Melissa 'Missy' Joy Davida Kessler

Melissa "Missy" Joy Davida Kessler, 25, of Portsmouth, passed away at her home on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Missy graduated from Vern Riffe School and attended Easterseals Adult Day Services. She loved doing artwork, whether it was doodle art with crayons, markers, colored pencils, or watercolors. In addition to her love of art, she also liked shopping for writing paper and pens, and, of course, snacks! Missy lived her life to the fullest. She enjoyed camping at the river, visiting with her friends, as well as the staff at Easterseals Adult Days Services. She also adored her stuffed animals, especially the four that she slept with every night. Stopping at restaurants that served nachos, or Jett’s Gourmet Popcorn, and cappucinos at Tim Horton’s were favorite pastimes as well. Missy also enjoyed experimenting with new recipes and traveling to see artists’ works, music events, and conventions. If you were fortunate, you might get to catch her singing or dancing.

Missy is survived by her favorite people; Uncle Yee (Lee Pennington), friends, Rita Spalding, Dana Lathrop, Bev Bell, Diane Todd, Karyn Justice, Karen Thornton, Shelby Powell, and Waynette Pennell; the ones who became her family, “Brother” James Wiles, “Uncle” Randy Parker, Bryan and Saffron Cassidy, and pets, TrikZee, Carmel, and Callie; and Laura Womack, her caregiver for the last seven years whom she chose to call Mom.

A Celebration of Missy’s Life with Facebook Live Stream will be held at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 6 P.M. Visiting hours will be from 4 to 6 P.M. at the funeral home. Visit the funeral home Facebook page to join the Live Stream.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to  Easterseals Adult Day Services, 97 Private Rd. 80, South Point, OH 45680, Attn: Scioto County Adult Day Services.

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