Phyllis Jean Kesler

Phyllis Jean (Merkel) Kesler, 91, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2026 at Mulberry Health and Retirement Community.

Phyllis was born June 19, 1935, in Lafayette, Indiana, to the late William and Bernaldine (LaGuire) Merkel.

She was baptized at St. James Lutheran Church in 1940 and graduated from Monitor High School in 1953.

On May 23, 1953, she married H. Keith Kesler at St. James. He preceded her in death on January 20, 2002.

Phyllis worked as the office manager at St. James and Bethany Presbyterian Church for over 50 years before retiring.

Phyllis was a lifelong and devout Lutheran whose life was grounded in God’s grace and love. A member of St. James Lutheran Church, she quietly lived out her faith through acts of kindness, generosity, and fellowship. She was a member of the St. James Women’s Ministry, the Altar Guild, the Church Secretary Association and worked in the St. James Childcare.

Phyllis loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, often taking them on vacations and camping trips across the United States. In her spare time, she was an avid reader and seamstress. She had a great impact on many young lives as a foster parent for ten years. Phyllis was known for her bright smile and kind heart.

Surviving is a son, Lyle K. (Cheryl) Kesler of Griffin, Georgia, a daughter, Denise (Larry) Cox of Lafayette, a daughter-in-law, Daphine Prather of Lafayette, six brothers, Fred (Faye) Merkel, Elmer (Pat) Merkel, Jack (Sharon) Merkel and Bob (Linda) Merkel all of Lafayette, Bill (Linda) Merkel of Greencastle, and Darrell (Cindy) Merkel of Kentucky, and a sister, Helen Ogdon of Elwood. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, Steven (Crystal) Pritchard, Sean (Breanna) Pritchard, Karri Murphy, Jessica (Phil) Ferger, Joshua (Brandy) Cox, Keith (Hannah) Cox, Michael (Harley) Cox, Mitchel (Hanna) Cox, Erik Kesler and Rachael (Mason) Long, twenty-five great-grandchildren, Garrett, Shelby, Haiden, Madi, MacKenzi, Alexis, Tyler, Jackson, Emma, Phillip, Drew, Karra, Allee, Cooper, Kendall, Finley, Emory, Joshua, Peyton, Thackery, Elisie, Eliza, Isabella, Wyatt and Baby Cox, and ten great-great grandchildren, Malia, Miles, Nova, Devontae, Oaklynn, Raelynn, Ezrale, Conner, Rosalind, and Rowen.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, a daughter, Deborah Lynn Stewart and two sisters, Lola Merkel and Mary Melvin.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, November 6, 2026 at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette, IN 47909

The funeral service will be at 1:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church in Lafayette on Saturday, November 7, 2026 with Pastors KC Dehning and David French officiating. Entombment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Lafayette.

Memorial contributions may be made in Phyllis’s name to either Group Home for Children or St. James School.

You may leave condolences and memories at www.soller-baker.com