Elizabeth J. Kessens

Elizabeth "Betty" Jean Kessens, of Siberia, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her children. Betty was born December 31, 1941, in Leopold, to Delbert and Martha (Goffinet) Kleaving. She was united in marriage to Lawrence "Larry" Kessens on October 28, 1961, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tell City. Larry preceded her in death on January 28, 2002.

Betty lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and kindness. She was a devoted member of St. Martin's Parish for many years, sharing her love of music through the church choir and volunteering at St. Martin's Cloak Food Pantry. She was also a proud member of American Legion Auxiliary Post #366.

For more than 40 years, Betty worked at the Abbey Press, where she formed friendships and touched many lives with her warmth and dedication. With her late husband, Larry, she was the proud owner of Kessens and Son Farm in Siberia, where she embraced a life of hard work and humbly raised her 5 children.

Above all, she cherished her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. She loved gathering loved ones around the table, sharing home-cooked meals, pies, and the beautiful cakes she created for every family celebration. Gifted with an artistic talent, she expressed creativity in everything she did, from baking and decorating to gardening and making her home a welcoming place for all.

Known as a friend to many, Betty had a way of making everyone feel valued and at ease. She enjoyed a good cup of coffee, competitive games, meaningful conversations about current events, and sharing laughter with family and friends. Her bright smile, kind heart and quick wit will be missed by all who knew her.

Though her family mourns her loss, they take comfort in the many lives she touched through her generosity, kindness, faith, and love. Her legacy will continue in the gardens she planted, the songs she sang, the meals she shared, the values she instilled and the hearts she touched.

Betty is survived by her 5 children: Cheryl (Jim) Dischinger of Huntingburg, Ronald (Barbara) Kessens of Siberia, Sheila Kessens of Bristow, Kris (DeWayne) Sherman of St. Meinrad, and Tracey (Benjamin) Kessens-Griffin of Indianapolis; 8 grandchildren: Jessica Blackburn, Shawn Sherman, Trent Dischinger, Kyle Dischinger, Grace Griffin, Ryan Kessens, Andrea Kessens, Nichole Lee; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Steven (Carol) Kleaving of Tell City; sister Brenda (Larry) Olsen of Santa Rosa, CA.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, Peg Roberts and brother, Gary Kleaving.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 3rd at 10:00AM CST at St. Meinrad Catholic Church, with burial to follow at St. Martin of Tours Church Cemetery in Siberia. Friends may call on Friday, October 2nd from 3:00PM CST to 7:00PM CST at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand, and again on Saturday, October 3rd from 9:00AM CST until time of services at St. Meinrad Church.

Expressions of sympathy be made in the form of donations to St. Martin of Tours Cemetery Fund or Martin’s Cloak Food Pantry.