Elizabeth (Kessinger) Hurst

Elizabeth A. Hurst, 87, of Portsmouth, died Monday, June 8, 2026 at SOMC. She was born June 10, 1938 in Portsmouth, to the late William and Hilma (Wade) Kessinger.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Hurst and a sister-in-law, Janie Kessinger.

Liz was member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portsmouth, was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan, and loved her family deeply, especially her great-grandchildren, whom she adored.

She is survived by her two children, John “Rusty” Hurst II (Fida) of Lakeland, FL and Julie Bailey (Craig) of Portsmouth, four grandchildren, Justin Bailey (Lauren), Brittney Hurst, Ashley Bailey (Brad Hoover), and Christopher Hurst (Megan), seven great-grandchildren, Kayleigh, Brady, Delaney, Stella, Landyn, Bryce, and Ryland, two brothers, William “Bill” Kessinger (Linda) of Westerville and Thomas Kessinger of Cincinnati, and several nieces and nephews.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 PM Friday, June 12, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Michael Fulton officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. A visitation for friends and family will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth, where a Recitation of the Rosary will be at 7:00 PM.

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