MARY ELLEN (MILLER) KESSLER, age 91, formerly of Troy, more recently of Jacksonville, FL, passed away on Monday, November 27, 2017 at McGraw Community Hospice Center.  She was born on August 21, 1926 at the family farm in Miami County, OH to the late George Ellis Miller, Sr. and Helen (Zile) Miller.  Mary’s first husband, Donald P. Peters, Jr. preceded her in death. Mary Ellen married Norris Kessler in 1972 in Troy and he preceded her in death in 2007.

Mary is survived by two sons: CAPT Donald (Jeanie) Peters, USN (Retired) of Atlantic Beach, FL and David (Marcia) Peters of Medina, OH; stepdaughter: Sophie Kessler of Sierra Madre, CA; stepson: Terry Kessler of Venice, FL; three grandchildren: Elisa (Anson) DeWolf, Neptune Beach, FL; LaChelle (Dan) Rickett, Toledo, OH; Matthew (Nicole) Peters, Wooster, OH; and three step-grandchildren: Kelly Etter, Altadena, CA; Brendan Etter, Montebello, CA; Joshua (Amy) Kessler, Troy, OH; 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.   She was also preceded in death by her brother: George Ellis Miller, Jr.; niece: Karen Miller; and her sister: Martha M. Chipley.

When she lived in Troy, Mary was an active member of the First Baptist Church, the Stouder Hospital Auxiliary, and Gideon Auxiliary. Mary and Norris lived near both Venice and Northport, FL prior to moving to Jacksonville, FL. While in Jacksonville, Mary was active in the Cypress Village Chorus, First Christian Church of the Beaches, its Choir, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Church Women United of the Jax Beaches, Gideon Auxiliary, and as a Mayo Clinic Volunteer.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 PM on December 9, 2017 at Baird Funeral Home in Troy with her sons officiating.  Burial will follow in Miami Memorial Park in Covington.  Friends may call prior to the service from 12:30 – 1:30 PM.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Community Hospice Foundation, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or First Christian Church of the Beaches (DOC), 2125 Ocean Front, Neptune Beach, FL 32266.  Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

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