Obituary of Luba Messina

Luba Messina, 58, of Howell Township passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at home.  Luba was born in Lakewood and raised in the Freewood Acres section of Howell.  She had lived in Jackson, Florida, and Brick before returning to Freewood Acres to help take care of her mom.  Working at IHOP in Howell and Wall for many years, Luba was always asked by name when people came in to be waited on.  She also worked landscaping and bartending throughout the years to give her children everything they needed.  Luba had a passion for playing music and was a gifted pianist, guitarist, and singer.  She loved her time at the Reservoir and the beach, especially at Island State Beach and Spring Lake.  Luba always put others first before herself, truly giving her shirt off her back.  She was a loving wife, adoring mother, dear friend and just recently an adoring grandmother.

Luba was predeceased by her husband, J.C. Whittle and her son, Michael Joseph Messina.  She is survived by her children, Stephen Crisson and Crystal Whittle; granddaughter, Lilith Lopez; sister, Luda Constantinoff; cousin, Angela Messina and her family; and numerous dear friends who were family.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at Jackson Church, 68 Bennetts Mills Road, Jackson Township, at 2:30 PM.  Arrangements by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township.  For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to the family.  For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.