Barbara Denard Kesler

Barbara Kesler, born June 23, 1932, in Washington, Georgia, passed away peacefully in her home, where she always wanted to be, surrounded by the love of her family.

Barbara was a woman who truly lived life on her own terms. Strong-willed, spirited, and at times stubborn, she never apologized for being exactly who she was. As she often said, she wasn’t one to “sit around and grow roots” — and she proved that by living a full, adventurous life.

She spent the last 25 years of her life in Ormond Beach, Florida, by the ocean — a dream she had always held close to her heart. She found joy in the sunshine, the water, and the life she built there.

Barbara loved to dance, go out, celebrate, and travel. She took many cruises and often said she had been “all around the world.” She also enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, playing cards and games and creating lasting memories together. She loved cooking for everyone when they came to visit, something her family will always remember.

She retired from the Putnam County School System after many years of service.

She was married twice, and always spoke of her second husband, Winston, as her true love.

Barbara leaves behind a large and loving family. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Eugene Rogers and parents, Odian Adolf Denard, Sr. and  Amanda Mae Matthews Denard. She is survived by her children, James Stewart Rogers, Robert Denard Rogers, Tommy Dale Rogers, and Teena Rogers Smith; along with two of her eight siblings, fourteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Her legacy lives on through each of them.

She will be remembered for her strength, her honesty, her sense of humor, and her determination to live life fully and unapologetically.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., at Tignall Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Tignall Baptist Church Cemetery.

Hopkins Funeral Home, Washington, GA is honored to be entrusted with funeral arrangements for Mrs. Barbara Kesler.