Michelle Kessler

Michelle Kessler, age 58, of Sabina, passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

Born on November 4, 1967, in Wilmington, she was the daughter of the late Penny Lynn Skidmore Clayton and Richard (Donna) Clevenger, of Sabina.

Michelle is survived by her husband of nearly 23 years, Todd Kessler. The two were united in marriage on November 8, 2003.

A 1986 East Clinton graduate, Michelle went on to earn her Bachelors degree from Wilmington College. Her caring nature led her to work as a Social Worker for Community Care Hospice in Wilmington. She continued her outreach by helping others as a grief counsellor.

Michelle attended the Sabina Church of Christ. She enjoyed eating out with her friends, traveling – especially when staying in hotels, boating, and side-by-side trips. Being with her friends and family was so important to her and she loved being ‘Mimi Shell’ to the littles. Michelle’s greatest aggravation was Jeffery Todd and her greatest accomplishment was her beloved daughter, Lydia...the greatest loves of her life.

In addition to her father and her husband, Michelle is survived by children: Lydia Kessler, Justin (Tiffany) Kessler, Bethanee (Trailee Joiner) Kessler, Austen (Elaina) Kessler, Briten Kessler, and Presten (Whitney Tillis) Kessler. Also left to cherish her memory are grandchildren: Kolten, Axten, Kaison, Kenleigh, Lakelynn, Kainen, Kaivon, and Kaden; siblings: Stephanie (Tim) Starkey, Sean (Nicki) Clayton, Amanda (Bill) Knauff, and sister in-law, Jane Bogan; nieces and nephews: Christopher (Mikaila) Moore, Caitlynn Moore, Bryceson Knauff, Brant Knauff, and Rylee Clayton; great nephew, Isaiah Moore; special aunt and uncle, Lori and Paul Winters; special cousins: Jennifer (Jeremy) Seabaugh and Ryan (Casey) Winters; mother and father in-law, Patty and Jerry Kessler; along with a host of cousins, many cherished friends, and beloved dog, Tucker.

Michelle was preceded in death by her mother, Penny Clayton, and brothers: Richard ‘Ritch’ Clevenger and Christopher Bogan.

Memorial contributions would be appreciated to the Sabina Church of Christ.  

Family will receive friends at the Sabina Church of Christ on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 10am – 12Noon, when a funeral will begin. Burial will follow at Sabina Cemetery. Littleton Funeral Home, Sabina, has been entrusted with arrangements.