Autumn Colors in The Butternut Valley

 The Butternut Valley in Autumn

Baker, Frederick T. 1930-2003 Hartwick NY Obituary

Frederick Baker
HARTWICK — Frederick Thomas Baker, 73, a longtime resident of Hartwick, died early Sunday morning, Aug. 3, 2003, at University Hospital in Syracuse.
Fred was born on April 11, 1930, in Hartwick, a son of Walter and Eliza J. (Richards) Baker.
A graduate of Hartwick High School, Fred first served for several years in the United States Army, and later re-enlisted in the United States Navy. His naval career went on to span 24 years, during which time he saw action in Vietnam, causing him to receive the Combat Action Ribbon as well as other medals and commendations. He was last stationed aboard the USS Aylwin, retiring from the US Navy as a Machinists Mate First Class in June of 1976.
Upon his return to Hartwick, he led a simple, quiet life. He frequently ate lunch at The Quickway in Hartwick, and he will always be remembered there and elsewhere for his friendly greetings and his habit of telling everyone he met to "have a good day."
He is survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday afternoon, Aug. 11, 2003, at the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown, with the Rev. Laverne Saxer, pastor of the Hartwick Christian Church, officiating.
The committal service and burial, with military funeral honors accorded by a contingent of United States Navy personnel, will follow in the Hartwick Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday afternoon from 1 p.m. until service time.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial gifts may be made to the Hartwick Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 208, Hartwick, NY 13348.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.

Published in The Daily Star on Aug. 8, 2003.

Find a Grave Memorial for Frederick T. Baker 1930-2003

Banks, C. Virginia (Morris) 1921-2003 Native of Gilbertsville NY

All Saints Chapel.  The cemetery is to the left of the chapel.

      C. Virginia Banks
NORTH SYRACUSE — C. Virginia Banks, 82, of North Syracuse, died Monday, March 31, 2003, at Community General Hospital.
She was a native of Gilbertsville and lived the past 39 years in North Syracuse.
She earned her bachelor of arts degree in education from the State University College at Oneonta. She retired as an elementary teacher for the Sidney Schools.
She was a member of the Believers' Chapel.
She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, in 1987.
She is survived by two brothers, Richard W. of Norwich, and James R. Morris of Mount Upton; three nephews, James R. and John J. of Gilbertsville, and Dr. Thomas C. Morris of Sherburne; and two nieces, Carol Ashton of Florida, and Brenda Lagoe of Sherburne.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2003, at the Believers' Chapel, Thompson Road, North Syracuse. The family will receive friends following the service.
Burial will be in the spring at Morris Chapel Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Fergerson Funeral Home, 215 So. Main St., North Syracuse.

Published in The Daily Star on April 2, 2003.

Find a Grave Memorial for C. Virginia Banks

Bridges, Merritt L. 1910-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Merritt Bridges
MORRIS — Merritt Lyman (Bud) Bridges, 92, of Morris, died Monday, Sept. 8, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin.
He was born Sept. 17, 1910, in the family home on West Street in Morris, the son of Merritt L. and Anna M. (Shanessy) Bridges. After growing up in Morris, where he was hailed as one of the best baseball pitchers in the village's history. Bud earned a B.A. from Yale University, Class of 1932.
He served his country in the United States Army during World War II from 1942-1945, in the counter-intelligence corp.
Following a short career in the New York City banking industry, Bud returned to his hometown where he joined his brother, Maurice, in business at Gould & Bridges, a highway equipment supply company that served area counties for more than 40 years.
Bud is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathleen Morley Bridges; stepdaughters, Stephanie and Leslie Morley; a sister, Mary B. Ruhoff; nieces, Anne Rippy Turtle and Mary S. Ruhoff; grandnieces and nephews, Merritt and Travis Losert, Nathan Rippy and Elsie and Tara Harrington.
He was predeceased by his brother, Maurice; and his first wife, Isabel.
Bud was a pillar of the Morris community and a beloved neighbor and friend. He was seen every day briskly walking to the post office or library. He was ready with a friendly word and a helping hand for all he met and showed an avid interest in the lives of his fellow villagers. Bud was a living "historical record" of the village and surrounding areas. He could recall every resident, house and business and could recite who lived where and when.
Bud was an active member of the Zion Episcopal Church and served as its treasurer for 45 years. He played an instrumental role in numerous local organizations including Zion Church, the Morris Village Library, Morris Central School, the Hillington Cemetery Association, the Otsego County Republican Committee, the Morris Advisory Board for Wilber National Bank, Bassett Healthcare, A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, the American Legion, the Catskill Area Hospice, the Gilbertsville Village Improvement Society and the Hartwick's Citizen's Board.
There will be no calling hours.
A funeral service will be held at Zion Episcopal Church, Main Street, Morris, at noon on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003, with the Rev. Robert Witt officiating. The family will greet friends in the Episcopal Church Parish House, next to the church, immediately following the service.
The interment at Hillington Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bud's memory to Catskill Area Hospice, Zion Episcopal Church or the Village Library of Morris.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on Sept. 10, 2003.

