Dorothy Sue Kessler

Dorothy Sue Simmons Kessler, 85, of Fincastle, Va., died Tuesday, February 17, 2009. Mrs. Kessler graduated from Fincastle High School and Farmville State Teachers College, now Longwood University. Mrs. Kessler taught biology at Covington High School and Fincastle High School and coached girl's basketball at both schools. She worked side-by-side with her husband in their store, Fincastle Mart, for many years.
In 1982 she joined the Clerk's office for the Circuit Court of Botetourt County. There she assisted people researching their genealogy for almost 20 years. She helped accumulate many genealogical records and resources for the Clerk's office.
She was a 1969 founding member of Historic Fincastle, Inc. (HFI). She served on the HFI Board of Directors and was President from 1992 to 1995. She was an historian and author of a number of books on Fincastle's history. She delighted tour audiences with interesting information about early American life in Fincastle at the restored James Matten Early Cabin, home to the Fincastle Museum. In 2000 she was recognized for 30 years of service to HFI. She was an active member of the Botetourt County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, serving as Chapter Historian.
She was a 1951 charter member of Big Spring Garden Club where she served in many officer positions including President. She was a lifelong member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church of Fincastle where she lovingly served as Chairman of the Altar Guild, President of the Episcopal Church Women, and was active in all aspects of church life. She cherished her time with her husband and family on Craig's Creek in Craig County.
She was predeceased by her husband, Harry W. Kessler Jr.; parents, Anthony Graybill and Gwendolin Miller Simmons; infant brother, Anthony Graybill Simmons Jr.; brother, William Montague Simmons; and brother-in-law, John Moore Kessler.
She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Harry W. III and Lynne S. Kessler, and Anthony (Tony) S. and Karen C. Kessler, of Roanoke; grandchildren, Leila Kessler Quinlan and her husband, Scott C., of Alexandria, Harry W. Kessler IV and his fiancée, Suzanne Adams, of Norfolk, Daniel G. Kessler, of Nashville, Michael A. Kessler and Christopher J. Kessler, of Roanoke; sister-in-law, Patricia P. Simmons, of Fincastle; sister-in-law, Lillian Kessler Bondurant and her husband ,Hix C., of Radford; sister-in-law, Suzanne B. Kessler, of Richmond; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The memorial service will be conducted 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2009, at St. Mark's Episcopal Church of Fincastle by the Rev. Craig A. Dolack. Interment will follow in Godwin Cemetery with the Rev. David A. Dickerson assisting. The family will greet friends at the St. Mark's Ministry Center following the internment.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark's Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 277, Fincastle Va. 24090 or to Historic Fincastle, Inc., P.O. Box 19, Fincastle, Va. 24090. Arrangements by Rader Funeral Home, Daleville, Va.