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B. Diane Kessler Backhaus 58, Altamont, IL, formerly of Oklahoma and the Stewardson-Strasburg area, passed away at 2:25 PM Friday Jan. 9, 2009 in the Lutheran Care Center in Altamont, IL.
Diane was born Aug. 17, 1950 at Mode, IL the daughter of Dwight and Waneta Mae Arnold Kessler.
She married Rodger Ensign in December of 1968. Diane lived most of her life in the Stewardson-Strasburg area where she raised her children. In 1985 she moved to Coyle, OK. In April of 2002 she married Walter Backhaus.
Diane was a beautician for 26 years. Later she began working in the commercial printing industry before working her way up to assistant manager for Wal-Mart in Stillwater and Guthrie, OK.
In 2002 she purchased her first of three, “Curves” fitness franchises in Guthrie, Cushing and Enid. Diane took a personal interest in each and every one of her members, once again revealing her passion and talent of helping people feel beautiful both inside and out.
She was a devoted Christian who taught Sunday school, directed youth groups and held many leadership positions in the church. She had been a 4-H Leader, cub scout leader, PTA member and active in athletic boosters and numerous other organizations.
Strangers that met her would all say that she was one of, if not the nicest person they had ever met. Her smile was contagious and she hardly had the ability to frown. Her outlook was always positive and she had an ability to motivate and uplift people that was unparalleled. She took special interest in any activities that her children and grandchildren were involved in and always did her best to attend sporting events, etc., even when she really didn't have time. She was truly Supermom and Super-Grannie. She continuously listened to praise gospel music and studied the living Word of God. Her advice to anyone reading this would be to get in touch with God, give their life back to Him, and develop a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Surviving are a daughter Michelle Moorman and husband Danny of Coyle, OK; sons: Richard Ensign and wife Meredith of Pawnee, OK and Mark Ensign and wife Tina of College Station, TX; step-daughter Brenda Backhaus Duncan and husband Heath of Edmond, OK; mother Waneta Kessler of Effingham, IL; grandchildren: Jamie Cormany and husband Bryan, Jason Moorman and wife Lindsey, Dustin Moorman, Casey Cronister, Colton Moorman, Brooke Moorman, Heath Moorman, Caitlin Keith and Ryan Ensign; great grandchildren: Kylee Moorman, Cooper Cronister, Canden Cronister, Matthew Smedley, Kelsie Cormany, Ryan Cormany, Addyson Cormany and Conner Warden; brothers and sisters: Sharon Siebert and husband Gilbert of Altamont, IL, Dwane Kessler and wife Candy of Stewardson, Charlotte West and husband Carl of Effingham, Katherine Saylor and husband Tim of Jessup, IA ; brother-in-law John Waters of Strasburg; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by father Dwight Kessler and sister Ruth Waters.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday Jan. 13, 2009 in Lakeview Church in Stillwater, OK. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday Jan. 15, 2009 in Trinity Lutheran Church in Stewardson. Pastor Gary Fortkamp and Pastor Richard Bremer will officiate. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 PM Wednesday at the Church. Burial will be in Stewardson Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Lakeview Church, www.lakeviewonline.org ; Coyle School Foundation, www.coyleschoolfoundation.com ; or the Muscular Dystrophy Association, www.mda.org .
On line condolences may be directed to the family at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com
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