Moody Messinger

July 27, 1952  -  June 23, 2025

Moody Messinger, age 72, of Summit Township, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in McCook, Nebraska, on July 27, 1952, the daughter of the late Jack and Cathy (Finch) Tuttle.

A beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, Moody lived life with unmatched energy and joy. She worked for many years as a talented hair stylist, but her true calling was lifting others up—whether through conversation, laughter, or a spontaneous dance party in the kitchen. A natural people person, Moody never met a stranger. Every man was “Bud,” every woman a “Helen,” and everyone she met walked away feeling seen and loved.

Her family was everything to her. She was fiercely loyal and deeply proud of her husband of 54 years, Larry Messinger, and their three sons: Chris Messinger (Tammy), Kirt Messinger (Jennifer), and Joe Messinger (Laurie Troost). She also leaves behind her beloved siblings, Jack Tuttle, Judy Eilers, Elizabeth Fries, Harriet Thompson, and Barb Lynch (Dan); and many nieces and nephews who adored their fun-loving Aunt Moody.

Music was the heartbeat of Moody’s life. She “cranked the tunes” whenever she could, dancing and singing along to everything from Patsy Cline and The Carpenters to Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson. A fearless karaoke star—whether she knew the lyrics or not—Moody was always the life of the party. When things got fun, she was “Hootie Hooin!” and anyone who knew her has their own unforgettable “Hootie Hoo” memory to treasure.

Moody taught us love and compassion, but she also taught us how to fight. In her long battle with cancer, she lived each day with grit, gratitude, and grace. Even in her toughest moments, she found joy in the little things and never stopped believing in the beauty of life. One of her favorite songs was What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. That was who she was. She’d listen, smile, and dance, we can all hear her singing, “Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world… Oh yah!” The great Satchmo!

We will forever love and cherish every moment we had with Moody, Boogs, Mom, Sis, Sista, friend, and a truly one-of-a-kind, amazing human being.

We find comfort in knowing she is now reunited in heaven with her parents, especially her cherished Daddy, who we imagine is strumming his guitar as they are singing together once again. The song she wanted played for her was Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and the line she loved most reminds us of her free spirit:

"If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, why, oh, why can't I?"

Per her wishes, services will be private. Arrangements are entrusted to Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street.

In honor of Moody’s vibrant life, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

https://www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/Moody-Messinger?obId=43109016#/obituaryInfo