Ralph D. Musick

Ralph D. Musick, 96, of Spring Mills, PA, formerly of Aaronsburg and Centre Hall, PA, passed away peacefully Monday, February, 8, 2021 at Wynwood House at Salem Hill. He was born November 14, 1924 in Aaronsburg, the son of the late Elmer O. and Ruth I. (Shawver) Musick. 

Ralph was married for 70 years to the love of his life, Ardrenna M. (Mingle), who pre-deceased him in 2016. Ralph and Ardrenna were dairy farmers for 18 years. They retired from farming in 1965 when Ralph joined Poultry Science at Penn State where he worked for the next 25 years. They also owned and operated Musick’s Cottages in Aaronsburg. 

Ralph had the unique ability to see the good in any circumstance. His joyful and caring nature inspired those he met. He overcame different serious health challenges with his positive attitude and strong faith. It often was said there wasn’t a stranger he didn’t know.  

Ralph was a devoted father to Karen (Kurt) Sampsel, Carol (late D. Seth) Musick-Meyer and Kevin (Leeshaun) Musick. He was a beloved role model for his children, grandchildren Bryon (Mrianda) Musick, Jessica Zerilla and William Musick and great-grandchildren Dominic and Ardrenna Musick, and Finley and Peadar Flanagan, even standing as best man at his eldest grandson’s wedding. He and Ardrenna had a wall adorned with family photos, special drawings and loving messages from great-grandchildren. He also had a magical relationship with his granddogs. 

Ralph was caring of his friends, neighbors and community, especially to his church. He was member of Salem Lutheran Church in Aaronsburg, serving as president, secretary, treasurer and superintendent of the Sunday school, chairman of the social ministry committee, and choir member. Other community engagement included: Millheim Lions Club (recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award); Old Fort Masonic Lodge; Jaffa Shrine (chaplain, hospital crusader, and annually collected Shrine Circus tickets enabling Penns Valley school children to attend the circus); Scottish Rite of Freemasonary (chaplain); Penns Valley Men’s Chorus; Aaronsburg Civic Club; The Aaronsburg Story 50th Anniversary celebration; Kramer Gap Hunting Camp; Aaronsburg Water Authority; Penns Valley Medical Center board; Penns Valley Area School board. 

Ralph enjoyed people and was grateful for his many friendships. He made it a point to snap a photo of his visitors that he later would share with them, and he was quick to offer a piece of candy from his candy dish. He was especially grateful for his generous caregivers at Salem Hill…and even the resident cat. 

Ralph is survived by sisters Pauline Wingard and Namoi Best. He was preceded in death by brothers, Glenn Musick, Randall Shawver, Albert Musick and sister, Mae Hosterman Vonada. 

Due to the pandemic, services will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions in Ralph’s honor be given to……Salem Lutheran Church,  Attn Karen Stover, POB 700, Aaronsburg PA 16820 or to The Shriner’s Hospital for Children, https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/donate.