Ralph Gerald Messick

cunningham-flowers-6

Ralph Gerald Messick (79) passed away in his sleep early Sunday morning, November 22 at the United Methodist Village-North Campus. He was born February 24, 1936 to Gerald B. and Mildred M. (Pace) Messick in Detroit, Michigan. In 1942 the family moved to Southern California where Ralph grew up. He proudly served in the United States Navy, four years active and eight years reserve. He graduated from Los Angeles State College in 1962 and was a teacher until he retired in 1991. Among Ralph’s interests were a love of astronomy, geography and military history. After retirement, he also became accomplished in creating sculptures out of metals and enjoyed sharing his creations with family and friends.

Gelaine Cornell Messick (73) passed away Sunday morning November 22 at her home in Lawrenceville. She was born October 23, 1942 to Charles H. and Emma H. Cornell in Lawrenceville, IL. Gelaine grew up in Lawrenceville and graduated from Lawrenceville Township High School in 1960 and Eastern Illinois University in 1964 with a degree in Education. After serving in the Peace Corp in Ethiopian for two years, she moved to Southern California and was a teacher until retirement in 1997. Gelaine had a particular compassion for animals and found joy in the companionship of many cats and dogs in her home over the years. During her life she supported animal concerns and after her retirement was involved in assisting the Lawrence County Humane Society for a number of years.

The couple was united in marriage June 27, 1974 in California, where they lived until moving to Lawrenceville in 1997 after their retirement. They are survived by Ralph’s son (Chris Wemyss and wife Cheryl), his daughter (Celeste Hadfield), and grandchildren (Elyse Wemyss and Elora Janome). Also surviving is Gelaine’s brother (Ron Cornell and wife Carole), nephew (Ron Cornell, Jr. and wife Kim), niece (Robin Cornell), and their children (Brooke Cornell, Stephanie Cornell and Daniel Wells). Ralph was preceded in death by his parents. Gelaine was preceded in death by her parents, husband (Ralph), a half-brother (Charles H. Cornell, Jr.), and a half-sister (Inez (Cornell) Martyn).

As Ralph and Gelaine wished, their bodies will be cremated and there will be no services. If desired, memorials may be made to Lawrence County Humane Society, Lawrence County Memorial Hospital or the United Methodist Village.

Cunningham-Young Funeral Home of Lawrenceville is assisting the family in the arrangements. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.