Mary Lesle " Les" Kurtzhalz Dryden, 94, passed away Feb. 14, 2014, at her home in Fresno, Calif.
She was born May 8, 1919, to Harry Leslie and Mary Binns Kurtzhalz and lived in Ashland until 2004 when she moved to Fresno to be with her daughter.
She attended Ashland High School, graduating in 1936, and went to work for Western Union. While working in Frankfort, she met John Tinsley Dryden and they were married on Nov. 23, 1939. After the war, Lesle received an associate degree from Ashland Community College.
Les worked for 15 years at the C&O Railroad, retiring in 1967. She began oil painting at age 58, giving away many of her paintings as gifts. A talented artist, she enjoyed painting everything from landscapes to still life to portraits. At age 85, she took up watercolor and continued to learn and paint. Her final painting was a watercolor portrait of her husband, completed in 2007 at age 88. She was an avid reader, a superb bridge player and a crossword puzzle addict.
A member of the First United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday school to children and adults and was active in her church circle. She was also involved in the Homemakers Club, the Russell Womans Club and Community Hospice and was a Kentucky colonel. She was very active in Masonic organizations. In 1942, she was installed into the Order of the Eastern Star and remained a member for 71 years. She was worthy matron of the Order of the Eastern Star (1972-73), grand representative (1974-79), worthy high priestess of the White Shrine of Jerusalem in (1979-80) and worthy matron of the Order of the Amaranth (1986-87).
She was also predeceased by John, her husband of 62 years, and two sisters, Erna Kurtzhalz Wood and Dorothea Kurtzhalz Fearing.
She is survived by her devoted daughter, Mary Dryden of Fresno; a sister, Ann Kurtzhalz Burns of Knoxville, Tenn.; and many nieces and nephews.
The family extends sincere appreciation to Saundra Prescott, a favorite caregiver of Lesles, for her kindness and love.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014, at Steen Funeral HomeCentral Avenue Chapel in Ashland by the Rev. John Stree. Burial will be in Ashland Cemetery.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 21, and after 10 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 1811 Carter Ave., Ashland, KY 41101 or Community Hospice, 1480 Carter Ave., Ashland, KY 41101.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhome.com.
