Mary Ann Kessler

On October 19, 2015, Ann passed away of natural causes in Houston, Texas. Born in San Diego, California, on June 12, 1942, Ann had just recently turned 73 years old. She was the only child of the proud parents of Joyal and Vergie Dunford.

On September 15, 1959, Ann married Jacob John Kessler, Jr. They had three children; Teresa Jo, Brian Keith, and Mark Wayne. Ann and her family lived in Oklahoma City before moving to the Houston area in the mid 70’s.

For the last 20 years, Ann shared her life with Bill Lacy, whom she met in Houston. Ann and Bill established a home together in Ardmore in 2012. Ann was delightfully contented living in Ardmore. She remarked on numerous occasions that she would never live anywhere else because she enjoyed Ardmore’s quality of life. She was enamored with the peace and quiet of their neighborhood and the welcoming-nature of the residents of Ardmore. She was especially fond of her neighbors and was always telling her children about the many thoughtful ways her neighbors showed their friendship, care, and support for both her and Bill.

One of Ann’s favorite activities while living in Ardmore was sitting on the front porch with Bill and soaking in the relaxing sounds and activities of the many birds and squirrels who regularly visited her numerous feeders. Ann also adored her two dogs, Candy Cane and Lollipop, whom she rescued from local shelters. She definitely appreciated the love and care the staff of Ardmore Animal Hospital bestowed upon her cherished pets. “The girls,” as she frequently referred to her dogs, followed her around like shadows.

While living in Ardmore, she discovered the joys of tending to plants and her landscaping. She loved working in the yard and caring for her plants. Bill and Ann loved going to Ten Star Pizza on a weekly basis, not just for the food but also for the warm welcoming that they received every time they went there. She especially adored shopping in the antique stores in downtown Ardmore. Ann loved cooking for friends and family, especially for Bill. She was always buying cookbooks and trying out new recipes.

Ann was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Virgil and Audie Lambeth of Ringling and her paternal grandparents Leonard and Opal Dunford of Ardmore, as well as her parents Joyal and Vergie Dunford of Oklahoma City.

She is survived by Bill Lacy; her daughter Teresa Jo Moss and her husband Lane; her son Brian Keith Kessler and his wife Norma; and her son Mark Wayne Kessler and his wife Lee; her four grandchildren Mitchell Lane Moss and his wife Lauren; Brianna Kessler; Nicole Kessler; and Austin Kessler.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2015, at the Alexander Funeral Home Chapel of Wilson. Interment will follow at the Ringling Memorial Cemetery.

Family visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday evening at the Alexander Funeral Home Chapel of Wilson.

Pallbearers are Brian Kessler, Mark Kessler, Lane Moss, Mitch Moss, Calvin Wade, Brent Wade, and Austin Kessler.

Condolences may be sent online at alexanderfuneralhome.org