Charlotte L. Messer

August 13, 1940 - May 8, 2019

Charlotte L. Messer, 78, of Oskaloosa, died Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. She was born August 13, 1940, at her parents farm house north of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, the daughter of Paul Errol and Edith Ridenger Gray. She graduated from Hillsboro High School with the class of 1958. On April 7, 1961 she was united in marriage to Robert Messer in Burlington, Iowa. To this union, two children were born, Chris and Michael. Charlotte and Robert shared 27 years of marriage together before his passing in 1988. Charlotte was a homemaker for most of her working life until she took a job working for Marv Smiths Signs in Oskaloosa. She later drove a bus for Oskaloosa Community Schools from 1988 until retiring in 2010. She enjoyed watching sports, Iowa Hawkeye football games, fishing, mushroom hunting, being outdoors, and spending time with her friends. Above all, her real joy in life was spending time with her family. Her family includes her two sons, Chris Messer of Urbandale, Iowa and Michael (Dawn) Messer of Conway, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Jacob (Telisa) Messer, Paige Messer and Abagail Messer; five great grandchildren, Gracie, Bentley, Quinn, Kohen Messer and Khaleesi Brewer and a sister, Shirley Thornton. In addition to her husband Robert, Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Edith. As was Charlotte's wish, her body will be cremated and a private graveside service will be held at the Grant Cemetery in Rome, Iowa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the MHP Serenity Hospice House.