Find a Grave Memorial for Merritt L. Bridges 1910-2003

Carroll, Frank A. 1916-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Frank A. Carroll
MORRIS — Frank A. Carroll, 87, of Morris, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2003, at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital, Oneonta.
He was born Feb. 21, 1916, in Kalmaska, Mich., the son of Irving L. Carroll and May (Ennis) Carroll.
He married Lina Vanskiver in Jasper, on Dec. 27, 1940.
He was a graduate of Cornell University (Class of 1937).
He was employed as a Farm Labor Representative with the New York State Department of Labor for many years.
He and his wife had resided in Morris since 1997 and had formerly lived in Davenport Center.
Frank was a member of the Morris Baptist Church, the Cornell Alumni Association. And, in his younger years, had served on the Madison Central School Board of Education.
He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Lina Carroll of Morris; four sons, Bruce Carroll and his wife, Laurie of Maryland, Larry Carroll and his wife, Pat, Bob Carroll and wife, Muriel, Alan Carroll and wife, Bettylou, all of Oriskany Falls. Frank was blessed with 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
A son, Ramon Carroll, and four brothers and two sisters predeceased him.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Johnston Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Morris Baptist Church, with the Rev. Daniel Lambertson officiating. Committal services and burial will be in Crown Hill Memorial Park, New Hartford.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to donate to the Morris Emergency Squad or the Morris Baptist Church in Frank's memory.
Arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on Aug. 18, 2003.

Chambers, Lucille (Mudge) 1936-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Lucille Chambers
MORRIS — Lucille Myrtle Chambers, 66, of Morris died Friday, June 20, 2003, at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.
She was born Oct. 15. 1936, in Beaver Meadow, the daughter of Francis and Mary Mudge.
She was married to Charles Chambers on Sept. 8, 1958, in Naples, Fla. He died March 24, 1995.
She is survived by her children, Rayburn Chambers of Morris, Marvin Chambers of Pittsfield, Jodie Mills and husband, George, of Morris, Charlotte McMullen and husband, Charles, of Pittsfield; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Her brothers and sisters include Jim Mudge and wife, Elvira, of Preston, Charles Mudge and wife, Fay, of Morris, William Mudge of Morris, Ray Mudge and wife, Hazel, of Colton, Roy Mudge and wife, Vinnie, of South New Berlin, Gladys Pope of Gilbertsville, Doris Douglas of New Berlin, Viola Madsen and husband, Larry, of Pittsfield, and Mary Mudge of Pittsfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A sister, Julia Brazee, predeceased her.
Calling hours will be from from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2003. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris, with the Rev. Daniel Lambertson officiating. Committal services and burial will follow at the Edmeston Union Cemetery, Edmeston.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on June 23, 2003.

