Colleen Messmore Biddle Gatton transitioned to a new life with her heavenly Father on Friday, August 30, 2024 at the age of 94.

Colleen was born on March 14, 1930 in Centerburg, OH to Doris (Baker) and Fred W. Messmore.

She graduated from Mansfield Senior High School with the class of 1948 and remained close to schoolmates and “Ya-Ya Sisters”, Peg Wyatt, Betty Weikel, Barbie Berger, Marian Blahnik, and Phyllis Stahlhaber for over 75 years.

Colleen graduated from Kent State University with degrees in Sociology and Psychology in 1952 and later attended Ashland University to earn her education degree. She taught for over 30 years with the Mansfield City Schools (mostly first grade) and retired in 1990.

She was a member of Crossroads Community Church, Alpha Phi International Sorority, and the Empire Bridge and Lunch Club. She loved to bake and sew, providing gifts to friends and family.

Colleen was Super Mom to Anne (Sam) Seifert, Ron (Lori) Biddle, and Tom Biddle; grandma to Matthew Potts, Nick (Sydney) Seifert, Eric (Alyssa) Biddle, Joci (Jared) Hunsader, Andreas Biddle, Adrian Biddle, and Sara (Matt) Fisher. She was also great-grandmother to Oliver and Margo Biddle; Trinity, Shepherd, and Rohen Hunsader; and Quinn and Owen Fisher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her former spouse, Ronald E. Biddle, and her husband, Arthur D. Gatton.

A celebration of Colleen’s life will be held at a later date.

Colleen’s family extends a special thank you to Avita Hospice (especially Angie) and the caring staff at Liberty Nursing Center.

To honor Colleen’s support of the family-style orphanage in Battambang, Cambodia, please consider a memorial contribution to Asia’s Hope, 296 West Fourth St., Columbus, OH 43201.Please note for “Battambang 3 and 7” on check.