Minta Belle Messer or "Bill" as she was known to many, age 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 27, 2024 surrounded by loved ones.

She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother known for her unconditional love for everyone, bountiful wisdom, kindness and generosity, strength and resilience, limitless creativity, faith and grace, and joy for life. Minta was born on August 16th, 1935 in Pea Ridge, AR to Leon and Connie Vansandt. Growing up in Pea Ridge, she attended Twelve Corners School, Pea Ridge Schools and graduated in 1952.

She married her high school sweetheart, Billie Gene Hickman and they were married on June 20th, 1952. Together, they had 2 children, Danny Hickman and Gwen Alnasey. Minta and Billie were married for 22 years when Billie Gene passed on March 31st, 1974. Minta then married Dean Messer in November of 1974.  They were married for 44 years when Dean passed on August 10th, 2018.

Minta was a loving mother to her two cherished children.  She devoted her life to raising them with boundless love, instilling in them the values of kindness, resilience, and compassion. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and an open door for her family, creating a space where everyone felt welcome and loved.

As her family expanded, Minta embraced her role as "Gram" and "Little Mom" with pride and joy, becoming a cornerstone in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home became the heart of family gatherings, where countless memories were made. Her grandchildren looked forward to every visit, recalling fondly the endless fun they had staying over, where her house felt like a world of its own – filled with love and wonderful homemade cooking.

Minta had a distinguished career, working at Army Corps of Engineers, where she was an administrator and contract specialist.  She enjoyed a long, fulfilling career with the Army Corps of Engineers where she served 30 years of service and where she won many awards, until she retired in 1989. Dean and Minta Messer were owners and operators of Pea Ridge Florist from 1983-1995.  There she created beautiful floral arrangements for the community in Northwest Arkansas.

Known for her vibrant spirit, Minta had many interests and hobbies. She was a master quilt maker and loved to sew.  She also was excellent cook, and her coconut cream pies were fought over.  Minta loved her church, and served her church faithfully.  She was the matriarch of the family and always gave advice, whether it was wanted or not.

Minta is survived by her loving family, including her children, Danny Hickman of Pea Ridge, AR and Gwen (Hickman) Alnasery and husband, Esam of Pea Ridge, AR. She was a proud grandmother to Zaynab Alnasery, Codi (Hickman) Hawkins and husband, Maurice and a beloved great-grandmother to Ava Belle Alnasery, Parker Grace Hawkins, and Myles Cain Hawkins.  She is also survived by her sibling Dean Vansandt of Texas, as well, extended family members, and cherished friends.

Minta was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Billie Gene Hickman and Dean Messer who each held a special place in her heart. She was also preceded in death by her cherished grandchildren, Jamela Dawn Alnasey and Dustin Cain Hickman, and her parents, Leon and Connie Vansandt.

Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with them and remembers her with deep love and gratitude for the joy and strength she brought to their lives.

Visitation is set for Noon to 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge with service to follow at 2:00. Burial will be at Pea Ridge Cemetery.

Family, friends, and loved ones are invited to gather to honor her memory and celebrate the wonderful life she led. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Green Valley Bible Camp – Rogers, AR or Circle of Life Hospice –