Find A Grave Memorial for Lucille (Mudge) Chambers

Champlin, Edith M. (Colburn) 1928-2003 Born in Morris NY

Edith M. Champlin
SIDNEY — Edith M. Champlin, 74, formerly of Sidney, died Thursday, March 6, 2003, at the Oneonta Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she had been a resident for nearly five years.
She was born Nov. 9, 1928, in Morris, to Mary Ann (Elliott) Colburn and Lee Lester Colburn. Edith graduated from Morris High School in 1946.
She married Mahlon Alan Champlin of Oneonta on May 30, 1950, in Zion Episcopal Church in Morris.
Prior to her marriage, she was employed as postal clerk in Morris. In 1953, she and her husband moved to Sidney, where they were both employed at Scintilla.
Edith served on the vestry of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. She was active in The Hospital Guild and the Nex-T-New shop. She served as a den mother in Cub Scouts while her four sons were growing up. Later, she was self-employed as displayer/salesperson for Home Interiors and Gifts. In 1987, she became a licensed real estate agent for Combs Realty.
Her husband; three sons, Mark of Lantana, Fla., Brian and John of Sidney; three grandchildren, Stacy of Milford, Shelly of Binghamton and Sean of Sidney; great-granddaughter Kailey of Milford and numerous nieces and nephews survive Edith.
Her son Michael, her sister, Norma Walker and her brothers, Nelson, James and Frederick, predeceased her.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 10, 2003, at 6 p.m. at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel.
Friends may call Monday. The family will be in attendance at 5 p.m.
Burial will be in Hillington Cemetery in Morris in the spring.
Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Inc.

Published in The Daily Star on March 8, 2003.

Find A Grave Memorial for Edith (Colburn) Champlin

Christian, David Paul 1941-2004 South New Berlin NY Obituary

David P. Christian
SOUTH NEW BERLIN — David Paul Christian, 62, lifelong resident of South New Berlin, passed away Wednesday evening, Dec. 31, 2003, at his home.
Dave was born May 14, 1941, in Norwich, the son of Donald and Ellamae (Palmer) Christian.
Following his education in the South New Berlin schools, he began work as a machine operator for the Norwich Shoe Co. In 1991, he gained employment with Mead Westvaco in Sidney as a general production labor assistant, and was still working for the company at the time of his death.
Very active and dedicated to the South New Berlin Fire Department, of which he was a member for over 40 years, Dave had held several offices within the department and had held the office of fire chief on two separate occasions — from 1984-1987 and again from 1990 through the end of 1991.
He was an avid bowler who had bowled for many years in the Town and Country League as well as in several other leagues.
On April 11, 1964, in South New Berlin, Dave married Anna Mae Burk.
Above all else, he will be remembered as a true family man who especially enjoyed his grandkids.
Dave is survived by his wife, Ann of South New Berlin; his father, Donald Christian of South New Berlin; his children, Teresa Pope and her husband, Jeffery, of Mount Upton, Troy Christian and his wife, Kelly, of South New Berlin, and Kevin Christian and his wife, Robin, also of South New Berlin; his grandchildren, Tyler and Kelsey Pope, and Harlie Anne, Hunter, Breanna and Kayla Christian; his sisters, Mary Lee Meyers and her husband, Kenneth, of South New Berlin, and Cynthia Ann Christian of Vienna, Va. Dave is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Carl and Kathy Burk of New Berlin; as well as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of good friends.
Dave was predeceased by his mother, Ellamae Christian; his brother and sister-in-law, Donald W. and Mary Lou Christian; and his grandchildren, Katrena Pope, David Randall Christian and Jordan J. Christian.
Funeral services for Dave will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2004, from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home of Norwich. The Rev. Romeyn Kipp, pastor of the Holmesville Baptist Church, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Maplewood Cemetery of Mount Upton.
Friends may call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Members of the South New Berlin Fire Department will conduct memorial services at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Please consider memorial contributions to the South New Berlin Fire Department, South New Berlin, NY 13843 or to the American Cancer Society, 31 Adams Ave., Endicott, NY 13760.

Published in The Daily Star on Jan. 5, 2004. 

