Martha Ellen Martha Ward Kessler

Martha Ellen Kessler was a modest woman, quiet and observant in her ways. She was trustworthy and traditional in her approach to her life and in her relationships. She was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew her. She was also a woman who was meticulous, carefully disciplined and virtually focused in everything she did. She was always ready and prepared to take on responsibility at any cost.

Martha was born on September 4, 1929 at home in Idabell, Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Delbert Ward and Jewel Ann Gardner. Martha grew up in Oklahoma and moved to Coronado, California when she was in the 9th grade.

Martha was raised with 6 siblings, youngest of 7 children. Her oldest brother was Houston, then Florence, Eugene, Johnnie Kate, Ida Lee and the twin sisters Marjorie and Martha. Martha was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She, her siblings and parents were a close knit group.

As a young girl, Martha had a number of interests. Like most children she enjoyed playing sports and outdoor activities. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. She and her twin were in a band in their hometown of Idabell, Oklahoma. In her spare time she and her twin sister spent time with their dad in the Cotton Gin.

A typical teenager, Martha had an extremely happy high school experience. She graduated from Coronado High School in 1947. Her favorite class in high school was U S History. She was a member of the Honor Society in her Junior and Senior year, Vice President of the Girls Athletic Association and President of the Girls Lettermen Club in her senior year.

Always considered an “endeared” friend to those she knew, Martha enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up some of her best friends were her twin Marjie, Joan Lindgren, Patsy, and Joedy. Later in life, she became friends with Ruth, Dodo, Catherine, Grace, Dot and Carmen. The friendship with Patsy and Bob Drescher continued into their adult years.

On December 1, 1950 Martha exchanged wedding vows with Henry Irving Kessler at North Island Chapel of San Diego, California. Empathic and loyal, Martha was committed to making her new family happy.

Martha worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Martha was blessed with three children, Michael, Charles, and Francine. Another blessing for Martha was the gift of three grandchildren; Justin, Gabriel and Kristina and four great grandchildren Madeline, Ashley, Hailey, and Adrian.

Fortunately Martha enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Martha worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her place of employee was at Plaza Bowl where she was employed as a Desk Clerk and League Coordinator for twenty-two years. Martha always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Martha enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were Tennis, Bowling, Bingo and Vegas/Laughlin trips...

Martha found pleasure in sports. In high school, Martha loved to play tennis, ping-pong and basketball. Recreational sports included playing tennis with her husband and with their friends Patsy and Bob. She was a member of the USO, bowling in league and 200 club. Martha was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite events whenever she had the chance to do so. Tops on her list were Football! She was a huge Charger fan, loved Padres Baseball, and watching her grandkids play soccer.

Throughout her life, Martha was a doer and was always actively involved in professional and community organizations. Throughout her later years Martha was an active member of the VFW.

Martha’s faith was important to her. Henry and Martha sang in church choir as young adults in Coronado.

Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Martha was given accolades for her many and varied accomplishments throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious accomplishments included competing in Bowling Tournaments and Senior Club.

Martha enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Vegas and Laughlin, camping in Mammoth and local camp grounds on the weekend in San Diego County.

Martha was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Her family was blessed by their dog Sandy, a yellow lab dog that her kids had while growing up.

One of her favorite dogs was Spike their family dog. He would sit on her shoes to keep her from leaving the house.

When Martha’s retirement finally arrived in 1994, she was well prepared. In retirement, she found new pleasure in Vegas, Bingo and Bowling. Even in retirement, Martha continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Martha was active in her community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Martha passed away on November 9, 2010 at home in Chula Vista, California. Lung Cancer from second hand smoke, diagnosed in November 2009. She is survived by her husband Henry, sister Ida Lewallen, children Michael and Barb Kessler, Charlie Kessler and Francine and Bill Keller; grandchildren, Justin and Melissa Kessler, Gabriel Kessler and Kristina Keller; Great grandchildren Maddie Jung, Ashley Jung, Hailey Kessler and Adrian Kessler. Services were held at Funeraria Del Angel Humphreys in Chula Vista, CA. Martha will be laid to rest at Miramar Air Station which was her husband Henry’s last duty station.

Simply stated, Martha was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Martha leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Martha Ellen Kessler. “I love you all” MEK 2010