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Laura KESLER Obituary

SALEM - Our beloved grandmother, Laura Sears Kesler, of Salem, Va., peacefully passed into the loving arms of the Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009.
Born in 1905, she was the second child to the late Minnie Palmer and John Henry Sears.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, D. Hatcher Kesler; a son, Leo E. Kesler; two grandsons, Larry M. Kesler and J. Frank
Chappell; eight brothers and sisters and 12 half-brothers and
sisters.
She is survived by her loving grandchildren, Rodney Kesler and his wife, Peggy of Check, Va., who unselfishly cared for her throughout the past year, Christina Cleary and her husband, Bill of Newport News, Va., and Joy Chappell of Seaford, Va.; great-grandchildren, Matthew Kesler and his wife, Anitra and Tanya Hicks and her husband, Derrick all of Check, Va., Sarah Cleary of Minneapolis, Minn., Mia Downing and her husband, Jake and David Chappell and his wife, Alexis all of Newport News, Va.; great-great-grandchildren, Macie and Kendall Downing and Alora-Dannon Chappell all of Newport News, Va. Laura is also survived by special friends, Charlie and Guida Lefler, who compassionately provided the help to enable Laura
to live as independent a life as possible in her home until last year and special friend, Audrey Bowers. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at John M. Oakey and Sons Funeral Home, Salem, Va., with graveside services immediately following at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, at the funeral home. The family would like to express their gratitude to Good Samaritan Hospice for all of their special care and assistance.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Good Samaritan Hospice, 125 Arrowhead Trail, Suite E, Christiansburg, VA 24073 or Oak Grove Church of the Brethren, 2138 McVitty Road, SW, Roanoke, Va.
The Kesler family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son, Salem, (540) 389-5441. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Press from Dec. 26 to Dec. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Laura KESLER

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December 30, 2009

Mrs. Kesler touched many lives during her long time on this Earth, so many people will feel her absence. Our condolences to all her loved ones. David and Phyllis Shank

December 28, 2009

I did not know Ms. Kesler,however I do know she had an angel(Peggy)taking of her these past months. Rodney and Peggy my thoughts and prayer are with you both and your family.My God bless you in your time of sorrow.

Bettye Osborne

December 28, 2009

Laura,was a dear friend of mine when I lived in Salem. I always visit her when i came to Va.We kept in touch until her hearing on the phone was difficult.
I loved her and grieve for an earthly life that has ended,but i know there is great rejoyicing in Heaven for a faithful servant of the Lord.

Ann Rozier

December 27, 2009

We have been friends of the Cole/Chewning family for many years and have heard the wonderful adventures of a much loved "Aunt Laura". We are saddened by your loss. We know the love of family and friends and the memory of a great lady will sustain you. Best Wishes from
Charlie and Ann Rozier

Kathryn Kesler Burger

December 26, 2009

Sympathy to all the family for the loss of Greataunt Laura.
Donald Burger
Cynthia Greer
Susan Tucker
Rose Gabel
Larry Burger

Kathrun Kesler Burger

December 26, 2009

Sincere sympathy to all the family on the loss of Aunt Laura.

Neta+ Ronnie Jackson

December 26, 2009

I wanted to say how sorry we were to hear of the loss of your loved one. Being Christine's neighbor, I had a chance to meet Laura. She had the prettiest smile and we will remember here that way. She was special to all who meet her. Rev.21:4 always provided comfort for myself during the loss of a loved one.
Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

December 26, 2009

laura & hatcher were our wonderful neighbors for ten
years. one could never ask for more wonderful people.

s.g. & joanne marshall
salem,va.

WAYNE COOK

December 25, 2009

LAURA WAS AN INSPIRATION TO ALL WHO KNEW HER. SHE AND HATCHER MADE EVERYONE FEEL SPECIAL. ONE WAS ALWAYS WELCOME IN THEIR HOME. HER HEALTH MAY HAVE FAILED BUT HER MIND WAS ALWAYS VERY KEEN. I MISS SEEING HER LOVING SMILE, CHEERFUL GREETING,AND HER PRESENCE.

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