STROH – Brenda J. Messer, 56, of Stroh, died at 5:35 p.m. July 22, 2013, in her residence. She had been in failing health for seven years. She was born Nov. 27, 1956, in Lackey, Ky., to Malcolm and Stella F. Conley Prater. On Aug. 1, 1974, in Hueysville, Ky., she married Cecil Messer, who survives in Stroh. She has lived in this area for 43 years, coming from Kentucky. She worked for Group Dekko and International Wire. Also surviving are a son, Christopher Michael Messer, Kendallville; a granddaughter, Abigail Messer, Garrett; five sisters: Shirley Ann Patton, Hindman, Ky.; Helen (and spouse Larry) Howard, Warsaw; Rachel Faye Cox, Wolcottville; Phyllis (and spouse Elmer Ray) Bailey, Hippo, Ky.; Sara L. Jackson, Kendallville; two brothers, Timmy (and spouse Barbara) Prater, Emmalena, Ky., and Vincent Lee Prater, Hueysville, Ky.; a special cousin, Virginia “Doody” Sizemore, Rome City; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Mt. Calvary United Baptist Church, Stroh, with the Rev. Willie Collins and Rev. Rick Davis officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery. Calling is from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the church, with an evening service at 6 p.m. Honorary pallbearer will be Isiaha Perkins. Active pallbearers will be Vincent Prater, Timmy Prater, Larry Howard, Chris Messer, Cory Combs and Scott DeLong. Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 S. State St., Kendallville, is assisting the family with arrangements. ***** Memorials to Mt. Calvary Baptist Church or the Helmer Independent Baptist Church. View a video tribute or send condolences to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com