Find a Grave Memorial for David Paul Christian

Christian, Donald P. 1914-2011 South New Berlin Obituary

Obituaries - Donald Christian

SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Donald P. Christian, 96, of South New Berlin, went home with his Lord on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, with family holding his hands and was undoubtedly greeted by his wife and two sons.
He had resided at the Chase Nursing Facility of New Berlin for the past 8 months where he received excellent care. Previous to that, he and his wife Ellamae had lived in their home in South New Berlin for 64 years.
Don was born Oct. 7, 1914, one of several children to Miles and Goldie Christian and lived his entire life in this area. Raised on a farm between Mt. Upton and South New Berlin, Don soon learned the value of hard work and enjoyed several jobs throughout his life. At a young age he constructed silos for Craine Silo up and down the east coast. He was later employed as a truck driver, worked for the Scintila and eventually Bennett Ireland in Norwich as foreman of the shipping dept. When they closed their doors, Don quickly acquired a position of security officer at the Norwich Pharmacy working there until his retirement in 1980.
Always ready with a great story or a good joke, Don was usually seen with a broad smile and had a wonderful sense of humor. His stories will live on through his family laughingly repeating his many tales. Don loved bowling when he was younger, but his great passion was being a volunteer fireman. He belonged to the Norwich Fire Dept. for several years and then the South New Berlin Fire Dept. in which he held several offices over the years. His years of service as a fireman totaled well over 60 years.
Don married Ellamae Holmes in 1938. He was predeceased by his wife Ellamae, his two sons, David and Donald Christian, his daughter-in-law Mary Lou Christian, 3 great grandchildren and his brothers Earl, Gaylord and Miles Christian.
Don is survived by his two daughters Cynthia Christian of Arlington, Va. and Mary Lee Meyers and son-in-law Kenneth, his daughter-in-law Ann Christian all of South New Berlin, his sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Floyd Bush of Oneonta. He was also loved by several grandchildren, Donald, William, Troy and Kevin Christian, Beth Ann Rainbow, Teresa Pope and Mark and Michael Meyers. Several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews also survive.
Gravesisde services for Don will be held in the spring, May 27, 2011 at 2 p.m. from the Maplewood Cemetery of Mt. Upton. There will be no calling hours.
Please consider memorial contributions in his memory to the South New Berlin Fire Dept., South New Berlin, NY 13843.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.

Published in The Evening Sun on Jan.10, 2011. 

Find A Grave Memorial for Donald P. Christian

Christian, Ellamae 1919-2003 Married in Gilbertsville NY

Ellamae Christian
SOUTH NEW BERLIN — Ellamae Christian, 84, longtime resident of South New Berlin, passed away early Wednesday morning, March 19, 2003, in the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital of Cooperstown.
Ellamae was born Feb. 5, 1919, in Hartwick, the daughter of Fred and Jennie (Doyle) Palmer. Her adoptive parents were Hubert and Alta (Platt) Holmes.
On March 5, 1938, in Gilbertsville, she married Donald Christian. He survives her.
Ellamae grew up in Norwich and had attended the Norwich and South New Berlin schools. A resident of South New Berlin since 1946, she had worked for the fishline factory and the Dimock Hollow Phone Co. Her last employment was with the Norwich Shoe Co., where she worked for a period of 20 years, retiring in 1981.
Ellamae is survived by her husband of 65 years, Donald Christian, of South New Berlin; her children, David Paul Christian and his wife, Ann, of South New Berlin, Mary Lee Meyers and her husband, Kenneth, of South New Berlin, and Cynthia Ann Christian of Vienna, Va.; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; her sister, Bertha Johnson of Cooperstown; her sister-in-law, Beatrice Palmer; and several nieces and nephews.
Ellamae was predeceased by her son, Donald W. Christian; her daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Christian; two sisters, Margaret Thompson and Grace Houck; her two brothers, Elmer and Walter Palmer; and two great-grandchildren.
There will be no calling hours.
Graveside services for Ellamae will be held in the spring from the Maplewood Cemetery of Mount Upton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the South New Berlin Fire Department, South New Berlin Emergency Squad, or to the South New Berlin Fireman's Auxiliary, South New Berlin, NY 13843.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.

Published in The Daily Star on March 25, 2003.  

Find a Grave Memorial for Ellamae Christian 1919-2003

Coder, Betty J. (McElroy) 1921-2003 Gilbertsville NY Obituary

Betty J. Coder
GILBERTSVILLE — Betty J. Coder, 82, of Gilbertsville and formerly of Otego, died Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2003, at home in Gilbertsville.
She was born on Jan. 30, 1921, in Port Chester, the daughter of John Henry McElroy and Agnes (Drought) McElroy.
She married Clifford Coder in St. Mary's Church in Port Chester, on April 5, 1942. He died Oct. 30, 1996.
She had resided with her daughter, Cheri, for the past four years and had formerly lived in Otego.
She attended the St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Oneonta.
Betty is survived by two children, Karin Dale Coder of Largo, Fla., and Cheri Theis and husband, Gerald, of Gilbertsville; her grandchildren, Suzanne Garnsey and husband, John, Christopher and Peter John Hanfmann, Colin, Chelsea and Whitney Theis. And, her great-grandchildren, Jake and Zoe; two sisters, Harriett Studwell and husband, Doug and Catherine Cuddy, all of Port Chester; as well as several nieces and nephews, also survive her.
She was predeceased by a son, Glenn Colin Coder, and a sister, Elenore Admunsen.
There will be no calling hours. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Port Chester. She will be entombed with her husband in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make donations to the Gilbertsville Emergency Squad or the Butternut Valley Health Ministry, care of Christ Episcopal Church, Gilbertsville, N.Y., in her memory.
Arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on August 15, 2003.

