Search by Name
Menu
Search by Name
Annabel "Ann" Messing 1923—2017
Annabel "Ann" Messing, 93, passed away Jan. 22, 2017, at the BeeHive Home in Columbia Falls, Montana. She was born to Sedrick and Vera Portner Landreth in Freeport, Illinois, where she grew up. She graduated from Freeport High School and completed two years at Illinois State University in Normal. Like many of her generation, her college years were cut short by World War II. She left college to marry Marvin "Skeez" Messing, days before he joined the Navy. After the war, Ann and Skeez settled in Freeport.vShe worked as a buyer and bookkeeper for the family business, Messing and Becker Sporting Goods. She loved fishing on Lake Wisconsin and was expert at a variety of needlework ... quilting, crewel, knitting, needlepoint. Involvement in her community was important to her. She volunteered for years as a "Pink Lady" at the hospital and helped organize the first polio vaccination clinic in Freeport. Ann was always active in her church, Grace Episcopal. Ann and Skeez retired to Whitefish, Montana, to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. In her new home, Ann dedicated her time to community and church. She helped found the Touch of Grace free medical clinic in Kalispell. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Skeez, and sister, Kay Landreth Dotlich. She is survived by daughters, Pam Messing Hughes (Dick) of Whitefish, and Kris Messing of Stevensville; and grandchildren, Brennan and Spencer Hughes and Lindsay Dalby. She is also survived by two beloved exchange student daughters, Hiroko Nakamura of Tokyo and Marta Dantas of Sao Carlos, Brazil. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell is handling the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Dear Kris and Pam and family,
I am very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Both of your parents were so kind to me during our school years in Freeport. I still marvel at how inclusive, gentle and talented they were. They made me feel welcomed into a second family.
Please accept my sincere condolences!
Sue Kading
March 7, 2017
Ann and Skeez invited me for a trip to Wyoming with them to share their vacation with me and another high school kid. It was one of the greatest, most influential experiences in my then young life.
Paul Starkey
March 2, 2017
Ann and Skeez were youth group leaders when I was a teen. Both were committed Episcopalians who gave of their time and talents to guide us. I am grateful to have had such wonderful role models.
Tair Weigel
February 26, 2017
Please accept my condolences for your loss loved one. May (Luke 14:14) give your family some comfort.
February 25, 2017
Dear Kris
I'm saddened to read of the death of your beloved mother. I remember seeing her so many times in downtown Freeport and later at FHN. She was a sweet and gentle spirit. May God comfort you and your sister and all who mourn this deep loss. The hole in my heart from the loss of my mom in 2000, is still there, not as large as the day she died, but she is and always will be occupying that little hole in my heart, as will your mom. Blessings are in the memories.
Diane Dixon Sorn
February 25, 2017
Pam & Kris - Sad to here about your moms' passing. She was an exceptionally kind and thoughtful person; it was a gift to have her as a part of my life. The same is true of your dad. I hold many special memories of spending time with them. They made the world a better place.
Dan Humay
Dan Humay
February 25, 2017
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Funeral services provided by:
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home & Crematory1890 Highway 93 North, Kalispell, MT 59901
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more