Kissell

Grace E. Kissell, 89, of St. Marys, Pa., formerly of Butler, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Pinecrest Manor, following a brief illness.

She was born April 29, 1937, in Monroeville, a daughter of the late Asa and Florence Page Miller.

On Nov. 24, 1962, she married Joseph Kissell, who preceded her in death in 2007. Together, they shared more than 45 years of marriage.

Grace was a member of The Christian and Missionary Alliance Church and in 2023, she made the move to St. Marys to be closer to her beloved daughter, a move that brought her great joy and precious time with her family.

A dedicated nurse, she attended the Presbyterian University Hospital School of Nursing and devoted her career to caring for others. She worked for many years at the Eye and Ear Hospital in Pittsburgh, Forbes Regional Hospital and later, in home healthcare.

She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures — losing herself in a good book, enjoying a shopping trip, listening to music and spending treasured moments with her grandchildren. She remained especially fond of her beloved dog, Chipper, whose memory stayed close to her heart long after his passing.

Gifted with a wonderful sense of humor and a naturally optimistic spirit, she faced life with grace, rarely complaining and always finding reasons to smile. Her love of music was a lifelong passion. She played both the piano and organ and shared her voice in church, enriching the lives of those around her through song. Her kindness, resilience and unwavering positivity will be remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

She is survived by two children, Darlene (Louie) Holley, of St. Marys, and Joseph (Morgen Jahnke) Kissell, of Saskatoon, Canada; and by her six beloved grandchildren. She was also anticipating the birth of two great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Grace was preceded in death by three siblings, Richard Miller, Glen Miller and Ruth Stitt.

KISSELL — A graveside service for Grace E. Kissell, who died Tuesday, June 16, 2026, is being scheduled at Belle Vernon Cemetery and will be held privately by the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.

LYNCH-GREEN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.