Josephine Kessler

Jody was born on June 19, 1934, in Newark, Ohio, to Doyle J. Rice and Janet Ward Rice. She was raised

and attended schools in Bucyrus, Ohio, until relocating to the Olympia area in her teens. She graduated

from Olympia High School in 1952. It was here that she met the love of her life and future husband,

Harry L. Kessler. They were married in Olympia in September 1954, and had been married for 66 years

until Harry’s passing in 2020.

After high school, Jody studied to be a Registered Nurse at the St. Peter Hospital School of Nursing,

graduating in 1955 as a student of the 36th and final commencement of the School. She worked as an

RN throughout various times of her life, in between being a stay-at-home mom to her and Harry’s 4 kids,

Kim, David, Richard, and Paul.

When her husband started his second career as a high-security radio operator with the Central

Intelligence Agency, Jody was excited at the opportunity to live and work overseas in several countries,

including Thailand, Hong Kong, and Finland, learning the languages and the cultures. She utilized her RN

skills in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and subsequently worked as a Bookkeeper with the federal government in

Hong Kong and Finland. They both retired in 1993 to Tumwater, Washington, where she enjoyed

spending time with her family, friends, and grandkids.

In her 70s, Jody’s strength and resilience was tested and she proved strong by triumphing over two

battles with cancer.

Jody enjoyed camping, traveling, square dancing, crafting, and doing jigsaw puzzles. She was an avid

reader whose favorite author was true crime writer Ann Rule.

Jody is survived by her 4 kids, numerous grandkids and great grandkids. She will be dearly missed.