Mary "Cookie" Messer

Mary Irene (Najar) Messer of Portage, Indiana, passed away at age 87 on October 10.Known lovingly to family and friends as Cookie, she was born on July 6, 1939 in Gary, Indiana to Bernardo and Mary (Gregor) Najar. She attended Edison High School and proudly worked at Midwest Products for nearly 25 years. In retirement, Cookie could be found either spending time with her family or watching her favorite shows, Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie, always with a cup of decaf coffee in hand. Called Mema by her grandchildren, she was known for having orange tic tacs in her pockets at all times.Cookie was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Bernadine, Mitchell, Bernard, and Catherine, as well as the love of her life, Raymond Messer. She is survived by her brother, Joseph (Kathy) Najar, sisters-in-law Patricia Najar (Bernard) & Kathy Najar (Mitchell) as well as her three daughters, Lorri (Lucky) Arroyo, Diane (Paul King) Messer-King, and Linda (Ray) Eriks. She is also survived by grandchildren Misty (Michael) Ishii, Michael (Nicole) Bilderback, Valerie (Michael) Spencer, Jeff (Dorica) Eriks, Elizabeth (Steve) Vugteveen, Alex (Mina) Phillips, and Krystal (Eareen) Yambao. She is remembered in love by her many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, including Hannah and Emily, whom she shared the joys of everyday life with for a number of years.Lifelong dog lover, her grand-dog Sumi also had a very special place in her heart.Donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Cookie Messer.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at Rees Funeral Home Olson Chapel 5341 Central Ave, Portage IN on Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 7:00 pm. A memorial visitation will also be held Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 5:00 until the time of service. For more information call (219) 762-3013 or online condolences can be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com