Elizabeth Mary "Betty Mae" Kessler

Betty Kessler

Betty Kessler, age 88, passed away Thursday, September 13, 2018 in Emporia, KS.

Elizabeth Mary Kerschen (Betty Mae), was the youngest of Mary Gunzleman and Mathias Kerschen’s three children, born May 13, 1930 in Wichita.  She was raised with her brother, Matthew, and sister, Mary Lou, in west Wichita.  Her schooling was at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Mount Carmel Academy.

From an early age she showed a musical talent and studied with voice and organ teachers. After high school she and another vocalist along with their teacher traveled to California where the two auditioned for Hollywood Studio Symphonies. Influenced by the writings of Thomas Merton and J.F. Powers she felt a calling to religious life and entered a cloistered community in Detroit, MI.  After three years of discernment, she left and was recruited by the Air Force as a decoder, living in Nebraska and later, Ohio. She returned to Wichita working in several law firms and married Emmett Kessler (d. 1995) in June 1959.

Surrounded by 40 acres of wheat, they raised five children among the occasional collie and flocks of sheep.  The kitchen table served up not only meals and camaraderie, but also catechism quizzes and Saturday radio broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera.  Walls were covered with artwork of various abilities, lists of daily chores and recognition for the sibling who earned a stay in the “doghouse”.

A true life-long learner, Betty returned to college showing a keen interest in Native American culture and Religious Studies.  The puzzles of Will Shortz, novels of James Lee Burke and old copies of "America" and “Smithsonian” were constant companions across the years. She helped begin the ministry to visually impaired persons in the Diocese of Wichita. After moving to Emporia she continued to impact the lives of many through service at Kansas Talking Books and Hand-in-Hand Hospice.

Betty is survived by her five children.  Basil (Annette) Kessler of Emporia with three children, Ean, Jordan and Chelsey and granddaughter Brooklyn Crocket. Rev. Mathew Kessler, East Bernard, TX.  Paula (Chris) Moore of White Hall, MD and son Thomas.  Eric (Audrey) Kessler of Broken Arrow, OK and daughters Megan and Amber.  Kurt (Reinae) Kessler of Dripping Springs, TX with Garrett Ritchie and Kirsten (Joel) English and their daughters, Skylar and Sunny.

Visitation followed by a vigil service will begin at 5:00 pm on Sunday, September 16th at Didde Catholic Center near the campus of Emporia State University.  The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 am on Monday, September 17th at Adorers of the Blood of Christ Convent in Wichita.  Mass is preceded by visitation beginning at 9:00am on Monday at the convent.   The family extends sincere gratitude to all who cared for and attended to mom and the family in these final months, especially Rene Davis.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Didde Catholic Campus Center, Hand-in-Hand Hospice, or Adorers of the Blood of Christ

Any such memorial may be sent to: Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home P.O. Box 175, Emporia, KS 66801.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website: robertsblue.com Services arranged by Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home of Emporia.