A native of Birmingham, she was born on April 14, 1938 to Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Sowell Riddlesperger. Catherine was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and later Brook Highland Community Church. She served in numerous women’s groups within her church and community and, most recently, enjoyed weekly gatherings with her friends at Heardmont Senior Center.
Catherine spent many years working for South Central Bell before she and her husband, John, entered the restaurant industry. Together, with their family, they opened Speedy Gonzales Mexican restaurant on Lomb Avenue in 1968.
Catherine is survived by her son, John David Kessler (Lindsay) and grandson, Henry Thomas Kessler, as well as, numerous nieces and nephews. Catherine was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend and will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
The family will receive friends at Ridout’s Elmwood Chapel on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 1:00 pm. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 pm at Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum.
