Lavina Messenger
1844-March 26, 1923
Funeral services for Mrs. Samuel Messenger were conducted this afternoon at the Presbyterian Church by Rev. H. T. Scherr. Mrs. Albert Vetter and Mrs. Rex Leach sang “Abide With me”: and “Lead Kindly Light”. Burial took place in Silver Brook Cemetery.
Mrs. Lavina Messenger was born in Cambria, Hillsdale County, and died in Niles on March 26, 1923. She was a daughter of Moses and Angelino Willitts. She was of Quaker parentage on her father’s side. Her great-grandfather, Mr. Bunn, served in the revolutionary War. She spent her early life in Hillsdale County, attending the public schools and Hillsdale College. After graduating from Hillsdale College she taught for several years. She came to Niles about 40 years ago and had since resided here. She had taken an active part in church and club work, and civic enterprises. She was one of the four Niles women who were on the committee to secure the site for the Niles public library building. The deceased is survived by three sisters and a brother, who are Miss Alice Willits of Niles, Miss Sarah Willitts of Shelby, Mich., and Mrs. Bryon L. Reed of Jersey City and Henry Willitts of Hillsdale.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown