Merle Hessler

Obituary of Merle J. Hessler

Merle “Jeannie” Hessler, age 88, quietly passed away on March 6, 2023 in Monterey, California with her husband and son by her side.

Jeannie was born on September 17, 1935, in Ft. Worth, Texas, to Merle and Nora (Rodgers) Stanton.  She was raised there with her sister, Sherrie and brother, Michael. Jeannie’s parents originally hailed from Oklahoma where she maintained a tribal citizenship with the Chickasaw Nation.

Jeannie met her soulmate, Wesley “Wes” Hessler and the two were quickly married in 1956.  The happy couple then settled down in Monterey County two years later.  It was here that they would raise their children, Kerry, Matthew, Adam, and Noah.

Jeannie was a loving, noble and devoted wife and mother who also had an extensive twenty-year-long career at Macy’s.  She wore many hats while there including the head of gift-wrapping, finance, and sales.  Jeannie was also a very devoted Christian, she was a member of Cypress Community Church, in Salinas, and the First Baptist Church in Monterey.  Between the two, she served in no less than 5 women’s groups over her many years there.

Jeannie is predeceased by three of her children, who all sadly passed away before their time- Noah Benjamin, Kerry Christine, Matthew Garrett, her younger sister Sherrie Ervin and her parents, Merle and Nora Stanton.

Jeannie is survived by her husband, Wes Hessler of Monterey as well as their surviving son, Adam Hessler and his wife, Svetlana, and son, Nikita of Campbell, brother, Michael Stanton of Los Angeles, and three grandchildren.

Jeannie and Wes were deeply in love and were not ashamed to show it.  At the Park Lane Retirement Community where they lived for nearly five years, they were fondly known as “The Newlyweds”.  They could often be seen sitting on a bench in the sun with Wes’ arm around Jeannie or holding her hand.  They always walked hand in hand and were always holding hands, had just been holding hands or were about to hold hands.  It has been very difficult for Wes to let go.  Jeannie will also be greatly missed by her many loved ones, family, and friends.

Graveside services will be held in June at Monterey City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cypress Community Church, in Salinas, the Billy Graham Association, or Boys Town.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mission Mortuary in Monterey, California.

 

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