ALETHEA KESSLER

CAIRO, Ill. -- Alethea Louise Kessler, 94, of Cairo died Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at Daystar Care Center in Cairo.

She was born Feb. 13, 1907, at Cairo, daughter of William and Viola Kessler.

Kessler had been a teacher for most of her life. Educated in Cairo's school system, she attended Southern Illinois Teachers College and received a certificate in 1929. She received a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University in 1950.

She spent 46 years teaching in a one-room schoolhouse, and later at Douglas, Stafford and Bennett schools in Cairo. She was also a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and a member of the church's women's group.

Survivors include a nephew, Clifford Ahrens of Hannibal, Mo.; a niece, Kathleen Hornback Wilson of Sylva, N.C.

She was preceded in death by two sisters.

A memorial service with be at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cairo at 1 p.m. Monday.

Barkett Funeral Home in Cairo is in charge of arrangements.