Helen Sue Keesling

Helen Sue Keesling, 86, of Salem, Va., passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

She was born on April 21, 1939, in Roanoke, Va., to the late John Arthur Sisson and Bessie May Sisson. Sue graduated from Jefferson High School in Roanoke in 1957, and shortly thereafter married the late Otto Hampton Keesling to whom she was married for 66 years. Over the course of her husband’s career, they resided in Virginia Beach, Va., Alexandria, Va., Sterling Park, Va., Goldsboro, N.C., and lastly, Salem, Va. Sue was the glue of the family and raised three sons who considered themselves to be incredibly fortunate to have such a caring and supportive mother. In addition to her family, she worked at different times as a receptionist for a medical doctor, an administrator for a nursery, and a manager of a unit in the Central Intelligence Agency’s Office of Security. She also gave back to the communities where she lived by actively volunteering for such organizations like the PTA, Jayceettes, Cub Scouts, a military thrift shop, and various Little League baseball and football programs.

Following her husband’s retirement, Sue and her husband returned to the Roanoke area in 2016 where she actively supported Wheatland Lutheran Church and its food bank. Sue was extremely grateful for the loving support of her friends and neighbors in the North Oaks community in Salem and the entire congregation of Wheatland Lutheran Church. Her “happy place” was playing Uno, Yahtzee, and other board games with her grandchildren at home and while on vacation.

Sue was predeceased by her husband in 2023.

She is survived by her sons, John (Carol), Charles (Kim), and James; grandchildren, James (Victoria), Molly, Kyle, Madison (Zach), and Conner; great-grandchildren, James, Olivia, Otto, and Walker; two brothers, Roy Sisson (Joyce) and Calvin Sisson; her sister-in-law, Fay Wingate; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Wheatland Lutheran Church located at 1560 Wheatland Road in Buchanan, Va. 24066. A funeral service will then begin at 12 Noon with her close friend, Pastor Chuck Miller, officiating. A reception will immediately follow, also at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Wheatland Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.