Mary Jane Chesser, 97, of Keokuk, died Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at the River Hills Village in Keokuk. Mary was born on January 5, 1919 in Keokuk the daughter of Zen F. and Ethyl Connor Bradley. On May 22, 1942 she was united in marriage to Charles V. Chesser in Palmyra, MO. He preceded her in death on Oct. 2, 1992. She graduated from the Argyle High School with the Class of 1937. Following high school she worked at Sheaffer Pen in Fort Madison, IA. During the war years of WW II she worked Sheller Globe in Keokuk. Later, she was employed as a cook for the Keokuk Junior and Senior High School for 13 years before her retirement in 1968. For the past six years, Mary had resided with her son in Huntsville, AL where she made many new acquaintances. She loved to sit on the front porch at her son's home and watch the beautiful sunsets. She also enjoyed greeting the neighbors and their dogs as they took their daily walks and always had a treat ready for the dogs. Mary was a member of the First Christian Church in Keokuk, the M & M Circle, and the Friendly Sunday School Class. She was also a lifelong member of the Ladies of the Elks. Mary enjoyed working word search puzzles, playing card and board games and watching Jeopardy. She was an Iowa Hawkeye and St. Louis Cardinal fan. She was also an avid golfer and league bowler. Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and cherished the time she spent with her family. She loved to cook and bake for her family and made everything from scratch. Her homemade noodles, pies and cakes were always a special treat. She is survived by one son, Charles "Mike" Chesser of Huntsville, AL, grandchildren, Chad (Nancee) Chesser of Grant, AL, Chris Chesser of Madison, AL, great grandchildren, Michael Chesser and Jenna Kay Chesser. Mary was also preceded in death by four brothers, Duane, Milton, Rae and LZ Bradley and daughter-in-law, Janet Chesser. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2016 at the Vigen Memorial Home with Rev. David Turner officiating. Burial was in the Keokuk National Cemetery, Keokuk, IA. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, 3476 Main Street, Keokuk, IA 52632. The family would like to acknowledge the great care and excellent staff at Great River Medical Center ICU, River Hills Bounce Back and HCI Hospice. They would also like to thank the ladies of First Christian Church for preparing and serving the excellent meal and especially Sharon Brownlee for her support and visits.