GOTHENBURG — Zella L. Messersmith, 88, of Gothenburg, formerly of Farnam, died Jan. 1, 2004, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg.

She was born Jan. 28, 1915, to John A. and Mabel A. Rose Adkisson, south of Farnam in Frontier County.

On Sept. 27, 1932, she was married to J. Herbert Messersmith in Kansas. They farmed together on their farm south of Farnam until 1969 when they moved into Farnam. Herb preceded her in death January 1978. She moved to Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg in December 1997.

She was a faithful caregiver for family members and enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchidren.

Mrs. Messersmith was a member of the Sunshine Extension Club, United Methodist Women’s Society and the EK Club.

Survivors include her daughter, Shirley (Tom) Vickers of Farnam; a son, Keith (Lea) Messersmith of Farnam; seven grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Lula Stapp of Cambridge.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; four sisters; and six brothers.

A memorial has been established.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the United Methodist Church in Farnam with the Rev. Buck Linton-Hendrick officiating. Burial is in the Farnam Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Blase Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg.

The North Platte Telegraph, January 3, 2004