Jeree H. Koehler
Jeree H. Koehler, 89, formerly of Heidrick, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, at Dover Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Jeree was born on September 11, 1936, in Heidrick, Kentucky, to the late Jesse T. Hammons and Effie Tuggle Hammons Fisher. She lived a life devoted to her family, her faith, her work, and her community.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Robert E. “Bob” Koehler, who passed away on December 13, 2022; her parents, Jesse T. Hammons and Effie Tuggle Hammons Fisher; her daughter, Judy Kay Koehler; and her son-in-law, Justin Paul Yeager.
Jeree is survived by her brother, Jerry Hammons of Raleigh, North Carolina; her daughter, Karen Yeager of Georgetown, Kentucky; her son, Brian Koehler (Bonnie) of Lexington, Kentucky; her grandchildren, Jessie Beckman (Jonathan) of Cynthiana, Kentucky, Amanda Warner (Stephen) of Florence, Kentucky, Emily Koehler of Georgetown, Kentucky, and Elizabeth Koehler of Georgetown, Kentucky; her step-grandson, Daniel Taylor (Fallon) of Corbin, Kentucky; and her five great-grandchildren, Liam, Kaden, Josie, Bentley, and Luke. She treasured her family and found great joy in their accomplishments and in the time they spent together.
Throughout her career, Jeree was known for her dedication, strong work ethic, friendly spirit, and outstanding cooking. She served as Assistant Postmaster of the Heidrick Post Office and worked for many years at Rapp Lumber Company and Miller-Yancy Furniture in Barbourville. She was also a successful business owner, operating two well-known local restaurants, the Traveler Inn Restaurant and the College Corner Café, where she became known for her hospitality, delicious home-style cooking, and generous service to the community. Jeree never hesitated to share a meal with someone in need, and many people remember her not only for the food she prepared but for the kindness and care she showed to others through it. Her generosity touched countless lives and reflected the compassion that defined her character.
Jeree was a faithful member of Barbourville First Baptist Church and was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Red Hat Society. Her faith guided her throughout her life, and she was respected by all who knew her for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to family and friends. She enjoyed the fellowship and friendships she developed through her church and community organizations.
Jeree will be remembered for her warm heart, her determination, and the positive impact she made on the lives of those around her. Her legacy of love, faith, hard work, and service to others will continue through the family she cherished and the many friends whose lives she touched.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 12-2pm at Knox Funeral Home with the funeral following.
