1961
Beth
2016
Beth Kressly
March 31, 1961 — February 29, 2016
February 29, 2016, our dear friend Beth Kressly was called home to be with Jesus. At the time of her passing, Beth was surrounded by close friends reading Psalms, singing hymns, providing love and comfort to her in her last moments. Beth is survived by her step mother Dorothy Luckenbach Kressly, and her family, her brother Greg Kressly, his wife Louise and their three children, Branden, Evan and Ryan, and many loving friends.
Born March 31, 1961 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Burris Kressly and Constance Culleney, Beth lived in Tamaqua, PA in her younger years. She transferred to Unionville High School in 1977, where she was a member of the marching band, percussion section, playing cymbals. Beth graduated from Unionville High School in 1980. During her teenage years, Beth spent a summer at Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico, evidenced by a photo of her climbing a lodgepole pine tree, which graced her wall in years to come, reminding her of better times. And who can forget that Chevy Vega she drove?
Beth worked at the Robinhood Restaurant and lived with friends in Rehoboth Beach, DE in 1981, the year she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She subsequently attended Keystone Junior College for a short time. Beth's friend Carol DeYoung Gurbisz had this to say of her college years: "I have great memories of Beth from Keystone College in PA. This was when she was first battling MS, and she was so brave right from the beginning. What a special person and true inspiration."
After her diagnosis, Beth rode horses, Joker specifically, at Thorncroft Therapeutic Riding Academy in Malvern. It was here Beth participated in the Devon Horse Show! Thank you Sue for giving her this wonderful opportunity, and some of her best memories.
Beth was also an active participant in the Fighting Back Scholarship Program, which provides physical therapy to those who are disabled. Beth won the coveted Fighting Back Award in 2001 for exemplifying the spirit of fighting back. Beth was very proud of this accomplishment, and we all celebrated with her.
Over the years Beth worked in a variety of places, including Pocopson Home, Brandywine Battlefield State Park Gift Shop, Intermedia Marketing in West Chester, and the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley. Beth's friend Regina Keesey recalls: "We knew Beth when she worked at the Y. She would always give my son, Colin, rides on the back of her wheelchair. She had a gentle spirit."
Beth was a member of the United Church of Christ East Goshen, West Chester, PA, attending every service she could. Church was the highlight of her week. Many thanks to those who helped throughout the years, transporting her back and forth, Don Rising, Todd Speece, and others. A special thanks to Carol and Beth Ann for being their everyday over the past two months, Liberty, Beth Ann's husky, who would come many mornings to give Beth her much loved animal therapy.
Beth had many loving friends throughout her life, with many fond memories of her. Her friend Joel shared Beth was "a courageous woman who somehow managed to remain positive in spite of grave affliction".
Beth's dear friend Nancy Gwinner says it best: "I could go on and on about Beth. She was the toughest, sweetest person I will ever know. She never gave up, always fighting, and never let the MS get the best of her. I love you Beth. Heaven has gained an angel, and earth has lost one. I will miss you, until we meet again."
Beth was a courageous and selfless woman who despite her disability always thought of others first.
Tribute thoughtfully submitted by,
Nancy Gwinner and Shannon Maroney-Garrett
Relatives and friends are invited to Beth's Visitation 10:00-10:50am on Saturday March 12, 2016 at United Church of Christ 1201 N. Chester Rd. West Chester, Pa 19380 followed by her Funeral Service at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to United Church of Christ at address listed above or to Fighting Back Scholarship Program P. O. Box 141 Malvern, Pa 19355 , www.fightingbacksp.org
United Church of Christ
1201 N. Chester Road
West Chester
PA 19380
,
Born March 31, 1961 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Burris Kressly and Constance Culleney, Beth lived in Tamaqua, PA in her younger years. She transferred to Unionville High School in 1977, where she was a member of the marching band, percussion section, playing cymbals. Beth graduated from Unionville High School in 1980. During her teenage years, Beth spent a summer at Philmont Scout Camp in New Mexico, evidenced by a photo of her climbing a lodgepole pine tree, which graced her wall in years to come, reminding her of better times. And who can forget that Chevy Vega she drove?
Beth worked at the Robinhood Restaurant and lived with friends in Rehoboth Beach, DE in 1981, the year she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She subsequently attended Keystone Junior College for a short time. Beth's friend Carol DeYoung Gurbisz had this to say of her college years: "I have great memories of Beth from Keystone College in PA. This was when she was first battling MS, and she was so brave right from the beginning. What a special person and true inspiration."
After her diagnosis, Beth rode horses, Joker specifically, at Thorncroft Therapeutic Riding Academy in Malvern. It was here Beth participated in the Devon Horse Show! Thank you Sue for giving her this wonderful opportunity, and some of her best memories.
Beth was also an active participant in the Fighting Back Scholarship Program, which provides physical therapy to those who are disabled. Beth won the coveted Fighting Back Award in 2001 for exemplifying the spirit of fighting back. Beth was very proud of this accomplishment, and we all celebrated with her.
Over the years Beth worked in a variety of places, including Pocopson Home, Brandywine Battlefield State Park Gift Shop, Intermedia Marketing in West Chester, and the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley. Beth's friend Regina Keesey recalls: "We knew Beth when she worked at the Y. She would always give my son, Colin, rides on the back of her wheelchair. She had a gentle spirit."
Beth was a member of the United Church of Christ East Goshen, West Chester, PA, attending every service she could. Church was the highlight of her week. Many thanks to those who helped throughout the years, transporting her back and forth, Don Rising, Todd Speece, and others. A special thanks to Carol and Beth Ann for being their everyday over the past two months, Liberty, Beth Ann's husky, who would come many mornings to give Beth her much loved animal therapy.
Beth had many loving friends throughout her life, with many fond memories of her. Her friend Joel shared Beth was "a courageous woman who somehow managed to remain positive in spite of grave affliction".
Beth's dear friend Nancy Gwinner says it best: "I could go on and on about Beth. She was the toughest, sweetest person I will ever know. She never gave up, always fighting, and never let the MS get the best of her. I love you Beth. Heaven has gained an angel, and earth has lost one. I will miss you, until we meet again."
Beth was a courageous and selfless woman who despite her disability always thought of others first.
Tribute thoughtfully submitted by,
Nancy Gwinner and Shannon Maroney-Garrett
Relatives and friends are invited to Beth's Visitation 10:00-10:50am on Saturday March 12, 2016 at United Church of Christ 1201 N. Chester Rd. West Chester, Pa 19380 followed by her Funeral Service at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to United Church of Christ at address listed above or to Fighting Back Scholarship Program P. O. Box 141 Malvern, Pa 19355 , www.fightingbacksp.org
Funeral Service
Saturday, March 12, 2016 11:00 AMUnited Church of Christ
1201 N. Chester Road
West Chester
PA 19380
,
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