Irene Messer

 ~ October 18, 1924 - January 11, 2013 ~

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, seven 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, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, MT. A Vigil Service will be held that same evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 19, 2013, 11:00 a.m., 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.
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