8/10/2013
Llyrya Knox Messner, 98, of New Holland, formerly of Rothsville, PA and Baltimore, MD passed on Saturday, August 10, 2013 from Garden Spot Village.
Born in Millway, PA, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Bertha Gleason Knox. She was married to Roy Willard Messner for 68 years prior to his death in June, 2004.
Llyrya took great pride in being the consummate homemaker, wife, and mother. She was an avid reader and enjoyed needlework, gardening and playing her piano. She was a graduate of the former Rothsville High School and the Lancaster Business College. For a number of years, she worked for the Lititz Insurance Company and at a physical therapy office in Baltimore.
While in Baltimore, she served her Lord as an active member of Lauraville United Methodist Church for 42 years as a Sunday School teacher, a piano accompanist, and a choir member. At the time of her death, Llyrya was a member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church in New Holland.
Surviving are her son James A. Messner, husband of Linda Chambers Messner of New Holland, 3 grandsons and 3 great-granddaughters. Glen Knox, her nephew, of Leola was of invaluable assistance to her for many years. A number of other nephews and nieces survive. She was predeceased by 4 sisters and 1 brother.
A memorial service for Llyrya will be held Friday, August 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Garden Spot Village. Pastor Chet Yoder will officiate. Greeting time after the service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Benevolent Fund at Garden Spot Village, Development Office, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA 17557; to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125; or to Evangelical United Methodist Church, 276 W. Main St., New Holland, PA 17557.