Anna R. Messmer, age 95 of Billings, Montana passed away on February 18, 2018. Anna, formally of Plevna and Miles City, was born on January 23, 1923 and was the daughter of Hugh and Agnes Clarke McFarland of Miles City. Anna grew up on the McFarland Ranch south of Miles City. She initially attended school in a one room schoolhouse south of Miles City. As she grew older, she attended Custer County High School, Miles City Business College, and the American Institute of Banking. She recognized the value of education and believed that you are never too old to challenge yourself. Anna’s career began with the J.C. Penny Company in Miles City. She then worked for the Harlowton Continental National Bank, the Miles City First National Bank and the U.S. Bank in Billings. At U.S. Bank, Anna was in charge of agriculture and commercial loans. She retired from the U.S. Bank in 1985.
Anna enjoyed community activities and involvement. She was a past officer of the Billings Business & Professional Women’s Club. In addition, she was a board member and past officer of the Yellowstone Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Banking. She also was a past member and officer of the Tongue River Homemakers Club, a Girl Scout leader, and an active Red Cross volunteer. She had many delightful hours volunteering at the Plevna Senior Citizens Center and for the Billings Public Schools.
Anna was preceded in death by three husbands, Frank St. Peter, Ben J. Rieger, and Frank P. Messmer; two brothers: Hugh and Bob McFarland; four sisters: Margaret Primmer, Matilda Fiegle, Tanna Hanson and Marcella “Cella” Reed; and her companion of the last few years, James (Jim) Ellison. She is survived by one brother, Clyde McFarland of Miles City.
Anna adored and was extremely proud of her family. Her fondest memories were of family gatherings and reunions. She also had a passion for education, swimming, dancing, homemaking, and travel. Survivors include a son, Terry (Barbara DeBuff) Rieger of Elk Grove, California; four daughters: Fawn R. Gongre of Billings, Lyria R. Miller (Marshall) of Bremerton, Washington, Valarie K. Rieger-Grimm (Randall) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Elna R. Thomas (Andrew) of Billings. Additionally, Anna is survived by thirteen grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at the Mission Ridge for their residents in Billings, MT. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City followed by a luncheon at the Riley Center. Interment will follow the luncheon at the Community Union Cemetery in Plevna, MT. Should friends desire, memorials in Anna’s honor may be made to the following: Miles City Convent Keepers to preserve the historical Miles City Academy; Montana Rescue Mission or to the Billings Public Schools Education Foundation. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Thursday March 8, 2018
Mission Ridge
3840 Rimrock Rd.
Billings, Montana 59102
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday March 9, 2018
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the Funeral Service.
Friday March 9, 2018
Riley Center
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Luncheon.
Friday March 9, 2018
Community Union Cemetery
Plevna , Montana 59344
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Thursday March 8, 2018
Mission Ridge
3840 Rimrock Rd.
Billings, Montana 59102
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday March 9, 2018
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the Funeral Service.
Friday March 9, 2018
Riley Center
120 N Montana Ave
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Luncheon.
Friday March 9, 2018
Community Union Cemetery
Plevna , Montana 59344
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Pam says
To The Family.
I am so sorry for your loss. During this stressful time we can take comfort in the Bible’s encouraging message at 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 where God assures us that he is the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God.
Take Care.
Pam Bovee says
So sorry for your loss. Anne was one classy and kind lady. She will be missed by all who knew her. She and Ben welcomed me into their home and helped this girl adjust from the “small town” of Miles City to the “big” city of Billings, when I was going to the Billings Vo-Tech. She is now with all her family/friends laughing and telling stories.
Laurie Stricker says
Elna, Fawn, Lyria and families, my thoughts and prayers are with you! Hugs dear friends!
Amanda Agyeman-Budu says
Love, hugs and prayers for you all!!!
Marilou Tognarelli says
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Darlene Erickson says
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all in the loss of your Mom; she was a special lady who always had a
twinkle in her eye! She will be dearly missed; she’s with her family in heaven remembering the good times!
Love,
Bob & Dar Erickson
& Mike & Judy Johnson
Diane Welbes says
My Thoughts and prayers are with the family. May she rest in peace.
Linda Winkley says
I came to know Anna (Annie) from 4B’s and the StageCoach. I loved to see her in her many hats! She had a good sence of humor!! We got alokng well….. I will miss her, whenever she was in Miles City, she would make sure to stop and see me. Prayers to the families.