Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home & Crematory

1890 Highway 93 North

Kalispell, Montana

Annabel Messing Obituary

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.

Published by The Freeport Journal Standard from Feb. 24 to Feb. 26, 2017.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Annabel Messing

Not sure what to say?





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

Make a Donation
in Annabel Messing's name

Memorial Events
for Annabel Messing

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home & Crematory

1890 Highway 93 North, Kalispell, MT 59901

How to support Annabel's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Annabel Messing's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more