Ellen Jeanine Messerly

Ellen Jeanine (Miller) Messerly, 67, of Springville, Utah, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday, August 19, 2023. She was born August 2, 1956, in Walnut Creek, California to Richard Guy Miller and Barbara Storey (Bean) Miller. Ellen married Ernest Messerly on January 8, 1983, in the Oakland California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Ellen grew up in Eureka, California and graduated as valedictorian from Eureka High School in 1974. She received an associate degree from Ricks College in 1976 and then continued her nursing studies at Brigham Young University, where she graduated highest in her class, receiving a baccalaureate degree in 1978. Ellen worked as a registered nurse at Primary Children’s Hospital and later as the head pediatric nurse at Utah Valley hospital. In December 1980, Ellen stepped away from her career to serve a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Dominican Republic. Just days after returning home from her mission, Ellen met a young widower named Ernest “Ernie” Messerly. Ellen and Ernie fell in love so quickly and profoundly that they knew their meeting had been “drenched in destiny.” When the predestined pair married in January 1983, Ellen became a mother to Ernie’s three sons and then over the years welcomed three more sons and four daughters. Ellen created a loving and nurturing home environment for her children. While she taught them many lessons through the years, the greatest lessons were from her example: Ellen demonstrated compassion, gratitude, loyalty, patience, selflessness, determination, Christian discipleship, and a strong work ethic.

Ellen served in numerous Church callings, including Primary chorister, Ward organist, Young Women president, and Relief Society president, and after raising her family, Ellen and her eternal companion Ernie served four Church missions together, two in Provo, Utah, one in McAllen, Texas, and one in Mexico City, Mexico. Ellen’s acts of charity extended far beyond callings and missions: she embodied Christ-like service and love in every aspect of her life. She possessed a special gift for making others feel heard, valued, and loved–a gift with which she blessed countless individuals. Ellen consecrated all her time and energy to uplifting and serving family, friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and even strangers. Having lost two children of her own, she was especially sensitive to the heartache of those experiencing similar loss and she was quick to provide meals, meaningful gifts, an empathic ear, and other forms of consolation. Ellen emanated a celestial light which brightened the lives of everyone who knew her. An angel on earth, now an angel in heaven, Ellen will be deeply missed.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Ernest Messerly; eight of their children, Ernest Dane Messerly, Loren (Allyson) Messerly, Matthew Messerly, Melanye (Kip) Thompson, Solana (Daniel) Cooper, Richard (Erica) Messerly, Emilye (Benjamin) Jack, and Brittanye Messerly; fifteen grandchildren, Mitchell, Harrison, Luke, Elise, Charles, Brady, McKay, Ty, Elena, Macey, Emmitt, Calvin, Riley, Andrew, and Nelson; and two brothers, David (Marla) Miller and Ariel (Lori) Miller. Ellen was preceded in death by–and is now joyfully reunited with–her twin sons, Benson and Boyd Messerly, and her parents, Richard and Barbara Miller.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 2, 2023 at 11 am in the Kolob 10th Ward Chapel, located at 2557 S Dalton Dr., Springville, Utah. A viewing for friends and family will be held Friday, September 1, 2023 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Wheeler Mortuary, located at 211 East 200 South in Springville, and on Saturday just prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the LDS Humanitarian Aid Fund.

For those unable to join us in person, you may view the Services HERE

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