Hastings resident, Ruth Margaret Kessler, 101, passed away Monday, September 5, 2011 at Perkins Pavilion Good Samaritan Society-Hastings Village, Hastings, Nebraska.

Memorial service will be Saturday, September 10, 2011; 1:30 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church, Hastings with Rev. Dr. William Nottage-Tacey officiating. Private family burial will be in Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. There will be no visitation. Book signing will be Thursday, September 8, 2011; 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Friday, September 9, 2011; 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home, and one hour prior to service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church or Ruth Kessler Scholarship Fund at Hastings College.

Ruth was born April 5, 1910 in Stockton, Illinois to Martin & Christina (Bruechert) Schap. She attended public schools in Stockton, Illinois and graduated from the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa in 1932. Following her graduation she taught public school for a year and then married Silas G. Kessler on July 3, 1935 in Stockton, Illinois. She was active in every aspect of the life and work of the Church her husband served assisting him in all his pastorates. She was especially active in promoting the sale of SERRV articles made by artisans in a variety of countries and also assisting in the church library. Ruth was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Woman’s Association, Circle Sewing Group, George Elliott Club, Finches Club, and PEO Chapter DA. She cherished the friendships she made in those book clubs. Her major interest was the home and rearing of her two children.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Eleanor Wilson; and two brothers, Edward Schap and Melvin Schap.

Survivors include:
Husband: Dr. Silas Kessler – Hastings, NE
Son & Daughter-in-law: Stanley & Judy Kessler – Kendallville, IN
Grandchildren & Spouses: Allen & Jill Wilson – Dallas, TX
        Children: Jack & Silas Wilson
    Susan & Steve Hill – Lincoln, NE
        Children: Owen, Henry & Ellie Hill
Michael & Katrina Wilson – Everett Lake, WA
Benjamin & Andrea Kessler – Lincoln, NE
        Children: Lars, Jonas, & Helena Kessler
Matthew & Amy Kessler – St. Louis, MO
        Children: Linus & Hazel Kessler