Shirley Kathleen (Slichenmyer) Kessler, age 81, passed away peacefully in Olney, IL, Thursday March 6th 2025. Shirley was born in Olney, IL, 1/27/1944, the daughter of Earl “Bud” and Mary Kathleen (Rotramel) Slichenmyer of rural Olney.

She married Richard “Dick” Kessler on 7/15/1967 in Wendelin, IL. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage.

After graduating East Richland High School in 1962, she attended Eastern Illinois University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. Shirley was a Farmer’s wife, Mother, and Grandmother. She was a teacher at the Holy Cross Catholic School, in Wendelin, IL, and later worked as a substitute teacher in the Clay and Richland County school systems. After her children left home, she returned to Eastern Illinois University and received a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. Her career included student counseling at Olney Central College and as Guidance Counselor at North Clay High School in Louisville, IL. She was incredibly proud of her work, assisting young students further their education and careers. Shirley loved family gatherings, cooking, playing cards, fishing, and nature. She had a special place in her heart for her “kitties” and the hummingbirds that visited her kitchen windows.

Shirley is survived by her husband, Dick; brother Larry Slichenmyer; daughter, Jill Kessler (friend Brett Judkins); son, Clint (Jancie) Kessler; grandchildren, Jonathon Cross, Janessa Dawkins, Brilee Kessler, Calli Kessler; great grandchildren, Nolan and Everly Dawkins and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and brother Frank Slichenmyer.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025 from 02:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin, with a visitation beginning one hour before service time. Interment will take place on March 10, 2025 at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL