ROSE MARIE MESSERSMITH

Rose Marie Messersmith, 85, The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg, formerly of Altoona, died Sunday afternoon at the home.

She was born in Gallitzin Township, daughter of the late Raymond H. and Veronica M. (Dascanio) Wills. She was twice married, first to James Myers, who preceded her in death. She then married Ralph Messersmith on Dec. 8, 1968, in Altoona, and he preceded her in death on Nov. 1, 1983.

Surviving are a daughter, Linda M. Baker of Westfield, Ind.; three grandsons: Eugene, Ralph and Anthony Baker; five great-grandchildren: Patrick, Adam, Ella, Sally and Charles; two sisters: Leona Reams and husband, Ray, of Osceola Mills and Joanne Diehl of Duncansville; a brother, Francis Wills of Cookstown, N.J.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers: John and Raymond H. Wills Jr.; and a special friend, Charles Nileski.

Rosie was a 1944 graduate of Gallitzin High School. She was a cook for Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School and then for the Blair Senior Center, from which she retired. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and the Red Hat Society, past president of Mother Seton Guild of the Cathedral Parish for 10 years and past president of the Newburg Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary for 12 years.

Rosie enjoyed doing ceramics and crafts and was a volunteer for Blair Senior Services. She always enjoyed going to the Gallitzin alumni get-togethers.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 9, 2013, at Stanley J. Krish Funeral Home Inc., 1204 17th St., Altoona. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, May 10, 2013, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 5514 Roselawn Ave., Altoona. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations for Masses at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church or to The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg.

Rose left this message, “To Those Whom I Love and Those Who Love Me” by Mary Alice Ramish:

When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do. You must not tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that I have had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love each have shown, but now it is time I traveled on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It is only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories in your heart. I will not be far away, for life goes on, so if you need me, call and I will come. Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near, and if you listen with your heart, you will hear all of my love around you soft and clear. Then, when you must come this way alone, I will greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home.”