GOTHENBURG - Valeria Messersmith, 89, of Gothenburg, formerly of Farnam, died Aug. 3, 2005, at the Cambridge Manor in Cambridge, where she had resided for the past month.

She was born Nov. 13, 1915, seven miles northwest of Farnam to Tom and Morna Eggleston Crampton. Valeria was one of three children born at the family farmhouse.

On June 11, 1933, she was married to Lynn Messersmith northwest of Farnam. They survived the "dirty 30s" together. To this union that lasted 71½ years were born three children: Delvin, Nila, and Dennis. Valeria spent many years beside her husband on the family farm six miles northwest of Farnam. She spent many hours milking cows, feeding chickens and always prepared three hot meals a day, for many years on a wood stove. She always had a fresh pie or other goodies baked.

Mrs. Messersmith was formerly a member of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church of Farnam, Community Workers Club, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Rebekahs for 30 years. She loved animals, flowers, playing cards, gardening, and most of all her "fancy work." Wherever she was there were flowers and an embroidery hoop. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and her greatest enjoyment came from time spent with them.

Survivors include a son, Dennis (Margaret) Messersmith of Cambridge; a daughter, Nila (John) Reitz of Fort Pierce, Fla.; a daughter-in-law, Becky Messersmith of Gothenburg; a sister, Marie (Lawrence) Baker of North Platte; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lynn, in December 2004; a son, Delvin; and a sister and brother-in law, Clara and John Bosch.

A memorial has been established.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Blase Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg with the Rev. Larry Viter officiating. Burial will be in the Farnam Cemetery in Farnam.

North Platte Telegraph, 5 Aug 2005