Theba Sue Messner

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Theba Sue (Turnbull) Messner, aged 93, peacefully left this world hand-in-hand with her Lord on August 11, 2023, after completing all of the tasks her God set before her. She was born in mid-July of 1930 and attended Joplin Area Catholic Schools, where, at 11 years old, she met the boy who was to become her husband for over 73 years, Jack Richard Messner. Jack Richard was there to hold her hand as she lived and ensured that he held her hand as she passed.

Theba Sue married her Jack Richard in December of 1949 and they raised 8 children together, all of whom inherited her tenacity and stubbornness, of which she was very proud. She counts 4 daughters and 4 sons among their blessings, and she and Jack raised each in the Catholic faith. 

Her daughters include Margaret Campbell of Joplin, Susan Smith of Joplin, Karen Perry of Mount Juliet, TN., and Ms. Mary Pat Messner, who preceded her in death. Her sons include Frank Messner of Carl Junction and three who also preceded her in death: Tim Messner, Tom Messner, and Mike Messner.

Theba Sue was given the time to watch her family expand, from 8 children to 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. But Theba Sue was much more than a faithful wife and mother. She was known to be a fantastic cook, a beautiful singer, and a fan of old Western movies. 

Theba Sue was also fiercely independent, notoriously strong-willed, and ready, at any time, to turn the world upside down for her children. She was never afraid to share her opinions. In fact, she would be sure to let you know where your opinion faltered and how to fix it. She almost always out fished Jack Richard, though she would never, never tease him about it. She kept Jack Richard in line and taught her children one of the most important of life’s lessons, how to survive, and thrive, in a tough world.

Theba Sue has completed her work here and, hand-in-hand, she walked with her Lord to a place we can’t yet see. Though we could not follow, we know that she is waiting on her Jack Richard to hold her hand again.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 10:00 AM at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin with Father Brian Straus officiating with burial to follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Joplin Area Catholic Schools and may be entrusted to the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin.