She was born February 2, 1924 in Elberton, Georgia as the seventh of eleven children to Rev. Dennis and Mamie Kesler of Athens, Georgia.
Ruenell grew up outside of Athens, Georgia and graduated from Winterville High School. After high school, she married her high school sweetheart, Henry Paul Thaxton, September 24, 1944 prior to his deployment to Europe and Italy during World War II. When he returned, they purchased a small farm and built a wonderful life together raising three children. They were happily married for over 68 years.
Ruenell was exceptionally strong-willed and never backed down from a challenge or hard work. She was known for her friendliness and generosity, believed in working hard, and took exceptional care of her family and those she loved. Her skills at gardening and cooking are legendary. She was extremely active all of her life and was devoted to her church, faith, family, friends, and community. She worked in several industries and was politically active in many areas that were close to her heart. She lived a long and productive life and will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Ruenell is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Paul Thaxton, her parents, Rev. Dennis and Mamie Kesler, three brothers, Rev. John Kesler, Beaufort Kesler, Thurman Kesler, and five sisters, Ruth Hill, Hazel Pearson, Bonnie Kenimer, Ida Tyner, Ollie Mae Sartain and is survived by one brother, Rev. Dennis Kesler and one sister, Mary Sapp.
Ruenell is survived by her children, Dr. Paul Michael Thaxton and his wife Terri of Augusta, Georgia, Larry Daniel Thaxton and his wife Joyce of Loganville, Georgia, Paula Renee Hansford and her husband Lloyd of Watkinsville, Georgia, her grandchildren, Michelle Hardy and her husband Mason of Columbia ,South Carolina, Danielle Thaxton of Loganville, Georgia, Rev. Michael Thaxton and his wife Ellie of Clarkston, Georgia, and Lafe Hansford and his wife Maddie of Watkinsville, Georgia, her great-grandchildren, Sarah Anne and Mary Heyward Hardy of Columbia, South Carolina and Benjamin Lawson Hansford of Watkinsville, Georgia.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to St. Mary's Highland Hills Village in Watkinsville Georgia for their wonderful care and support in her final days.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 24 at 2 p.m.at the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home with Rev. Morris Sapp officiating. Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will follow the funeral at Evergreen Memorial Park.
Condolences may be left at www.BernsteinFuneralHome.com.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
