Esther Messer

Funeral services for Esther L. Messer, 96, of Lawrence will be held 10 a.m., Tuesday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Messer died Saturday, January 2, 2010 at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence.

She was born January 18, 1913 in Lamar, Missouri, the daughter of John W. and Martha Anne (Smoots) Hagen. She lived most of her life in Lawrence and was a Liberty Memorial High School graduate.  She worked for many years in the food service department at USD 497, Lawrence High School.

She was a member of the Central United Methodist Church in Lawrence.  She was a member of Friendship Lodge # 574 Rebekahs, a Past Grand Matriarch of Kansas, L.E.A. Shawnee # 3 Topeka and the Ladies Auxiliary Patriarch Militant # 3.

She was married to Gerald C. Messer on November 17, 1935 in Lawrence.  He preceded her in death on June 30, 1995.

Survivors include three sons, John R. and his wife,  Darinda Messer of Lawrence, Kansas, Warren Messer of Maple Valley, Washington, Richard B. Messer  and his wife, Cassandra Rivers of Lecompton, Kansas; four grandchildren, Jill Nuti, Michael Messer, Jamie Messer and Jesse Messer; two great grandchildren, Karissa Nuti and Jake Nuti.

The family will receive friends from 3:30 p.m., to 5:00 p.m. Monday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.  The family suggests memorial contributions to Heart of America Hospice or to the Central United Methodist Church.  Contributions may be sent in % of the mortuary.

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