Rachel Messenger DeSimone, 84, of Marion

June 15, 2010 by Marion Online Obituaries

Rachel DeSimone, age 84, of Marion, died Monday morning, June 14, 2010, at the Marion Manor Nursing Home.

On May 20, 1926, Rachel was born in Marion, the daughter of the late Miles and Geneva (Rice) Messenger. She graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1944.

Shortly following graduation, Rachel met a young gentleman from Italy, Albert DeSimone, who had stopped briefly to visit his sister at her bakery. For Al it was love at first site, and he never left Marion to hopefully one day ask Rachel for her hand in marriage. Two years later, he would get his wish, as they were married on Thanksgiving Day of 1946. Together they shared over fifty eight wonderful years of marriage, until he preceded her in death on September 10, 2004.

For over twenty years, Rachel worked as an associate with her brother, Phillip, at the Messenger Produce Market. Also, she had worked as a window dresser for Cline's Department Store and she had worked for the Fulfillment Company.

An avid bingo player, Rachel enjoyed playing bingo three to four times a week at the American Legion Hall on Olney Avenue and at the K. of C.

With a love for bowling, Rachel had bowled in countless leagues for many years, winning several trophies and awards along the way.

Ready to go in a moments notice, Rachel and Al often enjoyed spontaneous trips in the car to any harness race they could drive to. Also, they loved traveling to Vegas for the atmosphere and to try and get in on a little bit of "action".

A very independent woman, Rachel thoroughly enjoyed "being on her own" and being able to take care of herself. Though, she did love the company of her children and grandchildren whenever they would visit.

Rachel will be dearly missed by her two sons and daughters-in-law: Jim & Debbie DeSimone of Marion, and their children: Tony and Allison DeSimone; and Nick & Janet DeSimone of Marion, and their children: Angela (Joel) Palmer, Jennifer (Shawn) Meadows, Scott (Joann) Arend, Terri (Ben) Hempstead, and Toni (David) Tramontana; ten great-grandchildren; a brother, Phillip Messenger of Columbus; three sisters: Esther Dunbar of Marion, Mary Ellen Barnhouse of Florida, and Helen Young of Westerville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Including her husband and parents, Rachel was preceded in death by her son, Michael DeSimone; two brothers: James and David Messenger; and a sister, Ruth Kirby.

The DeSimone family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, June 18, 2010, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services will be held at the graveside in Pleasant Hill Cemetery on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Paul Staton officiating.

Following her services at the cemetery, friends are welcome to join the family at the Marion First Free Will Baptist Church, 1449 Crissinger Rd., Marion, where a meal will be prepared in honor of Rachel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marion First Freewill Baptist Church.

For those wishing to express their condolences to Rachel's family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.