Christine Mae Kesselring (Bennett) was born on October 9, 1942 in Sidney, Nebraska.  She was preceded in death by husband Leighton Herbert Kesselring, her parents Earl and Christina Bennett and seven siblings: Earline Cox, Wilbur (Bud), Edwin, Louis, Elvin, Harold, and Leroy.  She was the youngest of the family and was often referred to as "Babe."  Her fondest memories growing up were playing cards and musical instruments with her family which included the violin, piano, guitar, accordion and singing hymns together. 

As a young woman, she was most proud of buying her first car and moving to Hot Springs, South Dakota after high school to rent her first apartment.  She worked as an operator for the local telephone company and a second job as a nurse's assistant at a hospital caring for children with mental and physical disabilities.  Living in the Black Hills of South Dakota was one of her most favorite places.  After marriage, she moved with her husband to Lincoln, Nebraska where they bought their first home and owned an Amoco service station near the University of Nebraska.  During that time, she was in a devastating car accident while pregnant with her youngest daughter and was told she'd never walk again.  While in the hospital, she would read the bible to her roommate which would become a pattern later in her life.  Miraculously, through the grace of God, she recovered.  Although in and out of the hospital over the years with serious health issues, she would always get to know the nurses and encourage them in the Lord even while she was in pain.

They later moved to Omaha with Amoco and again to Kearney, Nebraska to manage two new service stations.  After selling their business, they bought a Days Inn and moved to Doniphan, Missouri then semi-retired in Foley, Alabama.  She enjoyed singing in the choir many years ago, baking cookies for the grandchildren and loved playing cards and the piano with family during the holidays.  Her favorite book was the bible and often spoke about the faithfulness of God in her life even in the midst of her failures.  She leaves behind three daughters, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren of whom she was very proud.

Christine will be laid to rest in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida with her husband, Leighton Herbert Kesselring.