Earle Ann Kessinger Chapline Dahms

Earle Ann Kessinger Chapline Dahms passed away on December 1, 2024, at home in Frederick, MD. Ann was born on October 2, 1949, to Charlotte Zimmerman Kessinger and Walter Frederick Kessinger in the 98th Army Field Hospital, Munich, Germany. Ann is preceded in death by her parents. 

Ann is survived by her husband of 34 years, Professor Joseph Dahms. She leaves behind her step-daughter Melanie Shelton (Jim), grandsons Max and Liam Shelton, two stepsons Kevin and Ray Kiddy, and their children. Ann is survived by Candy Kelly (Michael), Elaine Kessinger, Yvonne Lebherz (David), and Katie Downs (Timmy). Additionally, Ann is survived by nieces and nephews Sheri Tennet, Jasmine Naylor, Stacey Lebherz, Elizabeth Hafer, Sara Eberley, Sam Lebherz, and Michael Kelly. Ann is survived by a large number of great nieces and nephews. Surviving Ann are cousins Lyle Dronenburg, Lewis Dronenburg, Claire Simmons, Julie Holley, Vickie Mallcott, and Chuck Schilling. 

Ann spent her early years living in Germany and Portugal with her family. Upon return to the United States, she resided with her mother and four sisters in Frederick, Maryland. Ann graduated from Thomas Johnson High School in the first graduating class of 1967. Several years after graduating from high school, Ann moved to Farmington, New Hampshire, and lived in a rustic home with 50 acres on Blue Job Mountain. A bit of a hike was required to reach the house, and water was retrieved from a nearby well. Ann loved life surrounded by nature, embraced the simple life, and developed a circle of dear friends. She worked for the University of New Hampshire and volunteered in a nature conservatory. After 20 years, Ann returned to Frederick. 

Resettling in Frederick, Ann met and married Joe. She earned her BA in History from Hood College. Ann worked as a technical writer for several software companies serving the healthcare industry until her retirement.

Ann was spiritual and an avid reader of books that she could and should have written. She held many friends close to her heart including those met on travels to France and Germany. She loved living in Frederick with Joe, and developed many enduring friends, who include Annie and John Commito, Don and Margaret Hindman, Sue and Doug Meikle, and Kathy Falkenstein and Tom Lesser. Ann also developed a close relationship with her dear neighbors on East 4th Street, including Jen Elliott and her dog Charlie. 

Ann loved beauty, whether a finely crafted piece of furniture or a passage in a book. Ann loved reading and learning and was a gifted thinker. Ann was spiritual and lived a thoughtful life. Toward the end Ann was patient, stoic, and accepting. We believe she looked forward to her next spiritual journey. We will miss her dearly. 

Joe extends his heartfelt gratitude to the many friends who touched her life. He wishes to thank the Stockman Cancer Center caregivers, the nurses at Hospice, the congregation of Glade Valley Church of the Brethren, Pastor Becky Henry, and a special thank you to Tyanna Draper and Pam Marshall for their love and support. 

We will deeply miss Ann’s warm spirit and the profound impact she had on all who knew her. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Glade Valley Church of the Brethren, 2 Chapel Place, Walkersville, Maryland.