Afton Kesler Obituary (1928 - 2013)

Afton Spainhower Kesler passed away peacefully on December 4, 2013, in Beaver, Utah. She was born on October 4, 1928, to Verald W. and Maude LaVerne Cowan Spainhower in Spring Lake, Utah. She was the only girl with three brothers, George Duane, Jerrold V (Tom), and John Wesley (Jackie). She lived in Spring Lake until her senior year in high school when her family moved to Milford, Utah. It was in Milford that she met Ray Blackner Kesler and they were married on February 28, 1948. Their marriage was later solemnized in the St. George LDS Temple. She was totally devoted to Ray and to her children, Stephen A. Kesler, Rebecca L. Bartlett, Roger A. Kesler, Jeffrey D. Kesler, John R. Kesler, Chris L. Kesler, and James R. Kesler. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a firm testimony of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and his atoning sacrifice. She willing and faithfully served in many callings in all of the auxiliaries of the Church. She loved school and was an excellent student and a life-long learner. She loved reading, sewing, crocheting, quilting, and especially gardening. She loved art, music, and poetry. She struggled as health issues made these activities impossible for her to do. Her greatest love was her family. She never missed sending a birthday card with a little note and hand drawn picture to everyone in her familychildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had unconditional love for all of her family, both those born into the family and those married into the family. She was so proud of her family members and their accomplishments and always encouraged them to do their best. She was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Ray, her parents, Verald and Maude Spainhower, two brothers, George Duane, and Jackie, and by a grandson, Michael Jay Kesler. She is survived by one brother, Jerrold (Tom) Spainhower, her children, Stephen (Victoria), Becky, Roger (Mari), Jeff (Jody), John (Jan), Chris, and James (Malia), 53 Grandchildren and 49 Great-Grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Greenville LDS Church in Greenville, Utah, on Saturday, December 14, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held at the 3rd" 4th Ward Church in Beaver, Utah, on Friday, December 13, 2013, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and at the Greenville LDS Church, on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be made at www.sumortuary.com.