Patricia J. Kessler

85, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 7, 2016. Born in Waterloo, Iowa, Pat spent most of her growing up years with her Grandmother “Munnie” and Great Aunts Maude & Grace while her parents, Bob and Cleone Pollard traveled throughout the Midwest on the Chautauqua Theatre Circuit. She always aspired to be an actress and when she moved to Phoenix with her parents, she pursued her love of acting at Phoenix College. Student Body President, Bill Kessler, visited the set during a play rehearsal and was smitten. He arranged with a friend to meet her at the cast party. The year was 1949 and by 1951 they were Mr. and Mrs. They had six children and were married 62 years. Pat filled those years at 8521 with music and song. No gathering was complete without a sing along around her treasured Steinway, a gift from Bill, who loved to hear her sweet voice. Survivors include five daughters, Kathryn (Jon) Allen; Linda (Larry) Hohl; Mary (Randy) Barth; Patty (Barry) Moore; Margie (David) Merrill; Susan Platz (Billy’s wife); eleven grandchildren: Brian (Fujiko) Hohl, Jeff (Crystal) Hohl, Megan (Nate) Reiss; Emily & Katie Barth; Maribeth, Alison & Brad Moore; Natalie, Nina & Hallie Merrill; two great grandchildren: Emi Hohl & Abby Reiss; sister-in-law Elizabeth Carlson; and 8 nieces & nephews. Pat was preceded in death by her husband Bill, in 2013 and only son, Billy, who died from leukemia at the age of 26 in 1987. When asked how she would like to be remembered, Pat said she wanted people to know she was a good wife and mother. She always put her family first and herself last. Her family honors Mom’s life by trying to live by the example she set. Bless you dearest “Little Bird” for creating the safest and happiest nest for all of us. You are loved by all. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ. Graveside Service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at St. Francis Cemetery. Please visit

www.WhitneyMurphyFuneralHome.com

to place an online condolence.