Mary Lee Kessler, 76, of rural Colony, Kansas, died Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at the Allen County Hospital in Iola. Mary Lee was born April 18, 1936, in Iola, the daughter of Alva and Margaret (Shafer) Yoho. She grew up in Iola. On July 17, 1960, Mary Lee married Gene Kessler at the First Baptist Church in Iola. They made their home northwest of Iola in Geneva Township. Mary Lee worked for 30 years for H.L. Miller & Son Dress Factory in Iola, and later was a para professional for U.S.D. 257. She enjoyed working with the children in her para job. Her hobbies included gardening, gourd art and bird watching and feeding. SURVIVORS: Her husband of almost 52 years: Gene Kessler of the home 2 Sons: Charles Stratton & wife, Alydia of rural Colony, KS and DeWayne Kessler & wife, Margo of rural Neosho Falls, KS 4 Grandchildren: Carol & Scott Kress, Deana & Paul Bittinger, Autumn & Jamie Adair and Alexis Setter Numerous great grandchildren She was preceded in death by two brothers, George and James Yoho and three sisters, Judith Ann Yoho, Vella May Wycoff and Alma M. "Susie" Ball. FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. BURIAL: Geneva Cemetery northwest of Iola, Kansas MEMORIAL: American Cancer Society Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com.