(Formerly Of Bryan)
Deloris “Dee” Messner, 82, of Lake Havasu City, formerly of Bryan, passed away at Eisenhower Health in Rancho Mirage, Calif., on March 2, 2026.
Dee was born Dec. 4, 1943, in Bryan, Ohio, to Alvin and Martha (Middleton) Hill. She spent much of her life in her hometown of Bryan before relocating to Arizona in 2009. She lived in Lake Havasu City until recently, when she moved closer to her daughter, Dena, in Palm Desert, Calif.
On Aug. 29, 1970, Dee married James “Jim” Messner. They shared many devoted years of marriage until Jim’s passing on Jan. 12, 2021.
Dee was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Martha Hill; her sister, Melba Hill; her son, Scott Oppenheim; and her beloved husband, Jim Messner.
She is survived by her brother, Thomas Hill and wife Wenda Kincaid of Hamburg, Pa.; her daughters, Teresa (Bernath) Emrich and her husband, James Emrich of Memphis, Tenn., and Dena (Messner) Houk and husband, Geoff Houk of Palm Desert, Calif. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Julie, Caitlyn, Emily and Avery; and her great-grandchildren: Jaiden, LaRiah, Laiyah and Logan.
Prior to moving to Arizona, Dee was employed by Hayes-Albion Corp. and worked at a local Shell station, both in Bryan. She attended high school in Bryan and maintained lifelong friendships from her years there.
Dee enjoyed spending time at the American Legion of Lake Havasu City, where she treasured the camaraderie of friends. She loved playing cards and shuffleboard and never passed up a chance to enjoy a good shopping trip—especially at Ross. Above all, Dee valued time spent with family and friends, creating memories filled with laughter and warmth.
Visitation for Dee will take place Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Grisier Funeral Home in Stryker. A funeral service will follow visitation at 10 a.m., with Pastor Nick Woodall officiating. Burial will follow at Shiffler Cemetery.
The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Legion of Lake Havasu City in her honor. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com. The Grisier Funeral Home of Stryker is honored to serve the Messner family.
Dee will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
For more local news, see DeWayne Colbart (1959 – 2026).