Charlene U. Messmer Enders

Sgt. Charlene U.(Enders, Turner) Messmer, 84, of Beaver, passed away on Monday, August 10, 2015 at home with her family by her side.

Born December 20, 1930, in Fair Oaks, PA, she was a daughter of the late Cyril and Violet Enders, and enjoyed a rich, full life. After high school, Charlene proudly served her country in the United States Marine Corps from 1951-1954, attaining the rank of Sergeant during the Korean conflict. After her discharge, she attended Garfield Business Institute and began working as a legal secretary. In 1955, she married Robert E. Turner of Fallston, PA. Together they raised two children until Charlene lost Bob to cancer in 1980. She worked as a secretary for the Beaver County Office on Aging until her retirement in 1996. When she needed a handyman to do some home repairs, she was introduced to Albert (Jim) Messmer and the rest is history. A beautiful courtship led to their marriage on September 9, 1995. The two of them enjoyed numerous traveling adventures and for many years, they were avid square dancers, holding membership in the Happy Bunch Square Dance Club. Charlene loved to cook and bake, enjoying nothing more than gifting people with her special goodies! For many years, she was active at the Beaver Valley YMCA where she was a swim instructor. She also loved to go bowling, play cards, watch old movies, read, and most of all, she loved spending time with her family. Charlene was a 60- year member of the New Brighton Methodist Church where she attended worship and the Joy Luncheons. For Charlene, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” was a way of life. She remained active on the planning committee for the Beaver County Marine Corps Birthday Ball until recent years when health problems forced her to resign those duties.

She is survived by her husband, Jim “ Red” Messmer, 1 son, Robert W. (Robin) Turner of Aliquippa, 1 daughter, Joyce (Donald) Gindlesperger of Mars, PA, 2 step-children, Amber Messmer of Beaver, and Jim “Mez” (Denise) Messmer of Beaver, and 1 foster-daughter, Julie VanHorne of Endicott, NY. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Laura Renfrew of Rochester, Sarah Renfrew of Garden City, KS, and Bob Renfrew of Wexford, as well as 1 brother, Wilbert (Amy) Enders of Monaca. Charlene was preceded in death by 2 siblings, Dorothy Turkovich, and William Enders. She adored her numerous nieces and nephews. “ Aunt Sis” will be greatly missed by all.

Friends will be received in the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third St., Beaver, Wednesday, 6-8 pm and Thursday, 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. A funeral service will be conducted Friday, 11:00 am, at the New Brighton Methodist Church, 1033 Sixth Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066. Interment, with full military rites by the Beaver County Special Unit, will follow at the Beaver Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Charlene’s name can be made to the New Brighton Methodist Church, 1033 Sixth Avenue, New Brighton, PA 15066.