Lydia “Elaine” Lair Kessler died peacefully in her sleep Dec. 14, 2020 after celebrating ioo years of life.

Elaine was born Dec. u, 1920 to Ed and Mamie (Steward) Lair in Durango, Colo.

She married Jack Kessler Feb. 24,1941. The couple was married 64 years before his death in October of 2005.

Elaine was the secretary of the Ouray schools for 28 years. She was a member of the Ouray First Presbyterian Church (now the Ouray Christian Fellowship) where she served as the organist for many years.

While she made Ouray her home as long as she was able, she spent her final years in Sterling, Kansas with her daughter.

Elaine is survived by her daughter Donna (Ywain) Zimmerman, Sterling Kan.; grandchildren Don Zimmerman and Rene (Dwayne) Wilson, Sterling, Kan.; and great grandchildren Jake, Jordan and Kaylie Zimmerman and Sydney, Kaleab, Taya, Kidist, Tyus and Cedric Wilson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister, Kathleen “Kay” Peck and son, Donald Kessler.

Services will be held at a later time in Ouray, Colo.

The family would like to thank everyone that took time to send birthday greetings for Elaine’s tooth birthday.

She was overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of attention and wanted to make sure everyone was thanked for remembering her.

After celebrating her life on Friday, Elaine went to be with her Savior three days later. The family is grateful to everyone that made her final days so special.