Boise, Idaho – Peggy L. Messer peacefully passed away at the age of 87, after battling kidney failure on April 16, 2024. She was born on June 24, 1936, in Vibbard, MO to John and Dorothy Blankenship. Peggy had a sister Joyce Worthington, and a half-sister Betty Jean Johnson. When Peggy was five, the Blankenship family moved to Idaho where they owned a small store in Unity, that later burned down. She married Maximilliano (Max) Casias JR, and they had two children, Belinda Kay Johnson, and Tracy Max Casias. Peggy and Max were later divorced.
Peggy met Frank Messer and they were later married. She worked at the Burley Reminder doing bookkeeping, and later became an EMT while living in Nevada. When they retired they resided in Fallon and Walker Lake Nevada. It was during this time, that Peggy met the challenge of her life: In 1990, she battled breast cancer for the first time. After several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, she survived! She gave thanks to her Lord, doctors, and church family at Walker Lake. She was especially grateful to her husband Frank, who stood by her side and saw her through it all. They eventually chose to go full time RVing which were the BEST years of their lives. They took the back roads and stopped to see anything and everything across the United States. They were never in a hurry and saw the beauty of America- together. Being snowbirds, they would take breaks and spend their winters in Yuma, AZ where it was nice and warm. In 1998 Peggy was called to be a full-time care giver to her parents in Ely, NV. She took care of them, while going through breast cancer again in 2000. After the second round of treatment, to include more surgery, she was declared cancer free and became a two-time survivor! After her parents passed, she and Frank moved around to various states, eventually landing in Rio Hondo, Texas where they made lifelong friends. They became card sharks in the community and loved being close to the border, beach, and bathing in the sun. Finally, they moved to Boise, Idaho in 2018 to be closer to family.
Peggy was a self-admitted fabriholic and some would say that she owned a small fabric store no matter where she lived. While she enjoyed all crafts such as diamond art, beadwork, crocheting, felt work and painting, her absolute favorite craft was quilting. She especially loved to teach others her craft and would jump at any opportunity to share. She often sold her crafts at fairs throughout the valley, or donated quilts, hats or slippers to veterans, hospitals, or other organizations in need. Her quilts sold for hundreds of dollars at craft fairs, which she lived for. Peggy was no stranger to retail therapy and how she loved spoiling those close to her. Especially her kids and grandkids, who fondly called her Grandma Honey. She was strong; a fighter, spirited and the most generous person you would ever meet.
Peggy was preceded in death by her husband Frank, daughter Belinda, parents Dorothy and Lee McConley, father John Blakenship, sisters Joyce Worthington and Betty Johnson, and brother-in-law John Worthington.
She is survived by her son Tracy Casias and her grandchildren April Torres, Matthew (Annie) Torres, Isaac Torres, Crystal Casias, Brittney (Ian) Hilliard, Austin Casias, and 16 great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
There will be a committal service at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery on May 3 rd at 11 am. Friends and family are welcome to join in a celebration of Life from 1200-1400 after the service at 5120 W Overland Rd, Suite 5. Boise, Idaho