Rosa ‘Rose’ Leigh Messer, 87, of Canyon, passed away from natural causes on Thursday, January 21, 2021. Private graveside services for family and friends will be at 9:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Llano Cemetery in Amarillo. Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Canyon with Rev. Jeff Messer and Rev. Steve Olsen officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. on Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Canyon.
Rose was born on February 12, 1933 in Robert Lee, Texas to William and Wilma Akins Sparks. She married Theron ‘Buddy’ Messer on January 1, 1950 in Clovis, NM. They were married for 66 years before he preceded her in death on January 6, 2016.
She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church and she and Buddy were church planters in their early years. They enjoyed numerous mission trips with Texas Baptist Camp Builders, and as a deacon’s wife, Rosa was very actively involved in many church groups and activities, especially Awanas. She enjoyed the quilting ministry at First Baptist Church and was also very active in the Canyon Chamber of Commerce when Buddy served as president.
Rose was intimately involved with every aspect of her family’s lives and was an avid supporter of anything her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren participated in. In her early years, Rose was an archer, using a bow that Buddy hand made for her. She also loved gardening and is well known for baking pies regularly for anyone needing food or comfort. Rose enjoyed her daily trips to Braum’s and dearly loved playing games several times a week with her friends. Monday Night Game Night with her friends and college students was also a favorite of hers.
Rose was also preceded in death by her parents, her son, Waide Messer, and her brother, Jack Sparks. Survivors include three sons, Jeff Messer and wife, Donna of Amarillo, Doug Messer of Amarillo, and Randy Messer and wife, Becky of Oak Grove, MO; one daughter, Janice Hughes and husband, Michael of Amarillo; daughter-in-law, Pam Messer Thomas of Memphis, TN; 13 grandchildren, Jennifer Messer King, Joe Hughes, T. J. Messer, Jessica Messer King, Erin Messer Beasley, Amy Hughes Redus, Matthew Messer, Luke Messer, Levi Messer, Leigha Messer Barnes, Don Mark Hughes, Timothy Messer, and Dustin Messer, along with their spouses; 32 great grandchildren; one brother, James Waide Sparks and wife, Claudia of Roswell, NM; and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family suggests memorials be to the First Baptist Church Mission Fund, 1717 4th Avenue, Canyon, Texas 79015.
Covid-19 precautions are encouraged.