Danielson, Ruth (Clarkson) 1902-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Ruth C. Danielson
MORRIS — Ruth C. (Clarkson) Danielson, 101, of Lakewood, Colo., and formerly of Morris, died Monday, May 5, 2003, at the Villa Manor Care Center in Lakewood, Colo.
She was born May 1, 1902, in Worcester, Mass., the daughter of Henry J. Clarkson and Carrie S. (Pendell) Clarkson.
She married the Rev. Henning E. Danielson on Oct. 23, 1923, in Worcester, Mass. She and her husband served the First Baptist Church of Morris from 1931 to 1944. And other churches until their retirement at which time they returned to Morris and lived here for 10 years. He passed away in 1983.
She is survived by her children, Evelyn Reynolds of Lakewood, Colo., the Rev. Gordon W. Danielson of Jensen Beach, Fla., the Rev. P. Paul Danielson of Weirton, W.Va.; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
A son, Stanley Danielson predeceased her.
Memorial funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2003, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Morris. Committal services and burial will follow in the Hillington Cemetery in Morris.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to contribute to the First Baptist Church of Morris in her memory.
Local arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on May 7, 2003.

Find A Grave Memorial for Ruth (Clarkson) Danielson

Decker, Agnes (Sage) 1916-2003 Burlington Flats NY Obituary

Agnes S. Decker
BURLINGTON FLATS — Agnes S. Decker, 86, of Burlington Flats, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, March 17, 2003.
Agnes was born June 3, 1916, in Venice Center, the daughter of Edwin and Viola (Green) Sage.
She was married to George Burton Decker. He predeceased her in 1985.
Agnes knew Christ as her savior for more than 70 years and was a member of the Berean Baptist Church in New Berlin.
Agnes graduated from the Baptist Bible Seminary in Johnson City, which is now the Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit, Pa. She taught for over 20 years in various Christian Schools, the last being in Bridgewater. In her earlier years she had been employed at the Otsego School in Edmeston.
She was an avid reader, a collector of books and bells, and also loved doing handiwork such as embroidery and needlepoint. Upon reflection: Agnes had an inner everlasting strength, her family was dear to her, and she was always available for them.
Agnes is survived by her children and their spouses, David and Judy Decker, Mary and Ken Lowe, James and Betty Decker, Daniel and Lois Decker, Benjamin Decker, Elizabeth Owens and Timothy Decker; 21 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. She was one of 13 children, and is survived by three sisters and three brothers.
She was predeceased by six of her siblings.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2003, at 1 p.m. at the Berean Baptist Church, New Berlin, with the Rev. Gary L. Folz officiating. Calling hours will be on Thursday, March 20, 2003, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Berean Baptist Church, New Berlin, prior to the service.
Contributions may be made in Agnes S. Decker's memory to either the Edmeston Emergency Squad or the Berean Baptist Church in New Berlin.
Arrangements are by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home, Edmeston.

Published in The Daily Star on March 19, 2003.

Dickenson, Charles L. 1923-2003 Born in Burlington Flats NY

Charles Dickenson
ONEONTA — Charles L. Dickenson, 80 years old, of 2 Mitchell St., Oneonta, and formerly of Edmeston, passed away July 21, 2003, in Sidney.
He was born on Feb. 21, 1923, in Burlington Flats, the son of Louis and Nellie (Tuller) Dickenson.
He married Helen VanVranken on Jan. 27, 1961, in Montrose, Pa. She survives.
He was an avid fisherman who loved the out of doors and gardening.
He was a machine operator at Remington Arms in Ilion.
Mr. Dickenson served in Germany during World War II under General George Patton.
He was a lifetime member of the Mohawk Crowley-Barnum Legion Post No. 25, where he was also a past commander, and a past commander of Otsego County and the Edmeston Post 1311.
Mr. Dickenson is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Bob Helps of Scotland; one stepson and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Debra Bailey of West Winfield; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; and one brother and sister-in-law, Calvin and Phyllis Dickenson, West Winfield.
He was predeceased by one daughter, Leslie Dickenson; five brothers, Earl, Frank, Lyman, Louis and Clyde Dickenson; and six sisters, Louella Dickenson, Vivian Crewell, Susan Jacobs, Lucinda Frazier, Emma Marriott and Blanch Crossman.
There will be no services, at the request of Mr. Dickenson.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Published in The Daily Star on July 22, 2003.

