jail Museum and Genealogical Center in Rushville. After their retirement, she and her husband provided childcare services for many years.
Services were held Tuesday at her church with Rev. Kevin Kessler and Rev. John Sowers officiating. Burial was in Woodland Cemetery in Astoria. Wood Funeral Home in Rushville was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rushville, Woodland Church of the Brethren in Astoria or Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Condolences may be sent to www.woodfh.net.