Betty Jean Kessans

Betty Jean Kessans, 91, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Betty was born November 3, 1933, in Troy, Indiana, to Sylvan and Agnes (Reynolds) Thiery.

She attended St. Pius Elementary School and went to the Academy of the Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand, Indiana, for two years, ultimately graduating from Troy High School in 1952. She met and married J. Ralph Kessans and they built a new home in Tell City where they welcomed sons, Mark, Tim, and Kevin. They moved to Clarksville in 1959 where Theresa was born.

Betty loved her role as mother and housewife. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing and taking care of her family. She was a very active member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church and School where she served as a greeter, church choir member, heavenly duster and laundered and ironed altar linens. Betty served on the church picnic committee for over 50 years. She also enjoyed her membership in the prime timers senior group and the Clarksville Historical Society. After her children were older, and following her divorce, she went to work and retired from Jewish Hospital. After retirement, Betty relished playing cards in several different groups, traveling and camping with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her former husband, J. Ralph Kessans. She is survived by her children, Mark (Mary), Tim, Kevin (Della) and Theresa Crowe; 9 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert J. (Cecilia) Thiery; along with many extended family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Riverview Village for their excellent care, especially Jamie, Kim, Ricky and Natalie.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany). Visitation will continue on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (316 N Sherwood Avenue, Clarksville). Her Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am at the church with entombment to follow at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park in New Albany.

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