Barbara Jean Kusler

Barbara Jean (Silaff) Kusler age 82, of Leroy, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, July 3, 2023.

A funeral service will be held 6:00 p.m. Monday, July 10, 2023 at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, with Rev. John Woodard officiating, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Private burial at Gerald Cemetery near Leroy will be held at a later date.

Barbara was born May 26, 1941, in Leroy to William F. “Bill” Silaff Sr., a well-respected farmer, and Janet M. (Terry) Silaff, a future Leroy Postmaster. She started elementary school in Leroy and transferred to West ISD, continuing there until graduation in 1959 from West High School. After high school, she attended Waco Beauty School and was a hairstylist for many years in Waco.  Several years later, she moved to Dallas where she worked as an executive secretary for 10 years before moving back to Leroy in 1973. Barbara worked at Reed’s Flowers for many years until her retirement. She had wonderful stories of her time there and adored her work family.

In December of 1973, she was blessed with the birth of her wonderful son, Donald William Kusler, whom she doted on with all her heart. In 1982, she married the love of her life, Richard Kusler, and they enjoyed life immensely, hosting friends and family gatherings. Traveling and visiting with friends was such a joy to them. After marrying Richard and retiring from Reed’s Flowers, Barbara attended and received her associate degree from McLennan Community College. She enjoyed employment for several years as a substitute teacher at West ISD.

She was a member of The Leroy Church in Leroy. She was a very gifted floral arranger and enjoyed painting and crafting. She was all these things but so much more. She was loved and was so adored by her family.  She never missed an opportunity to wish someone a happy birthday or tell them how much they were loved. She always put her heart into her work, her love, her family, and friends. She never failed to tell people that they were loved and that they deserved their dream or to share a hearty laugh. She will be greatly missed and yet we will celebrate the day when we see her again.

Barbara is preceded in death by all her grandparents; her parents; her big brother, William “Bill or Billy” Silaff Jr.; and her beloved sister-in-law, Geneiva Silaff.

She is survived by her dearly loved husband of 41 years, Richard Kusler; cherished son, Donald William Kusler and lovely wife, Mary of Arlington, VA, along with two grandsons, Will and Sam Kusler, all of whom she adored immensely; and her adored step-children, Wade Kusler and wife, Jan of Malakoff; Kerry (Kusler) Chapman of Robinson; Michael Kusler and wife, Angela of Richmond, and Keith Kusler of Robinson; her greatly loved grandchildren, Dean Kusler, Valerie (Kusler) Martin and husband, Chris, Ashley Starr, Chase Chapman and wife, Kelleigh, Chesley Chapman, Dr. Court Kusler, Kale Kusler, Cody Kusler, Kaden Kusler, Piper Kusler, and Mason Kusler; great-grandchildren, John Luke, Cash and Raven. She is also survived by her adored brother, Don Silaff and wife, Pam; niece Terri (Silaff) Corley and husband, Robert; nephew, Matt Silaff and fiancé, Michelle; niece, Mandy Priddy and husband, Brandon; and several adored great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Memorials can be made in her memory to Youth Connection Inc, P.O. Box 20984, Waco, Tx, 76702-0984.