Anika Marlene Kessler

In the dawn hours of January 25, our loving Savior requested the presence of his faithful child, Anika Marlene Kessler, to dine with him at his table that evening.

Anika was born on Easter Sunday in 2001, and lived her entire life in Stuarts Draft, VA. She was a 2019 graduate of Stuarts Draft High School, and a member of Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in Waynesboro.

Despite many physical and developmental obstacles, Anika was always happy and had a heart full of compassion. Her gentle spirit and sense of humor brought joy to those around her. She enjoyed a variety of activities including reading books with her mother and sisters, watching old monster movies with her dad, swimming at her grandparents’ pool, baking, movie-star trivia, music, basketball games, writing letters and texts, and just exploring and learning about her area. Her favorite vacation spots were Lake Ridge RV Resort in Hillsville, VA, and Cape Charles Beach on the Eastern Shore.

Anika has been richly blessed by the close family and friends in her life, particularly her two sisters, that supported her and accepted her with love, understanding and compassion.

Anika was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Werner Voigt (2003) and Lisa Zeltner Voigt (2013;, her great-great grandmother, Blanche Puffenbarger Davis (2008); and her great-grandmother, Priscilla Virginia Snyder (2012). Anika is survived by her great-grandmother Ruby Irene Davis Kessler of Verona; her grandparents, Bill and Mary Sue Kessler of Stuarts Draft; her parents, Scott and Monika Kessler of Stuarts Draft; two sisters, Vanessa Dieterly (KJ Ricasata), and Melissa Dieterly (Kevin); four uncles, Rainer Voigt (Doris) and Jürgen Voigt (Elke), Chris Kessler (Kelly), Jason Kessler (Melody); one aunt, Mary Palculict (Bobby); one nephew, Max Ricasata; one niece, Luna Ricasata; eight first cousins, Carolin Köhler, Katherina Voigt (Domi), Niklas Voigt, Laura (Constantin) Voigt, Joshua Voigt, Austin Kessler, Maddie Palculict, and Naya Palculict; as well as dozens of great aunts, uncles, and cousins that she was all very close to.

A celebration of Anika’s life will be held at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church at 1301 Red Top Orchard Road in Waynesboro on Saturday, April 12 at 2:00 PM.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com