Jody C. (Richards) Messman

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life so brightly lived, we celebrate the passing of Jody Christina Richards (formerly Balash) Messman, age 49, a lifelong resident of Ilion, who passed away peacefully at home, in the arms of her loving husband, Terry, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Born on December 28, 1976, Jody was the beloved daughter of James M. Richards Jr. and JoAnn (Capes) Richards. She was raised and educated in Ilion, where she was a dedicated and accomplished student-athlete, graduating from Ilion High School in 1995, Herkimer County Community College in 1997, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from SUNY New Paltz, and later obtaining her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Touro College.

Jody returned to her hometown to begin a career that would leave a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues. She taught 4th grade at her former Barringer Road Elementary School for 13 years, before continuing her passion for education as a 6th grade math teacher at Jarvis Middle School for 11 years. She retired in 2024. Beyond the classroom, Jody was a dedicated coach of field hockey at all levels, advisor for the school bookstore at both Barringer and Jarvis, math department chair, mentor, mentor coordinator, and curriculum coordinator. She gave selflessly to her school community and inspired all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A free spirit and hippie at heart, Jody moved through life guided by love, light, and the quiet belief that the universe always had a plan. She found joy in the simplest and most meaningful moments—soaking in the warmth of the sun, listening to the rhythm of ocean waves, and embracing the peace of country living. Whether she was picking fresh blueberries on her land or dancing freely at her favorite moe. show, she lived fully and unapologetically.

Her home was more than a place—it was a gathering space filled with laughter, music, and open arms. Jody loved hosting, bringing people together, and creating memories that would linger long after the night ended. Known for her spontaneous spirit and playful energy, she could still surprise everyone with her incredible backflips off a diving board.

She held a deep love for all things magical and meaningful—mermaids, sunflowers, and her beloved Patch and Shadow, who were always close to

her heart. She believed in peace, love, and connection, carrying those values into every relationship she built.

Jody is survived by her loving husband, Terry Lee Messman Jr.; her children, Brooke Lee Balash, Wesley James Balash, and stepdaughter Alexi Mae Messman; her parents, James and JoAnn (Capes) Richards; Mother in Law Kathy Michatek and step father in Law Robert Michatek; her sisters, Jessica (Jay) Vanhoy of Virginia Beach, Jackie (David) Crawford of Virginia Beach, and Jamie Riegler & Greta Elliott of Barneveld; her nephews, including her godson Michael Riegler, Hunter Riegler, David Crawford, and Myles and Parker Vanhoy; her maternal aunts, Carolyn Beran and Judy Bennett Tinkler; her paternal aunts and uncles, Faith Hawkins, John Richards (godfather), Bob (Sharman) Richards, Bill Richards, and Tom (Lorie) Richards; many loving cousins, including a special bond with Steven Bennett and Melissa (Sudakow) Dodson; and cherished friends Michelle Boulia, Christy Cushman, Gina Ciaccia, Jennifer DeRocco, Tina Gates, Shauna Harrington, Alison Kroe,Caroline Rasch and Chic Scaparo.

She was predeceased by her grandparents, James and Anne Richards, and Seth and Gladys (McCoy) Capes; her Godmother and Aunt Sharon (Yardley) Richards; and special friends Kevin Brown and La Ritton.

Jody leaves behind a legacy of kindness, joy, and a gentle reminder to slow down, feel the sun on your face, listen to the waves, and trust in the beauty of the universe.

Though she is no longer here in the physical world, her spirit lives on—in every sunflower that turns toward the light, every ocean breeze, and every moment of music that makes us feel alive.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

In lieu of flowers, her family asks to make donations to the Anna Sunshine Foundation at Anna's Sunflower Warriors OR to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours, which will be held on Saturday, May 9th, 2026, from 2:00PM - 4:00PM at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Town of Frankfort, Ilion, NY (315) 894-8000.

Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.