LaRue R. Kessler, 88, of Altoona and formerly of Sandy Ridge, died Friday, April 28, 2017, at Maybrook Hills Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Altoona.
Born March 16, 1929, she was a daughter of Ernest and Bernice (Boyer) Reese, both of whom preceded her in death.
She was a 1947 graduate of the former Philipsburg High School.
She was retired from the dietary department at the former Philipsburg State General Hospital.
Prior to her service at the hospital, she was employed as a switchboard operator with Bell Telephone and then with Viceroy, formerly of Osceola Mills.
She was a member of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Sandy Ridge. She was a dedicated volunteer to both her church and the Mountain Top Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary.
Also, she had been a volunteer with the former Philipsburg State General Hospital Auxiliary during her retirement.
She enjoyed a number of activities, including reading, flower gardening and quilting.
She was married Aug. 1, 1953 in Philipsburg to Roland S. “Pat” Kessler. He preceded her in death Nov. 30, 1997.
She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Marietta Johnson and Lane Dixon and five brothers, Horace, Jack, Robert, Franklin and Donald Reese.
She is survived by one daughter, Cynthia Yingling and her husband, David of York; one son, William P. Kessler and his wife, Kimberly of Altoona; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Charles Reese and his wife, Peggy of Glen Mills and Walter Reese and his wife, Patty of Dallastown; one sister-in-law, Kay Reese of Martinsburg; and one brother-in-law, William Johnson of Erie.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday at the Beezer-Heath Funeral Home, Philipsburg. Burial will be in Philipsburg Cemetery.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. May 20 at the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Sandy Ridge, with Pastor Jennifer Heikes officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3, Sandy Ridge, PA 16677.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.beezerheathfh.com.
