Rose M. (Phillips) Messinger

Rose M. (Phillips) Messinger, 84, of Berwick, died peacefully at her home with her family at her side Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Born in Northampton on January 22, 1941, she was a daughter to the late James and Hilda (Bilheimer) Phillips.

Rose attended Northampton High School. She had been a long-time employee of the Department of Environmental Protection. For decades, she worked as a school bus driver for Bower Bus Company in Berwick. Rose was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Berwick. She was an avid Berwick football fan, holding season tickets since 1982. Rose was a very active member of the Berwick YMCA, attending several days per week. She also enjoyed polka music and crafting, having created and distributed hand-made shotgun shell Christmas ornaments for 23 years. Above all, she loved spending time with her beloved family, by whom she will be deeply missed.

Surviving Rose are her children: Dennis Mills of Bath, Audrey Hydrick and Husband, Leo, of Moodus, CT, Robert Mills and wife, Ilene, of Nazareth, Brenda Oritt of Harrisburg, and Andrew Mills of Berwick; grandchildren: Guy Hydrick, Joseph Hydrick, Katie Evans, Brendan Evans, and Addison Mills; six great-grandchildren; siblings: Dennis Phillips and wife, Ruth Ann, and Nancy Peifly.

In addition to her parents, Rose was preceded in death by a brother, James Phillips, Jr.

Rose’s Funeral Service will be 2 PM Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc., 119-121 E. Third Street, Berwick. Reverend Fred Stevenson will officiate. Friends will be received from 1 PM until the time of the service at 2 PM. Memorial contributions in Rose’s name may be made to the Berwick Area YMCA, 231 W. Third Street, Berwick, PA 18603. The Kelchner, McMichael & Readler Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve Rose’s family. Online messages of comfort and support may be left at www.kelchnerfuneralhome.com.

Berwick YMCA
231 W. Third Street, Berwick PA 18603