Faye Irene (Messman) Van Boskirk
Oct 17, 1917 – Sep 19, 2017
Faye Irene (Messman) Van Boskirk was born near Brinkman, Choteau County, Montana (20 miles S Rudyard, Chouteau County, MT) on October 17, 1917 to Jesse William and Iva Irene Brown Messman.
The family homesteaded in Montana, where Faye spent her first years. When she was about 2 years old, they moved to Nebraska, living in the Strang, Hebron and Bruning area.
Faye attended a country school in her early years and graduated from Hebron High School in 1935. After high school, she attended Kearney State Teacher’s College to obtain a teaching certificate. It was at this time she and brother Warren supported each other, working alternately and helping each other with school expenses.
Faye then taught in a one room school for two years, often using a horse as transportation through all kinds of weather.
Faye’s and Homer Van Boskirk’s families were friends and so the couple were playmates as young children even though the families lived some distance apart. As time passed, their relationship grew.
Faye and Homer were married in Lushton, Nebraska by a friend and former pastor of Faye’s, the Rev. Ray Thompson, on October 12, 1940. The newlyweds lived in Lincoln, Nebraska while Homer was finishing his degree at UNL. During this time Faye attended the Lincoln School of Commerce for a year and worked to support the young couple. After Homer’s graduation from UNL, Homer and Faye relocated to Omaha where Homer joined the staff at Greystone Dairy.
Next came their family, starting with the birth of an infant son, LeWarren Homer, who lived only one week. This was a stressful time for the couple, but 16 months later Thom Serrin was born. Following him were Raymond Paul, Robert Jess, and Marla. It was a busy time for Faye being a full-time mother. The children were active in many activities and so was Faye, who served as a den mother for the boys. She also served as a leader for the Campfire Girls, in which Marla was active, and served on the Campfire City Council. She was always available whenever her children needed her, driving them to paper stations, to swim practice, to ball practices and other activities.
As the children got older and needed her less, she entered the workforce. She was employed by Montgomery Ward in the personnel office as a secretary for ten year, retiring on March 31, 1981.
Church was very important to Faye and Homer as they affiliated with the First Presbyterian Church and West Hills Church in Omaha. Over the years they served in many capacities, which included sponsoring youth group, teaching Sunday school, attending prayer group (1974-2009), attending super seniors, attending Bible studies, serving as Deacon, and doing many more activities.
Along with Homer she enjoyed Dinner Club (1942-2009 with very special friends), square dancing, card clubs, working at the information booth at the airport, traveling, camping, and many more activities. Faye also enjoyed sewing club, reading, working crossword puzzles, working in her yard and flower beds and spending time with friends. Once when Faye was asked her philosophy of life she responded, “I try to do something for God every day. Now notice I did not say something for the church—I said something for God.”
Survivors include her children: Thom (LaRita) Van Boskirk of Gering NE, Ray (Linda) Van Boskirk of Omaha NE, Bob (Debbie) Van Boskirk of Montrose CO and daughter Marla (Bob) Boyd of Omaha NE. Also surviving are grandchildren, Shea Van Boskirk, Shar Van Boskirk, Andy (JoAnna) Van Boskirk, Chris and (Katie) Van Boskirk, Melissa (Derek) Helm, Bret (Bethany) Van Boskirk, Jess (Ryan) Boyd, Keith (Megan) Boyd and Linsey (Ryan) Martin. Her great grandchildren include Elijah Van Roads, Gideon Van Roads, Madeline Van Boskirk, Emma Van Boskirk, Liliana Van Boskirk, Abigail Van Boskirk, Andrew (Drew) Van Boskirk, Leina Helm, Abigail Helm, Audrey Van Boskirk, Giovanni Boyd, Stella Boyd, Kaylee Boyd, Bailey Martin, and Baby Boy Boyd expected very soon. Also surviving are sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ray and Janet Best of Rowland Heights, CA, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Welcoming her into Heaven are her husband, Homer Everett; infant son, LeWarren Homer; parents, Jesse William and Iva Irene Brown Messman; brother, Warren and sister-in-law Mable Messman. Also welcoming her are her parents-in-law, Robert (Robin) Hayden. and Vale Oressa Babcock Van Boskirk; her husband’s siblings and spouses: Olive and Charles Salem, Leland and Ruth Van Boskirk, and Retta and J. Edwin Brownson.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, Sep. 24th from 5pm to 7pm at the Bel Air Chapel, 12100 W. Center Rd. SERVICES Monday, Sept. 25th at 11am at West Hills Church, 3015 S. 82nd Ave. Interment, Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Research, Radio Talking Books or West Hills Church Children’s Ministry.
1 Condolence
I knew Homer and Faye from West Hills Presbyterian Church. I remember them being so devoted to each other and even more to their children and their grandchildren. I got to know Marla and Keith while he was in confirmation class, and I know how proud his grandma and grandpa were of him. I am so very sorry for your loss, Faye was one of my favorite people.
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