Anita Louise Messer, 86, formerly of Richardton, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Missouri Slope Care Center in Bismarck. Anita’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Fr. Thomas Wordekemper, OSB as celebrant and Fr. Basil Atwell, OSB as concelebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Richardton. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a Rosary and Vigil at 6:30 p.m. with Fr. Basil Atwell, OSB presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass on Wednesday.
Anita Louise (Born) Messer was born in Richardton, ND on August 23, 1939. She was the third daughter of Fred and Rose Born. Anita was a high school graduate of Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Richardton. On July 8, 1957, she married her lifelong companion, George Messer, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Richardton. Together they had nine children.
Anita’s faith and deep love of family shaped the way she lived her life. Raised with strong Catholic values, she became an Oblate of St. Mary’s Church in 1957 and devoted many years to her church community. Anita had a lifelong love of music, playing both the piano and clarinet while growing up, but she was especially known for her beautiful singing voice and her willingness to share it with others. Her exceptional vocal talent was recognized early on through the awards she won while competing in state music competitions, where she received Superior ratings for three consecutive years. She was also selected for the rare opportunity at the time to perform in the Dickinson Christmas Cantata. Many people in Richardton requested Anita to sing at weddings, funerals, and community gatherings. She joined the St. Mary’s Church Choir as a freshman in high school and, after taking time away to raise her children, returned to the choir and continued singing for more than 40 years.
Her faith was reflected not only in her music, but also in the kindness, dedication, and joy she brought to those she loved most. Anita treasured simple moments with family, whether sitting under the stars at the family farm or making memories together at Lake Tschida. Family was always at the center of her life, and she took great pride in her children and grandchildren, creating joyful traditions and lasting memories that will be cherished for generations.
Anita loved to dance, especially when it meant a night out on the town with George. Together, the two could “cut a rug” like few others. Anita and George also enjoyed bowling together and were active members of a bowling league in Richardton, where they shared many fun times and friendships.
Anita dearly loved supporting her children in all of their sporting activities, faithfully attending football, basketball, baseball, and track events. No matter if the games were home or away, or what the traveling conditions might be, Anita was always there cheering them on from the stands. Holiday game nights brought out Anita’s playful side – especially during a spirited round of Tripoly, when her competitive streak quietly emerged, though she would never admit it. And, when Anita started giggling, everyone around her could not help but laugh along; her joy was truly contagious.
She often shared fond stories of her childhood, especially memories of spending winter days ice skating on the Abbey Dam, jumping barrels, and performing swans on the ice. Watching her grandchildren brought her endless happiness, and she especially delighted in seeing them open gifts during the holidays.
Anita spent much of her life helping run the family ranch and dairy farm. She was never afraid of hard work and willingly took on whatever needed to be done — milking cows, feeding calves, and working cattle alongside her family. Even during the busiest times, she always made sure there was a meal on the table or sandwiches delivered to the field for her children.
Anita leaves behind a family shaped by her strength and softened by her love. She may no longer be here in body, but her spirit will always echo in the laughter of her family. Anita is survived by six sons, Remy Messer, Bismarck; Cary (Audrey) Messer, Richardton; Terrance (Joyce) Messer, Las Vegas, NV; Todd Messer, Dickinson; Kelly (Amanda) Messer, Bismarck; and Quinn Messer, Mandan; two daughters, Kimberly (Harold) Rebel, New Salem; and Lisa Lawrence, Bismarck. She is also survived by her sister, Rose Marie (Charles) Gerhart, Mandan; 24 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Anita was preceded in death by her husband, George; her parents, Fred and Rose Born; one daughter, Carol Marie Messer; two grandchildren, Lee Messer and Shane Rebel; two sisters, Florence (Patty) Kroetch and Marilyn Wilz; and her in-laws, Phillip Sr. and Barbara Messer.
Anita’s smile and warm heart will be greatly missed by everyone.
