Mrs. Gertrude Mills Messer, 87, of Flat Lick, passed away Monday afternoon, August 9, 2021 at her home. She was the daughter of the late John D. and Lucy Bingham Mills born on July 17, 1934 at Road Fork.
Gertrude was a former long-time teacher and librarian at Dewitt Elementary School and a member of the Dewitt Baptist Church where she was actively involved in the WMU, church choir, ACT Teens and a long-time Sunday school teacher. She was also a former member of the Knox County Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. Gertrude devoted her life to three principles: God first, family and education. She was a people person, who would help anyone along life’s journey. Unconditional love, kindness and generosity were her essence. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren with boundless joy and passion. Her smile and laughter brightened anyone’s day that she encountered and it remained almost to the end of her days. When she was not engaged in church or school activities, she enjoyed tending her awesome flower gardens, sewing, reading of course, cooking and walking a minimum of three miles a day.
In August 1951, she united in marriage with Robert E. Messer Jr. and to this union three children were born.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; a sister, Thelma Cook and two brothers, Marvin and Elmer Mills.
Survivors include three beloved children, Roderick Messer and wife, Dana, of London, Pamela Messer Williams and husband, John C., of Artemus and Kimberly Messer of Lexington; a brother, Glen D. Mills of Ohio; six treasured grandchildren, Jeb Messer and wife, Amy, Will Messer and wife, Libby, Lily Grace Messer, Caleb Williams, Joshua Williams and wife, Flori, and Daniel Williams and wife, Amanda; nine precious great grandchildren, Mac, Robbie, Eli, Ari, Hannah and Maya Messer, Blakely Ellis, Kason and Aurelia Williams; among other loved ones and dear friends.
Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Saturday, August 14 at 1 P.M. with Rev. Bo Henson officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Barbourville Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jeb Messer, Will Messer, Lily Grace Messer, Caleb Williams, Joshua Williams, Daniel Williams, Alanna Campbell and Brett Bingham. Honorary pallbearers will be Wilbur Bingham, James Sproul, Frank D. Bingham, Sandra Mills and Stella B. Smith.
The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to her devoted caregivers for their love and excellent care.
Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday after 11 A.M. until the funeral hour.
Expressions of sympathy may go to the Dewitt Baptist Church Youth Fund, P. O. Box 19, Dewitt, KY 40930 in her memory.
The family requests that all those attending the visitation and funeral service wear a face mask and practice social distancing due to COVID-19.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
Send a condolence to the family of GERTRUDE MILLS MESSER.
For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.
