Thelma Irene Kesler

Thelma Kesler was born on January 2, 1933 in Plain City Ohio, 1 of 10 children. A true angel on earth gained her wings on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. She was an amazing woman that cannot be summed up in a few words.

She married the love of her life Johnny Kesler and moved to Hilliard, Ohio. They raised their 2 children Carolyn and John Kesler where she drove a bus for Hilliard City Schools. She loved her bus kids and knew most of them into their adult lives. She wore many other hats and gave many their 1st jobs working on the Ohio State Fairgrounds. She had a love for the Buckeyes and was lucky enough to serve the OSU band and choir many meals during the state fair.

Thelma was a staple at the Franklin County Fair as well. You could find her delicious desserts in the winner’s circle. What started as a contest grew into baking with her grandchildren and later would make her known as the Cookie Lady to many. She baked over 10,000 dozen cookies for the service men and women, shipping them overseas or serving them on deployments and homecomings. She had a passion for helping those men and women in any way she could, earning many accolades along the way.

When she was not helping her community, which was a lot, she was spending time with her family and friends. Traveling, camping, listening to Elvis and going to garage sales. Those that knew her well know of her tremendous passion and sometimes sass. She loved a great laugh and was known to play a few practical jokes in her day.

She once said that everything that lives must wilt away, just like a beautiful flower in the spring. It grows into such beauty but we all know that flowers must go on. Thelma is that beautiful flower in so many ways.

Thelma is survived by her Son Pat Kesler, daughter Carolyn Kesler, (John Cross), Special bonus daughter Janice (Johnny) Eager, Grandchildren Sean Kesler (Heather Ellis) Wendi (Kevin McClure) Alyson Townsend. Great grandchildren Madilyn, Presley, Addy and Ella. Siblings Alice Jahn, John Wilson and Janet Shriver. An abundance of nieces, nephews and other dear family. Preceded in death by her parents William and Mary Wilson, husband John Kesler Jr, siblings Jimmy Wilson, Ruth Eleanor (Lowery) Hostler, Mary Jane Edwards, George Wilson, David Wilson and Dorothy Gaa. The family would like to say a special thank you to the fireman at station 80.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Norwich Township Firefighter local Endowment Fund PO Box 5, Hilliard, Ohio, 43026