Gayla Ann Messenger

KINGMAN-Messenger, Gayla Ann 58, was born March 04th 1960 in Brooksville, FL. She was the daughter of Frank and Ann Smith. In 1964, the family moved back to Kingman, KS and Gayla entered the Kingman school system in Kindergarten. Gayla graduated from Kingman high School in 1978. While attending KHS, she was a cheerleader, played basketball, and participated in many clubs and organizations. Her senior year of high school she began dating her husband to be, Jon Messenger. Her locker just happened to be right below his, so it made it very convenient for them to see one another between classes. They had actually met for the first time in Kindergarten, AND were in the same class from kindergarten through 12th grade. They even were standing beside one another in their 3rd grade class picture. Gayla had worked at a local retail store during her high school years. During her senior year, she began working for a local long term care facility. Little did she realize that this was going to be a career for her. On July 28, 1979 she married Jon Messenger at the Kingman United Methodist Church in Kingman, KS. Gayla and Jon moved to Lawrence, KS to start their family, and for Jon to finish his education at the University of Kansas. Gayla and Jon were blessed with 2 beautiful children, Jon & Holly. While her husband finished college; Gayla was a wonderful housewife and fantastic mother. When her husband received his degree, they moved back to the farm near Zenda, KS. Gayla began working nights at Hilltop Manor, a local long term care facility in Cunningham, KS. She quickly ascended to a registered nurse, having received her nursing degree from Pratt Jr College, then became director of nursing for many years. She never allowed nursing school or work to interfere with the raising of her children. Many, many nights and/or days she went without sleep to make sure the children had a good meal, were dressed, and on the bus. She participated in the children's school functions and projects, from being a room mother to chaperoning field trips. As the children got older and more active in school sports and functions; she still never missed being there to support them. Gayla worked at Hilltop Manor for over 29 years, AND also taught nursing class at Pratt Jr College. In August of 2013, Gayla was diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer. Though she was battling cancer, she wanted something to do and missed the elderly dearly; so she went to work as an agency nurse. She worked at numerous long term care facilities throughout Kansas. She was highly requested and respected by all of the facilities. Almost all of them offered her a full time position. She would just smile, thank them; then gracefully and politely declined. Gayla could not be more proud of her two children and 6 grandchildren. She absolutely treasured her time with her 6 grandchildren: Kason, Presley, Brylee, Kona, Jonny, and Crew. They are what provided her the strength to continue the fight for over 5 years. Gayla loved to travel and did a lot with her best friend, and more than a sister, Cheryl McGuire. She enjoyed all of her trips with family and friends. She commented quite often of her fond memories of her travels. She will be remembered for; her grace, elegance, and amazing beauty (inside and outside), her love for her children and grandchildren, her ability to light up a room with laughter, and to bring a smile to everyone's face. She is survived by: her husband of 39 years Jon F. Messenger, son Jon (Amanda) Messenger, daughter Holly Messenger, grandchildren - Kason Messenger, Brylee Messenger, Presley Young, Daric Kona Messenger, Jonny Messenger, Crew Messenger; Parents Frank and Ann Smith, Brothers - Ron (Kathy) Smith, Randy (Vanora) Smith, Garry (Betty) Smith; Aunt Judy (Larry) Flickner, AND many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by: Aunts Jeannie Lassiter and Karen Jackson, Uncles Jack Lassiter and Buford Jackson. Services will be at 2:00 pm on Friday October 19th at the Kingman Mennonite Church, with Livingston Funeral Home handling arrangements. Interment will be at Cleveland Cemetery, Cleveland, KS. Memorials may be made out to the Kingman Museum & Historical Society OR the Kingman Library.