Geraldine E. Messing

Messing,Geraldine (nee:Ward) Geraldine (Jery) Messing, age 92 of Pine City, N.Y. passed away at Arnot-Ogden Hospital on Monday, March 23, 2015. She was born June 30, 1922 in W. Burlington, Pa., daughter of the late Merritt and Elizabeth (Long) Ward. Jery is survived by her loving husband Clarence "Dutch" Messing of Pine City. They celebrated 72 years of marriage having married August 15, 1942. Jery is also survived by her loving and devoted children: daughter, Cindy and her husband, Gene Slater of Pine City, and son Dann Messing of Pine City. Also, two granddaughters: Wendy Slater and Brenda (Josh) Moshier. Great grandchildren: Zackarie, Reilly, Mikaelie, Aislinn and Max and Molly. Also, surviving is twin brother Gerald Ward and many nieces and nephews. Jery was predeceased by brother Russell (Fran) Ward, and sister Luella Jean (Bud) Morse; brothers-in-law, Karl (Ruth), Edwin (Helen), George (Helyn) Messing; nephews, Hunter Messing and Russell Ward, Jr. and niece Mary Ward Hickson. Jery was employed as a book-keeper at the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company. Jery participated on the girl's athletic teams at Troy (Pa) High School and after moving to Elmira was an outstanding bowler and golfer. She participated in the premier ladies bowling leagues maintaining a high average for many years. She was a member of the Mark Twain golf course and won course championships at Mark Twain and other area golf courses. In August 1983 Jery was inducted into the Elmira Sports Hall of Fame for her bowling, golf, and softball accomplishments. Jery and Dutch enjoyed dancing to Ball Room music and in later years Square Dancing. She was a member of card clubs that played Bridge and Euchre. Jery loved the outdoors and in the fall could be found in the woods deer hunting. Jery was co-leader of a girls 4-H Club in Pine City. Jery enjoyed cooking family meals, baking pies, and canning vegetables from Dutch's garden. She was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. She truly will be missed, however the memories she created for family will forever be remembered. In keeping with Jery's wishes there will be no prior calling hours. Interment will take place privately at the convenience of her family. Arrangements are entrusted to Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. Jery's guestbook may be signed in obituaries at www.olthof.com.