Shirley Messick Carey, retired secretary

Shirley Ann Messick Carey, 79, of Ellendale, passed away Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.

Shirley was born in Milford, the daughter of the late Ralph R. Messick Sr. and Margaret M. Messick of Rehoboth Beach. Her husband, Ronald “Ron” Leroy Carey, preceded her in death earlier this year. Her brother, Richard Messick, also preceded her in death.

Shirley grew up in Rehoboth Beach and lived there for many years with her husband and family. Shirley and Ron later moved to Harbeson, and then moved to Ellendale. Shirley was a homemaker, a loving mother and wife, and she was a member of Conley's United Methodist Church in Lewes. Shirley was active in the Order of the Eastern Star, Unity Chapter 16 of Rehoboth Beach, and she was a past worthy matron from 1989-90. Shirley loved the beach, and once commented that she "Ruled the Waves!" She was a secretary for many years and worked at businesses including The Whale newspaper, J. A. Montgomery Insurance Company and Delaware Technical Community College. She had excellent computer skills. She and her late husband Ron loved travelling, went on many vacations and cruises, and enjoyed going to ball games.

Shirley is survived by her brother Ted Messick of Rehoboth Beach; her daughter, Linda Carey Browning of Lincoln; three sons, Ronald L. Carey Jr. and his wife Lisa, of Bethany Beach, David R. Carey, and his wife Michele of Rehoboth Beach, and Michael R. Carey and his wife Michelle of Ellendale; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandsons.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, at Conley's United Methodist Church, 33106 Jolyns Way, Lewes. Burial will be private.

Contributions may be made to: Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements handled by Short Funeral Service, Milton.