Find A Grave for Charles L. Dickenson 1923-2003

Durkin, William John 1926-2003 Edmeston NY Obituary

William John Durkin
EDMESTON — William John Durkin, 76, of Edmeston died unexpectedly Wednesday evening, May 14, 2003, at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.
He was born Aug. 24, 1926, on Staten Island, the son of John and Elizabeth (Whyte) Durkin.
He married Barbara (Carey) Durkin, his wife of 55 years on Sept. 14, 1947. She survives.
Mr. Durkin grew up on Staten Island and was a graduate of New Dorp High School. He later moved to Edmeston, where he has been a resident since 1971.
He was employed as an oil burner serviceman for T.F. Quinlan & Sons of Staten Island for 39 years. Also worked as an elevator adjuster for the Otis Elevator Co.
Mr. Durkin proudly served with the U.S. Navy as a gunner's mate during World War II.
He was a member of Senior Citizens groups in New Berlin, Edmeston, New Lisbon and Bridgewater; served as the treasurer for the Edmeston Senior Group; 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus.
He was a member of St. Theresa's of the Infant Jesus Church in New Berlin, and St. Anthony of Padua Church on Staten Island.
Mr. Durkin had a passion for learning and reading and enjoyed working with plants. His family always came first and he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Mr. Durkin is survived by his children, Barbara J. Durkin, Oneonta, Elaine and Gary Fortin, Wrightstown, N.J., Richard Durkin and Isaura Perez, Napierville, Ill., Arthur Durkin, Staten Island, and Sean and Suzanne Durkin, Staten Island; grandchildren, Christopher J. Fortin, Meaghan Siobhan Durkin Foy, Eric William Durkin, Kevin Patrick Durkin, Brian Francis Durkin and Erin Elizabeth Durkin; a great-grandchild, Sean Cailean Sanders Fortin; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by one brother, George Durkin.
Calling hours will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2003, and from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2003, at the Dakin Funeral Home, New Berlin. Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Sunday evening.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday, May 19, 2003, at St. Theresa's Catholic Church, New Berlin, with Father Francis Case of St. Theresa's Catholic Church, New Berlin, officiating.
Interment will be in the Edmeston Union Cemetery, Edmeston.

Published in The Daily Star on May 16, 2003.

Find A Grave Memorial for William John Durkin

Edwards, Edna M. (Van Duzer) 1904-2003 Formerly of Gilbertsville and Morris

Edna M. Edwards
OXFORD — Edna M. Edwards, 99, of Oxford, formerly of Gilbertsville and Morris, passed on to be with our Lord on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003, at the Oxford Veterans Home, where she had resided for the past two years.
She was born on June 10, 1904, in Greene, daughter of John Van Duzer and Edith Pittsley.
She was married on July 8, 1925, to Harvey S. Edwards in Morris. He died in August 1979.
She was a homemaker and loving wife, parent and grandparent to all who touched life. She was devoted, compassionate, giving and family-oriented. She was known by her children and grandchildren for her homemade bread, donut holes and baked beans. She loved music, dancing, reciting poetry she had learned as a child and reading tea leaves, much to the delight of her grandchildren.
She was a member of the Spirit & Truth Christian Assembly, West Oneonta, and was baptized at 94 years old.
She is survived by five daughters and three sons-in-law, Jean Glover of Unadilla, Lura Todd of Morris, Vera Hoag and Lyle of Morris, Hilda Holbrook and Bob of West Oneonta and Ann Mein and Martin of South New Berlin; two sons and daughters-in-law, Earl Edwards and Bernice of Macedon and Gary Edwards and Jean of Gilbertsville; and a daughter-in-law, Winnie Edwards of Depauville. Also surviving are 22 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; and 35 great-great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband, Harvey S. Edwards; three sons, Paul, Donald and Karl Edwards; a daughter-in-law, Kathryn Edwards; two sons-in-law, Robert Todd and Robert Glover; a grandson, Scott Edwards; and two brothers, Clyde Pittsley and Ivan Hall.
There will be a memorial service at the family reunion on Saturday, Aug. 9, with Pastor Mitchell Spring of the Spirit & Truth Christian Assembly officiating.
Burial will be at the Brookside Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are being made by the Johnston Funeral Home, Morris.
 
