Irene Messer, 88, of Sumatra, MT passed away January 11, 2013.
Irene was born October 18, 1924 to Ray and Elizabeth (Koch) Schleder at the ranch near Sumatra, MT.
She graduated from Sumatra High School in 1942 and attended Eastern Montana College Normal School in Billings, MT to receive her teacher certificate. Her first teaching job was in a one room schoolhouse on Rattlesnake Creek northwest of Sumatra. She later taught school at Vananda, MT. It was there where she met her husband, when he, the Navy sailor threw a snowball at her. Irene married Phillip Messer on June 30, 1946 and they were life-long ranchers in the Sumatra area. After her marriage Irene taught school at Sumatra for a couple of years, then remained at the ranch with her husband where together they raised their family.
Beginning in 1967 Irene returned to teaching and then went back to school during the summer months until she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. She continued teaching at Ingomar, MT until her retirement in 1980. Irene continued to live on the ranch until her death.
Irene enjoyed gardening, played piano for church as well as teaching some lessons and served on the Forsyth High School school board.
Irene is survived by her sons, Ray (Elaine) Messer of Houston, TX, Charles (Annie) Messer of Lame Deer, MT, and Gene (Shirley) Messer of Billings, MT, her daughter, Frances (Bob) Dellit of Sumatra, MT, her brother, Leonard (Jackie) Schleder of Shepherd, MT, 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Rosebud Health Care Foundation, PO Box 500, Forsyth, MT 59327 or charity of donors choice.
Viewing will be Friday, January 18, 2013, 10am-6pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, MT. A Vigil Service will be held that same evening beginning at 6 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 19, 2013, 11 am, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish in Forsyth, MT. Rite of committal will follow at the Forsyth Cemetery.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home have been entrusted with these arrangements.
Condolences may be left by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 18, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth,
Vigil Service
6:00 PM
Friday January 18, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home of Forsyth
Forsyth, MT
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Saturday January 19, 2013
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Forsyth, Montana
Rite of Committal
Following Services
Saturday January 19, 2013
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday January 18, 2013
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth,
Vigil Service
6:00 PM
Friday January 18, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home of Forsyth
Forsyth, MT
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Saturday January 19, 2013
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Forsyth, Montana
Rite of Committal
Following Services
Saturday January 19, 2013
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, MT 59327
Share
Cathy Byron says
I was not prepared to learn of Irene’s passing, though it was clear she was battling some challenges when we visited a couple of times last summer and fall. Regardless, she always wore a smile. She served with dignity and intelligence on the school board, bringing a true professional demeanor to the role. Irene made a positive deposit in the lives of everyone she touched. She will be missed. My heart is with each of you… It is not easy to say good-bye to a mother. Though our heads know she is truly in a better place, the heart struggles with the loss. Cherish the memories! That’s where the richest of her legacies lies!
Ron & Teddy Robertson says
We just wanted you to know that your in our thoughts and we realize that as grateful as we are for the gift of time with those we love,it’s never really quite enough when it’s time to go home. May God bless and keep you even more than He has in the days ahead.
Dianne and Ted Hodges says
Irene lived a full and happy life. You, her children, were always such an important part of her life. Her love and devotion for Phil was beyond measure, and now they are together. I will always remember our visits to the homestead and playing with the cats, riding the horses, and drinking from the water ladle out of the bucket. Memories are what we can all share now, and it will be those memories that will help us heal with this loss. We wish we could be there, but it cannot be as the distance is too great. However, the distance will not keep our thoughts far away as we say a rosary for Irene Saturday morning. Our love to you all!!
Bill & Karen (Curran) Dutton says
We were so sorry to read about your Mother. She was a special friend when I lived in Melstone. What a kind and loving person. I remember her smile and caring. Please know that we are praying for you and cherish those special memories you have of a wonderful Mother and friend to others.
Marlene Newman Rule says
Was saddened to hear about Irene’s death. Always loved visiting with her at the Jersey when a function was going on, she always had a smile and will miss seeing her. My condolences to all the family. We have lost a icon in the community!!
Sister Constance Phelps, SCL says
Ray, to you and your family I send my sympathy and prayers as you mourn the death of your mother. While it is difficult to lost a parent, it can be so very consoling to confide those whom we love to God. May your memories, also, bring you consolation in the days and months to come. You remain in my thoughts and my prayers.
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Joe and Rachel Hofer says
We are so sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. She was a sweet lady always a smile. It is hard to loss a mother and I am sure you will miss her dearly. Our prayers are with you God Bless you.
Love Joe and Rachel Hofer
Beatrice Lovell says
I was sad to hear of your Mom passing. It was such fun to visit the ranch, and the good food. Your Mom and Dad were so gracious. It is so hard to loose a Mom, and my prayers, and thoughts are with you. God Bless you.
Richard and Diane Hecker says
We are sending prayers heavenward for Irene’s soul which is surely now in the eternal presence of God. Our condolances also go to Irene’s family Raymond, Charlie, Gene, and Frances and their families, especially Frances who has been the loving caregiver of her mother for a long time. Thank you Frances, you are an earth angel.
I have always had great fondness for Irene, like a sister, because for several years in our youth we lived each winter as a family in Sumatra to attend school. Our respective mothers alternated biweekly living with all of us kids (five Heckers and Irene & Leonard) ; three to a bed was our sleeping arrangement. Blessings to Mom and Aunt Lizzy, two wonderful women.
Love, Richard & Diane Hecker
Carol Larson Hansen says
Dear Family,
Thinking of you during this difficult time and praying God will comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Looking at the picture of Irene, she is just as beautiful as I remember her to be in 1964 when I went to school at Sumatra.
I remember Irene as a gracious lady. My mother, Gladys Larson, was teaching the lower grades at Sumatra School. Mother wasn’t feeling well and had spent a night or two in the hospital. I remember Irene bringing us a large casserole dish of goulash, so Mom didn’t have to cook. It was so delicious and the casserole had mushrooms in it, and that was the first time I had ever tasted mushrooms!! What fond memories I have of your Mom and her kind and gentle manner.
May God be with all of you and give you strength .
In sympathy,
Carol Larson Hansen
Rick and Gayle Scheidt says
Our prayers are being sent to your family. I served on the school board with Irene. What a nice lady she was. May God bless her and all your family.