Rita Kessens

Rita Kessens, 78, of St. Marks, passed away on Thursday September 19, 2024, at Brickyard Healthcare Center in Tell City, IN.

She was born on August 22, 1946, in Ranger, IN, to the late Ernest and Emma (Naviaux) Rogier.

Rita was a 1965 graduate of Oil Township High School. She was united in marriage to Donald Kessens on August 10, 1968, and they shared 56 wonderful years together.

After retiring from Tell City Chair Factory, Rita worked in retail at Stage and Goody's. She was also a dedicated cook at Sonshine Day Care. Rita was a member of St. Marks Catholic Church, the Lincoln Trail Quilting Club and St. Mark's Lady Quilters. Rita was an avid gardener. Her various vegetables won multiple ribbons at the local fair as well as her famous jellies and jams. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, crafts and baking. Rita found much joy spending time with her grandchildren attending their activities.

Rita is survived by her husband of 56 years, Donald Kessens of Tell City; children, Chris Kessens (Lisa) of Tell City, Kim Schaefer (Jeremy) of Whitwell, TN, Jeremy Kessens (Kayla) of Owensville, IN, Kandi Weber (Joel) of Chrisney; nine grandchildren, Carina, Collin, Audrey, Brody, Russell, Maddie, Tenley, Elliott, and Emma; and her sister, Frieda Kessens of Tell City.

In addition to her parents, Rita was preceded in death by four sisters, Edith Huebschman, Hazel Wallace, Anna Miller, and Olive Sabelhaus, and a brother, Clarence Rogier.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at St. Marks Catholic Church with Fr. Tony Hollowell officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, and from 8:30am until 9:30am on Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Marks Catholic Church or the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be left online at zoercher-gillickfuneralhome.com

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