Marilee Ann Kessler

Marilee Ann Kessler Grant passed away on Monday, December 25^th, 2023 at her home in Folsom California, she was 86 years old.

Marilee was born June 10^th, 1937 in Rockford Illinois to Clayton Buttleman and Opal Swanberg Buttleman. She was the oldest of four children, survived by sisters Michelle Swanberg, Trudy Woods, and brother Michael Buttleman.

She grew up in Sacramento California attending American River College and later had a long career with the state of California working for both the Youth Authority and the Department of Justice.

When she was younger, she lived in Japan. She fell in love with Japanese and Asian culture. She had a niche for decorating and a flare for fashion which she showcased in her home adorned with oriental statues, vases, furniture, pictures, and Geisha dolls. Marilee’s other passions included reading, genealogy cooking, and entertaining. Showing off her cooking skills with a home full of guests was a specialty of hers. She loved gardening as well, the camellia was her favorite flower. Maybe because in 1956 she was crowned Camellia Princess in the Camellia Society of Sacramento’s Camellia Queen Contest.

Marilee’s favorite holiday was Christmas, from the beginning of November to the end of January her home was a winter wonderland. Decorations of angels, Santa, and Rudolph covered every square inch of the house. This Christmas, God gifted Marilee with peace and love, and brought her home to heaven.

She is survived by her beloved husband of over 20 years Archy Grant. Marilee’s life brought her several children, Christopher Niemann, Heidi Niemann Hauser, Randall Niemann, Michelle Basey, Scott Kessler, Alan Grant, and Mia Eades. She enjoyed five grandchildren, Kyle Hauser, Sierra Hauser, Max Basey II, Claire Niemann, Brooke Niemann and two great grandchildren, twins Ayla and Willow.

Services will be held at 11am on January 19^th located at East Lawn 5757 Greenback Lane, Sacramento California 95841. Following the service, a celebration of Marilee’s life will be held at her favorite restaurant Hop Sing Palace located at 805 Sutter Street in Folsom California at 1:30.