Tena Ann Messer

tena messer

Valentina “Tena” Ann Evans Messer, 81, passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2025, surrounded by her family. Tena was born on February 3, 1944, in Pasadena, California, to the late Reginald and Katherine Seamans Evans.

A natural nurturer, Tena devoted her life to encouraging others. She moved to Kentucky in 1965 with VISTA (Volunteers in Services to America) to assist with anti-poverty programs in rural Appalachia. She later worked for many years as a high school English teacher at St. Camillus in Corbin. After she and her family moved to Danville in 1987, she worked with Comp Care as a Mental Health Associate. But her impact extended far beyond the classroom or after school program. Tena had a gift for making people feel seen, heard and cared for. She gave generously of her time and heart, whether mentoring a young person, reading to preschoolers, or lending an empathetic ear.

Tena lived out her faith in action. A longtime member of The Presbyterian Church, she embraced service as a way of life. She was a devoted volunteer for The Gladys Project, FSA (Family Services Association), CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and served for many years as a mentor, quietly and consistently showing up for those who needed her most.

Tena was also a lifelong lover of books and ideas. She participated in several book clubs and delighted in conversations that sparked connection and curiosity. She found joy in travel, laughter in everyday moments and inspiration in art and music.

Above all, Tena was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Her joy was contagious, her intellect radiant and her legacy lives on in the kindness she spread so freely.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Flem Robert Messer; her children, Valery (Cris) Messer McMann, Robert (Kristy) Messer and Steven (Jackie) Messer; and her stepchildren, Kevin Messer (Susan Antonides) and Reva (Robinson) Rivera. She was a proud grandmother to Evan McMann, Alex McMann (Kaylin Lucas), Elizabeth McMann, Chad Messer, Abby Messer, Ethan Messer, Carly Messer, Emily Messer, Andrew Messer and great grandmother to Auriella McMann and Maia McMann. She is also survived by her brother Richard (Nora) Evans and sister Diane Stephens and nieces Sarah (Patrick) Stephens and Natalie (Adam) Stephens-Sleigh and nephew Richard Evans.

A celebration of Tena’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025 at The Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Eric Mount and Sean Gladding officiating. Pallbearers will be Evan McMann, Alex McMann, Chad Messer, Abby Messer, Ethan Messer and Andrew Messer.  Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Gladys Project, CASA, or Heritage Hospice, Inc. To honor Tena’s memory, take a moment to encourage someone, read a good book, or simply offer a kindness — just as she would have.

Services

Visitation: July 11, 2025 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

The Presbyterian Church
500 W Main St
Danville, Kentucky 40422


www.presbydan.org

Funeral Service: July 11, 2025 1:00 pm

The Presbyterian Church
500 W Main St
Danville, Kentucky 40422


www.presbydan.org

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Tena Ann Messer 's name.

CASA

1153 Perryville Road

Danville,

KY

Heritage Hospice, Inc

120 Enterprise Drive

Danville,

KY

40422-1870

The Gladys Project

456 Crescent Drive

Danville,

KY

40422

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. I met Tena through the Truly Book Club and The Presbyterian Church. She was an intelligent woman who gave service to many causes and organizations. A good citizen. She will be missed by many.

  2. My early memories of Tena began at about age 10 or 11 and she was the first person I met in this large and diverse famly other than my future step-father, her dear uncle George. My folks had a date to see either Snow White or Cinderella at the Pasadena Playhouse. As we approached the theater, Tena caught a pebble or something in her shoe and paused to clear it. At 10, thinking I was sort of her ‘escort’, I paused also, so as not to leave her standing on the public street alone. She wise-cracked back to me and I became a little less sure of myself!
    The next thing occurred on a motor trip we made with uncle George and my mother to Monterey. We visited the 17-mile drive and my Mom found a ‘lovely’ and colorfull bundle of seaweed in some of the tidepools. Once away from there and headed down hwy 101 toward home, we needed no special sense of smell to know that seaweed was not welcome on the back floor where we had to spell it! Out the window it went to our relief and my mother hit the roof! At least Tena and I knew we’d done the right thing!
    Those early years always meant Christmas eve gatherings at her home. Visiting there now, I can’t imagine how so many people could crown in there! Tena was always called upon to entertain the “little kids” and did so with cheer and a great attitude. Of course, all those “littles” are now grandparents also!
    We have lived so far apart these many years and I have enjoyed the brief visits with Tena and Flem when they were able to come west. She chose well in finding him as her life partner!

  3. Tena was a bright light in this world. I was blessed to have known Tena. “Well done, good & faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

  4. I met and volunteered with Mrs. Tena at The Gladys Project. I’ll never forget her kindness every time our paths crossed. She was a jewel. Prayers of comfort for the family.

  5. Tena was always so kind. Her smile so warm and genuine. She gave so much to this community. May her Memory be a Blessing.

  6. We first met Tena at church when we moved to Danville in ’98 and she made us feel so welcome. She is a wonderful lady who will be greatly missed. Sincere condolences to the family.

  7. It is with the deepest feelings of sorrow and loss that I wish to comment on the moving on of my beloved step-mother, Tena. I am thankful for the experiences we shared,… from about the time I was 7 or 8 years old. I am thankful for the family she added to my life, for her personal steadfastness and consistency and for the example she set for me, despite circumstances I was more often than not, oblivious too. I continue to pray 🙏 for my father and my siblings as they also mourn this loss and trust for a future reunion. May Tena Rest-in-Peace, as we look forward to that day. 💕😢🙏🙏🙏💕

  8. Valerie, our hearts are saddened for you and your family. We are so sorry. I wish for you many happy and loving memories to help comfort you and your family at this painful time.
    Marylin & Colin


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