Carrie Joyce Sesler Keener
Carrie Joyce Sesler Keener passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, just five days before her 90th birthday. Her life was one of devotion – to her family and friends, her faith, her patients, and to the many people whose lives she touched with her kindness, strength and compassion.
Born in Uniontown, PA on August 23, 1936, Carrie entered the world in the farmhouse where she was raised, the youngest of six children of Altha and Wilma Newcomer Sesler. Growing up on the farm shaped her into a hardworking, resilient, and deeply grounded woman – qualities she carried throughout her life.
Carrie graduated from Georges Township High School in 1954 and went on to nursing school, where she discovered her lifelong calling. After earning her credentials as a registered nurse, she began a remarkable 42-year career. She served as a trauma nurse, taught nursing and worked in mental health care.
Carrie met the love of her life, William (Bill) Keener, at a church youth group event. They were married on June 29, 1957, and were inseparable until Bill’s passing in 2015. Carrie and Bill spent most of their lives together in Ohio where they raised their family in Elyria and later settled in Grafton. In 2018, Carrie moved to Canton, Michigan to be closer to her son and his family. Carrie created a home full of warmth, laughter, and love.
Carrie is survived by her children, Beth (Dan) Robinette and Bruce (Sharon) Keener; her grandchildren, Justin (Ruby) Keener and Jordan (Kyra) Keener; and her great-grandchildren, Isabella, Olivia, Liam, Jordan Jr. (Jak), and Rocco. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, her parents, and her siblings.
Carrie loved Bill, Jesus, her family, her church, and her many friends. She embraced life with enthusiasm and joy, always eager to be active and social. Even after moving to her senior living community, she remained busy and engaged – attending bible study, bingo, garden club and serving on the resident council. She cherished visitors from family and her many friends, and quickly became a favorite among the younger staff, who often stopped by her apartment to hear her stories and share in her warmth.
Carrie often said the two men she loved most were Bill and Jesus, but her grandsons were her “two favorite people”, her great-grandchildren were not far behind. She lived life to the fullest and made the most of life every day until her final days. Carrie passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and joyful living. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Carrie’s service will be held October 10, 2026, at Walnut Hill UM Church, 132 Collier Rd., Uniontown, PA 15401. With visitation 10 to 11 a.m. the time of service.
Intermittent graveside service to follow.
The family invites all attendees to join them for a meal afterwards; details will be provided at the service.
Contributions can be made to Walnut Hill UM Church and mailed to 649 Morgantown Rd., Uniontown, PA 15401-6908