Sarah Messner

Sarah Edith Messner NORFOLK - Sarah Edith Messner, 97, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with her Lord Oct. 18, 2010. Edith was born in St. Louis, Mo. She was predeceased by her husband, Col. Arthur E. Messner; her parents, Arthur and Evalyn Heitmeyer; her brother, George W. Heitmeyer; and her son-in-law, Maynard W. Sayles. Left to cherish her memory are her son, William A. Messner and his wife Harriet of Norfolk; her daughters, Patricia E. Sayles of Albuquerque, N.M., and Gloria J. Merkel and her husband John of Norfolk; her grandchildren, Amy J. Inoa and her husband JR of Marlton, N.J., Elisabeth E. Barela and her husband Bryan of Albuquerque, Maynard A. Sayles and his wife Brenda of Portland, Ore., Jean E. Merkel and her husband Norman Vandervelde of Fort Collins, Colo., and Lynn A. Alexander and her husband Nicholas of Norfolk; and 11 great-grandchildren. Edith was a devoted wife and mother, providing a loving home wherever Army orders directed: Leavenworth, Kan., Panama Canal Zone, El Paso, Texas, Lawton, Okla., Paris, France, Chicago, and back home in St. Louis. Her interests were many: the Empty-Nesters of Southminster Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, bowling, sewing, volunteer work, knitting, crocheting, gardening, crossword puzzles, card games, bingo, and especially Rummikub. Mother's last years were difficult, and she will be remembered for her positive spirit as she bravely endured the frailties of aging. We rejoice, knowing Mom has been freed from her pain. She loved well and was well-loved. "Her children rise up and bless her." We grieve with hope, knowing we will see her again in heaven. The service and burial in St. Louis will be private. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made through www.hdoliver.com.