Ruth Ellen Messick went to be with the Lord on May 21, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Oct. 31, 1935 at home and was the daughter of the late Herman Lester Sullivan and Carrie James Hearn Sullivan. 

Ruth loved to collect babydolls, but her favorites were her “real life babydolls,” her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She worked for many years at Allen’s Hatchery alongside the love of her life, Floyd Messick, where they both retired. They were married for 63 years. 

In addition to her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her loving husband, Floyd Messick; sisters, Doris Baker (Pete), Anna Brittingham (Sonny), Esther Whayland (Ronnie), Bessie Hancock (Jimmy), and brothers, Wayne Sullivan (Martha/Edna) and Charles Sullivan. She is survived by her only daughter whom she loved with all her heart, Sheila Culver (Jake); grandchildren, Dustin Messick, Jeremy Culver (Amber), and Joshua Culver; great-grandchildren, Bryant Whittington, Tyler Vaughn, Mikhail Messick, Lucinda Messick, Cheyenne Culver, Ariyah Culver, Haley Culver, Riley Culver; her only remaining sister, Faye Weis, and many other family members who loved her very much. 

A visitation was held on Wednesday, May 29, at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel. A funeral service took place and interment followed in Bloomery Cemetery in Federalsburg. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.