Shelby Kessler Obituary
Shelby Faith Kessler, 28, of Corunna, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
She was born on September 7, 1996, in Sturgis, Michigan. Shelby was a 2015 graduate of Garrett High School, where she was a cheerleader and a member of the National Honor Society. She continued her education at Purdue Fort Wayne and Ivy Tech College. Shelby worked as a detailer administrator at Nucor and also enjoyed serving at Mino II in Garrett. Her love for animals led her to work for a time at the Garrett Veterinary Hospital.
Above all, Shelby loved being a mother to her daughter, Marleigh B. She also had a passion for photography and operated her own photography business, along with a craft company. Shelby loved baking especially cupcakes and cakes and enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing, kayaking, and even cleaning the fish she caught. She had a mechanical side as well, often working on her own truck, from oil changes to repairs.
In her younger years, Shelby was a lifeguard, spent many years as a gymnast at Classic City Center, and played the piano. She will be remembered for her creativity, determination, love of animals, and the joy she brought to those around her.
She is survived by her daughter, Marleigh Beatrice Waring; her parents, Jim and Tammy Kessler of Garrett; her sisters, Christine Smith-Ross, Angela Flores, Jennifer Malpica-Santos, Crystal Evans, and Adriana Arellaro; her brothers, Dustin Whims, Alex Whims, and Robert Evans; and her grandparents, Harold Kessler of Auburn and Christopher and Dorothy McPherson of Auburn. She was preceded in death by her grandmothers, Beatrice McPherson and Barb Kessler.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 1–4 p.m. and 5–9 p.m. at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 1 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, at the funeral home. Brother Bud Owen will officiate. Burial will be held in Christian Union Cemetery in Garrett. Memorial donations in Shelby's honor, may be made to the DeKalb Humane Society or to Marleigh's Educational Fund in care of Jim & Tammy Kessler.
To sign the online guest book or send condolences, please visit www.pinningtonfh.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shelby Faith Kessler, please visit our floral store.
Published by WFFT-TV 55 News on Aug. 17, 2025.