Betsy Kesler, 93

Betty Jean Kesler, age 93, of Grand Ledge, Michigan, and a former long time Sturgis resident, affectionately known as Betsy, passed away early Saturday morning, October 26, 2024, at her home at Independence Village in Grand Ledge following a brief illness.

She was born September 2, 1931 in Fort Wayne, daughter of the late Creston and Ruth (Leek) Henderson.

Betsy grew up in Cedarville, Indiana and was a graduate of Leo High School.

As a young woman, she worked at International Harvester in Fort Wayne, where she met Charles Kesler, whom she married on July 8, 1950. He was the love of her life for 64 years until his passing on November 15, 2014.

Chuck and Betsy made their homes Fort Wayne, La Jolla, California, while Chuck was serving in the U.S. Navy, Allentown, Pennsylvania, Sturgis and Centreville. Betsy moved to Grand Ledge in 2021 to be closer to her daughter.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis since 1958. She was also a member of the Sturgis Junior Women’s League for 25 years and Sturgis Hospital Gift Shop Guild for many years.

She worked as the office manager for Kesler and Associates.

Betsy was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother and cherished family times. She was a true “Lady” and had a beautiful smile. Her kindness will be missed by those who knew her, especially her family.

She is survived by her daughter: Jacquelyn K. (Thomas) Jancek of Grand Ledge; son: Jeffrey S. (Tammy) Kesler of Bainbridge Island, Washington; grandchildren: Erin (Hermen) Diaz of Tonawanda, New York, Emilia Jancek of Chicago, Justen Otaka of Denver, and Devereaux (Emily Byrn) Kesler of Washington, DC, great grandchildren: Pippa and Opal Diaz and Annabelle Otaka and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother: Robert Henderson.

In honoring Betsy’s wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M., Thursday, November 7th at the First United Methodist Church, 200 Pleasant Ave. in Sturgis where memorial services celebrating the life of Betty Jean Kesler will immediately follow the visitation at 11:00. The Rev. Sue Babb and Robert Keim will officiate. A continued time of fellowship and the sharing of a meal will take place in the church fellowship hall following the memorial service. Interment of the remains will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan.

The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial donations would be appreciated to First United Methodist Church, 200 Pleasant Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or Sturgis Community Foundation, 310 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.