Joyce Eileen Messer, 80, of Ottumwa, died at 4:18 p.m. July 20, 2024 at The Haven Memory Care.
She was born July 24, 1943 in Ottumwa, to Donald and Florence Pherigo Jacobs. She married Melvin Messer September 2, 1961.
A 1961 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Joyce had worked at Cal’s Jack and Jill, Everco, Hormel and Cargil Meat Solutions from which she retired.
Joyce was a member of Zion Community Church of God. She enjoyed gardening, reading and attending all of her grandchildren’s sporting events.
Surviving is her husband, Mel; their children, Mel (Jolynn) Messer Jr. of Ottumwa, Richard (Deborah) Messer of Angola, IN and Sherry (Kelly) Bragg of Ottumwa; 5 grandchildren, Haili Messer (Chis Sanborn), Brittney (Cody) Silvers, Michael (Jen) Messer, Emily (Clint) Kitterman and Zachary (Natasha) Messer; 7 great-grandchildren, Lydia, Delaney, Riley, Avery, Amelia, Eiley and Tripp.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Nathan D. Messer; a brother, Burl Jacobs; and a sister, Margaret Skinner.
Visitation will be open after 1 p.m. Monday, July 22nd, at Reece Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday July 23rd, at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor John Mark Henry officiating. Her family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the service Tuesday. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Zion Community Church of God.