Published in The Daily Star on August 9, 2003.

Foster, Lois (Rowe) 1917-2003 Gilbertsville NY Obituary

Lois Rowe Foster
GILBERTSVILLE — Lois Rowe Foster, 85, of Gilbertsville died Tuesday, July 22, 2003, at her home with her family at her side.
She was born Oct. 12, 1917, in Rockwells Mills, the daughter of Arthur Musson and Sarah (Rowe) Musson.
She married William Foster on Oct. 19, 1935, in Mount Upton. He died June 25, 1992.
She was a homemaker and a lifelong area resident.
She was recognized several years ago as a 50-year member of the First Baptist Church of Gilbertsville.
Lois is survived by her children, Arlene Gavitt of Alton, Va.; Stephen Foster and wife, Jacqueline, of Gilbertsville; Richard Foster and companion, Anna Dotey, of Okeechobee, Fla.; Glenn Foster and wife, Rose, of Gilbertsville; her grandchildren, Kathy Tolls, Vicki Lee, Kenny, Kerry and Dale Gavitt, Angela, William and Victor Foster, Kim Gorman; her stepgrandchildren include Janie Hunt, Lisa Taylor and Amy Robinson; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
Calling hours will be held at the Johnston Funeral Home on Thursday evening, from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 25, 2003, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Committal services and burial will be in the Brookside Cemetery in Gilbertsville.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make donations to the Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care Inc., 542 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820 in Lois' memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on July 24, 2003.

Find A Grave Memorial for Lois Rowe Foster 1917-2003

Gelatt, Charles W. 1918-2003 Edmeston NY Obituary

Charles W. Gelatt
EDMESTON — Charles W. Gelatt, 85, of Edmeston, went to be with the Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 8, 2003.
He was born June 17, 1918, in Susquehanna, Pa.. the son of Ralph D. and Ethel (Conrad) Gelatt.
He married Jennie E. Silver on Aug. 12, 1938, in Thompson, Pa.
Charlie served in the United States Army during World War II.
He was a member of the Berean Baptist Church in New Berlin, where he had also served as past deacon. He was a member of the Horse & Carriage Cherry Valley Driving Association, and the Carriage Association of America.
Charlie was well-known for his love of his horses, carriages and barn. However, he always put God and his family as his first priority, a trait that he instilled in his children.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jennie; his children and their spouses, Marjorie and Cecil Watts, Betty and Richard Senrka, Connie and David Eckert, Carl Gelatt, Cheryl and Mark Rittgers, Sharon Silver, Randy and Susan Gelatt, Meradee and Daniel Schollig, and Gary and Selina Gelatt; his grandchildren, Tina, Al, Rosella, Bill, Bob, Loraine, Daniel, S.J., Jody, Paul, David, Daniel, David, Rebekah, Aaron, Daniel, Sarah, John, Danielle, Charles W. III, Dennis, Maverick, Maradee, Luke, Kari, Krista, Kimberlee, Nick, Sara, Adam, Daniel, Derek, Denyse, Colin, Emily, Amanda, Tanner and Jennie; 30 great-grandchildren; his brother, David Gelatt; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Charlie was predeceased by one son, Charles W. Gelatt Jr.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2003, at the Berean Baptist Church in New Berlin, at 2 p.m., with Pastor Gary Foltz and Pastor Jay Henderson officiating. Calling hours will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the church prior to the funeral service.
Interment will be at Edmeston Union Cemetery, Edmeston.
Donations may be made in Charles W. Gelatt's memory to the Edmeston Emergency Squad for their dedicated service.
Arrangements are by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home, Edmeston.

Published in The Daily Star on July 10, 2003.

