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Martha Kessinger Obituary
November 19, 1929 - May 3, 2025
Lexington, Kentucky - Martha Bishop Kessinger, 95, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, after a full life marked by grace, joy, and steadfast devotion to her family, friends, and faith. Martha was born in Louisville, Kentucky on November 19, 1929, to the late Sanford and Frances Bishop. From an early age, Martha embraced both adventure and elegance. A graduate of Atherton High School, Martha participated in multiple sports, and she loved riding horses, performing as a majorette and serving as a member of Teen Board. She then attended the University of Kentucky, where she met her beloved husband, Ben L. Kessinger, Jr. At the University of Kentucky, Martha was a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and she remained closely connected to her alma mater throughout her life, serving on the Alumni Board and becoming a life member of the UK Alumni and a Fellow of the UK Alumni Association.
Martha and Ben loved spending time together with their family, including countless hours at swimming pools in Lexington and around the country. Their devotion to their children and the sport led to spearheading the creation of the Greater Lexington Swim Club, which enabled countless athletes to train and compete in the sport they loved. She and Ben also served as Presidents of Henry Clay High School PTA, sharing their time and leadership in support of their children and community. Martha also enjoyed her service to the community as a member of the Junior League of Lexington.
Martha was a generous friend to many. A gifted hostess and joyful participant in all of life's celebrations, she belonged to three bridge clubs, three supper clubs, and two birthday clubs – each one a testament to her lifelong commitment to friendship and community. She thoroughly enjoyed spending time with friends and family at the Idle Hour Country Club and the Keeneland Club. She was always ready with a new joke to make everyone laugh.
Most importantly, Martha was a constant and faithful Christian. A member of First United Methodist Church for over 75 years, she served on numerous church committees. Many were blessed to receive her blessings and prayers, always articulated with eloquence and grace.
Martha was devoted to her family. She treasured her husband, Ben, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership. She was endlessly proud of her three children, Kendall Lee Kessinger, Sandy (Robert) Featherston, and Benjamin Lee (Mason) Kessinger, III, each of whom carry forward her values, her spirit, and her grace. She delighted in her six grandchildren, Frances Hart (Adam) Boardman, Benjamin Hays (Sarah) Featherston, Carly Mcallister, Charlotte Bishop Kessinger, Benjamin Lee Kessinger IV, William Mason Kessinger, and four great grandchildren, Briggs Boardman, Price Boardman, Bobby Featherston, and Charlie Featherston whose lives brought her boundless joy. A service will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 10:30 am at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lexington Humane Society, 1600 Old Frankfort Pike Lexington, Kentucky 40504, or the Methodist Home of Kentucky, PO Box 930, Nicholasville, Kentucky 40340.
Memories and Condolences
for Martha Kessinger
Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.
13 Entries
Chuck Eckerline
July 14, 2025
I just learned of Mrs. Kessinger's passing. She and her husband, B.L. were the Chairs of the Swim Committee during the 9 wonderful summers that I spent as a lifeguard and Swim Coach at Idle Hour during the '70's. They were very kind and supportive of me as a young man, and I developed enormous respect for them both and became close with the whole family. B.L. wrote me a letter of recommendation for medical school at UK and their whole family took me to dinner when I graduated.
My sincere condolences to Kendall, Sandy and Lee.
Stanene Hickey
May 11, 2025
I loved Martha dearly as my "adopted Mother". She has been my mentor and friend for close to 40 years. She will be missed but oh, how the angels and loved ones already there must be rejoicing in Heaven.
With sincere sympathy Stanene Hickey
Sarah Davis
May 9, 2025
So sorry about your Mom. Recovering from shingles. Oh so many wonderful memories especially at swimming pools with Beth and Kendall and Lee. ,Sandy
Sarah Davis
May 9, 2025
So sorry not to make her service but am recovering from shingles. Oh so many many good memories. Sarah Davis
Lynn Turley Scott
May 9, 2025
I only just learned that you lost your precious mother Martha, and I am deeply sorry for her passing. Martha was my mother´s dear friend for many years and most of all I remember her kind and loving spirit. I will treasure the memory of Martha and send love to your family
Lucy Cramer Cox
May 7, 2025
To have known her all of my life is truly a blessing. "Aunt" Martha was the star of our family Christmas party and ALWAYS had new jokes and funny stories to share. She loved her family and friends with her whole heart and we will all miss her, but I know BL will be so happy for the reunion with his girl!
With love and heartfelt symathy, Lucy
Mary Ann Daviss
May 7, 2025
Today, apr 7 is the first I knew about Martha. I am so surprised and sad I had no idea she was leaving us - I was hoping for dinner together this spring. I will miss her, I loved her - such a friend fo so long.
Chip Larkin
May 7, 2025
In reality all we leave behind are the memories from those we love and those who have loved us. In life, we are fortunate to be able to count on one hand , those people whose memories impact our lives and which we carry with us throughout our lives. Mrs Kessinger was such a person to me. She was the epitome of what defines a true southern lady. She always wrote me small personal thank you notes for the little things I did for Sandy. She treated me like a son.
She made the effort to come to my father's funeral. She was always compassionate and considerate.
Both Mr and Mrs Kessinger were dear people who represented the charm and character of old Lexington. They were class. In this day and time that spirit and kindness are rare.
Although I have been gone from Lexington for a long time, it will always be home. A part of that feeling will always be Mrs. Kessinger. She was a wonderful mother, a loving and devoted wife and the anchor of the family.
In summary, although she is physically gone, her memory will always live in her family, friends and most importantly for me. It was a gift to have known her and we were blessed by her life.
Mary Lee Snyder Antrim
May 6, 2025
A true Lady and always shared her friendship . She will be missed by all of us
Megann Thomas
May 6, 2025
My brothers and I grew up with the Kessingers and Martha´s continued friendship with my Mom has continued well past the years of our beloved Cooper Cul-de-sac. Love and Blessings to our friends, the Kessinger family, during this time of loss.
Rebecca Stone
May 5, 2025
I didn´t have the privilege of knowing Mrs. Kessinger, but I know one of her wonderful grandchildren and I know how deeply she was loved and admired by her family. I´m so sorry for your loss and wishing the family comfort and peace as they celebrate her life and remarkable spirit.
Samuel M. Kinkead
May 5, 2025
"With heartfelt condolences to the family. Martha's generous spirt and friendly smile will never be forgotten."
Martie
May 5, 2025
What an amazing woman and wonderful life! God bless you all.
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Memorial Events
for Martha Kessinger
May
9
Memorial service
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
First United Methodist Church
200 West High Street, Lexington, KY 40507
Funeral services provided by:
Kerr Brothers Funeral Home - Main St.463 East Main Street, Lexington, KY 40509
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