Lucinda L. Kessler

Lucinda “Cindy” Loay Kessler, 71, of Wellston, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 16, 2021.  She was born on January 28, 1950, the daughter of the late Lucius Kessler and Fredelene (Farley) Wagoner. Her death followed a two-year battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis in the lungs.

Cindy was a long-time art teacher having taught in the Eastern School District and Wellston High School for 35 years. An accomplished artist herself, she enjoyed teaching the skill to countless students that came through her classroom. She believed that art was a learned skill and while some may have a natural ability, anyone could do anything with enough instruction and practice. Through her teaching, she touched the lives of many students. She also loved music, especially the guitar and piano and taught both to many students.

She was the president of the Jackson County Chapter of ORTA, a member of Garden Tenders Garden Club, the Wellston Rotary Club, Catholic Church choir and the Ecumenical choir, and a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston. It was through her efforts the Catholic church was able to secure a most needed organ.

Known to the multitude, she was also the owner and operator of Lee’s Steakhouse for nearly six years, following the death of her beloved Elias Lee Najm. She loved animals, especially her dog, Pickle that she was rarely seen without and her other dog, Buddy, and cat, Cally.

She is survived by her loving family: Sisters, Marcia Elaine Kessler, Margaret Lenoir Huston (Gary), Kathy Diane Nino (David), Andrea Doreen Schoonmaker, and Raye Angel Riley (Joe); nieces and nephews that she adored including Jeremy Shane Grates, Ecstasy Diane Adkins, Wesley Roberta Evans, Lindsay Breanna Sherwood, Brandon Nicholas Massie, Jaclyn Breann Morris, Mykel Lucius Morris and, Jordan Angelee Riley; step niece, Shannon Huston; step nephew, Shawn Huston; several great nieces and nephews; lifelong friend, Beverly Summers; special friends, Carol and Danny Williams, of Texas; as well as her restaurant employees that she saw as family.

In addition to her parents and Lee, she was preceded in death by a niece and nephew.

A funeral mass celebrating Cindy’s life will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wellston with Father Thomas Herge as celebrant. Burial will follow in Hamden Cemetery.  

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, in the chapel of R.M. Williams Funeral Service, Wellston, from 4 to 8 p.m., where the recitation of the rosary will commence at 8 p.m.

Please visit www.rmwilliamsfuneralservice.com to leave a message of comfort, encouragement, or condolence to the family or to view Cindy’s online video tribute.

R.M. Williams Funeral Service, Wellston, is honored to care for Cindy and her family.

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