Mary Martha Messer, 86, of Ottumwa, died at 1:36 p.m. September 8, 2024 at her home.
She was born November 22, 1937 in Iowa City to John Raymond “Shockey” and Eula Arlene “Petunia” Reisch Messer. Mary married Robert “Sonny” Gard and to that union two daughters and a son were born.
A resident of Ottumwa most of her life, she had worked in restaurants for 30 years.
Mary started bowling in 1968 and was a member of the Ottumwa Women’s Bowling Association, holding several offices and was a board member. She was inducted into the OWBA Hall of Fame in 2000. She was a life member of Walter B. Schafer Post #775 Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and B.P.O. Elks Lodge #347 Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing Bingo, fishing and camping.
Mary loved her children and family very much.
She is survived by her children, Barbara (Larry) Cain of Blakesburg, Sally (Scott) Couch of Eddyville and Daniel Gard of Ottumwa; her “chosen” son, Mark (Cisley) Frymoyer 3 grandchildren, Amy Fye, Whittany (Tony) Wright and Matt Cobler; 9 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Melvin Messer.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a great-nephew, Nathan Messer; and sister-in-law, Joyce Messer.
Visitation will be open at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 10th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 11th at Reece Funeral Home with Chaplain Gary Brooks officiating. Cremation will follow the services.
A further time to celebrate her life will be held at Champion Bowl following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date.
