MaryJane Kessler, a 43-year resident of Yucca Valley, died March 19, 2009, after a lengthy illness. She was 81 years old. She was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on May 26, 1927, to Samuel Thomas Sloan and Vivian Agnes Wagner.. Before retiring to Yucca Valley, she lived with her family overseas in Japan and throughout the United States. After her husband's retirement from the United States Air Force, MaryJane and Steve Kessler owned and operated Steve's Garage together in Yucca Valley. She also worked for the Morongo Unified School District before training to become a Certified Medical Assistant. She was an avid fisherman, bowler and traveler. She and her husband split the seasons traveling between Mexico and Canada throughout their retirement. She was happiest spending time with her eight grandchildren and playing card games. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Steve Kessler. They passed less than one month apart. Mrs. Kessler is survived by sister Lois Greenough, daughter and son-in-law Sheryl and Butch Humphreys, son and daughter-in-law Steven and Linda Kessler and daughter and son-in-law Susan and and Mike Gueltzow, all of Yucca Valley; grandchildren Scott Gueltzow, Jenny Doling, David Humphreys, Jason Gueltzow, Shelley Green, Chris Humphreys, Lisa Kessler and Daniel Kessler; and 13 great-grandchildren. A memorial service for Mrs. Kessler will beheld at 5 p.m. March 27 at Wiefels and Son Mortuary in Yucca Valley.