Tena Ann 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.