Kessel, Kate Miller

Passed: 1986-02-12

Age:

Source: Jackson Herald

Death Notice: 1986-02-14

Obituary Date:

Information: RETIRED DEPUTY CLERK CLAIMED - Kate Miller Kessel of 122 North Street, Ripley, died at her residence Wednesday after a long illness.  She was born in Cottageville, W. Va., a daughter of the late Leander and Jessie Harrison Miller.  She was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church, Ripley, and the United Methodist Women.  She was retired as chief deputy clerk in the office of the Jackson County Clerk and served part-time at the Ripley Library.  Before moving to Ripley, she had resided in Charleston for 30 years, where she was a charter member and past president of the Kanawha Medical Auxiliary.  She is survived by one son, Dr. Ray M. Kessel of Logan, W. Va.; two daughters, Mrs. Willis L. Burdette of Logan, W. Va. and Miss Jerry Kessel of Morgantown, W. Va.; one sister, Luella McGraw of Hinton, W. Va.; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Ray Kessel.  Services were Friday at the Epworth United Methodist Church, Ripley, with the Rev. Harold W. Custer officiating.  Burial was in the Pine Hill Cemetery, Ripley.  Parsons Funeral Home, Ripley, was in charge of arrangements.   March 14, 1966   --- Dear Sirs:----This is to inform you that Kate M. Kessel, first deputy in the County Clerk's office, has retired from duty, (as of February 28th).  Mrs. Kessel is my aunt by marriage, having married Dr. Ray Kessel, my father's older brother, and a retired physician.  They live at the corner of North and Seventh streets in Ripley.  Dr. Kessel's ill health was a deciding factor in Kate's decision to retire.  She thought a veteran of two World Wars deserved her full attention hereon.  Kate was asked during the 1956 campaign to assist me should I be so fortunate as to win.  Her past experience as an employee of the Bank of Ripley proved highly valuable to this new officer. To give her up now is similar to divorcing a limb.  I and the other deputies here will be calling upon her for advice for some time to come.  Her responses will prove again her willingness to give, unmindful of the amount received.  The whole courthouse staff and the public, too, will miss Kate Miller Kessel.  Respectfully yours, C. E. Kessel, Clerk Jackson County Court.