Find A Grave Memorial for Charles W. Gelatt

Gill, John W. 1919-2003 Gilbertsville NY Obituary

John W. Gill
GILBERTSVILLE — John W. (Jack) Gill, died Thursday morning, at his home here. He was 83.
Born in Bristol, Pa., on June 11, 1919, Jack was a retired newspaper man. He moved to Gilbertsville from New Jersey in 1988. He was a reporter and editor for a number of publications, including the Baltimore Sun, the Courier-News of Bridgewater (N.J.), the Asbury Park (N.J.) Press, the Trenton (N.J.) Times and the Delaware Valley Advance in Bucks County, Pa. He attended the University of Pennsylvania.
Jack was a collector of books and other writings by H.L. Mencken and an avid baseball fan.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Wolfe Gill; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, William and Judy Wolfe of Temple, N.H.; three nieces, Amy Moshonas of Mill Valley, Calif., Erin Wolfe of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Barbara Miller of Levittown, Pa., and a nephew, David Wolfe of Austin, Texas.
Cremation arrangements are being made by the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris. There will be no calling hours or services. Donations in his name may be made to Catskill Area Hospice.

Published in The Daily Star on May 2, 2003.

Harrison, Gladys (Miller) 1915-2003 Born in Morris NY

Gladys Harrison
ONEONTA — Gladys Harrison, 87, of Oneonta passed away Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, at the home of her son, Duane C. Harrison in Windsor.
She was born March 5, 1915, in Morris, the daughter of Frank H. and Mary (Daniels) Miller.
She married Merton Harrison on July 21, 1944, in Mount Vision. He predeceased her on Feb. 7, 1990.
She was a graduate of Laurens High School and Cayuga College. Gladys taught high school in Campbell, Schenectady and Laurens. She was also a case worker for the Otsego County Department of Social Services for 15 years.
She was a member of the Mount Vision Bible Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Hartwick Historical Association.
Gladys enjoyed participating in community organizations and activities. She was also very interested in preserving the history of the Bowe Hill Community. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers. She was very committed to her family and will be missed by all those who knew her.
She is survived by her two sons, Duane C. Harrison and his spouse, Jeanne, of Windsor, and Lynn M. Harrison of Arlington, Texas. Her sister, Katherine Kimmey of Mount Vision; and her brother, Herbert Miller and his spouse, Marjorie, of Mesa, Ariz., survive her; a sister-in-law, Marion Mather of Laurens; and several nieces and nephews also survive her.
Funeral and committal services will be held on Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Christopher Ellis, pastor of the Mount Vision Bible Baptist Church, officiating.
Burial will take place in the spring in Mount Vision Cemetery.
Friends may call Sunday afternoon at the Bookhout Funeral Home from 4 until 6 p.m. at which time the family will be in attendance.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Vision Bible Baptist Church, P.O. Box 606, Mount Vision, NY 13810, the Hartwick Emergency Squad or to the Mount Vision Fire Department.
Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.

Published in The Daily Star on Jan. 17, 2003.

Johnson, Emma (Palmer) 1915-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Emma Palmer Johnson
MORRIS — Emma Palmer Johnson, 88, of Morris died Wednesday, July 9, 2003, at the Oneonta Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
She was born on Feb. 21, 1915, in Westville, the daughter of Frederick B. Palmer and Mabel (Ford) Palmer.
She was married to Lawrence C. Johnson on Aug. 27, 1937, at the Mount Vision Baptist Parsonage. He died Nov. 24, 1992.
Emma was a lifelong area resident, graduating from Morris Central School in 1933, being the first class to graduate from "the new school."
She later worked for 40 years for the H.W. Naylor Co. a manufacturing chemist of veterinary products sold worldwide. She retired in 1982.
Surviving are a son, Gary Johnson of Morris; a sister, Leah Evans of Mount Vision; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Larry; a daughter, Mrs. Frederick (Kay) Sherwood; a sister, Lillian Hood; a brother, LeRoy Palmer; and a sister-in-law, Laura Palmer.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2003, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris.
Funeral services will also be held at the funeral home on Monday, July 14, 2003, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Ann Blair officiating. Committal services and burial will be in Hillington Cemetery, Morris.
Those who wish are asked to make donations to the Morris Emergency Squad in Emma's memory.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on July 11, 2003.

Lent, Arrietta Cornelia 1926-2003 Otego NY Obituary

Arrietta Cornelia Lent
OTEGO — Arrietta Cornelia Lent, 77, of Otego, died Tuesday, July 8, 2003, at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown.
She was born Feb. 11, 1926, in Roscoe, to Earl Herman and Tillie Arrietta Weiss Teed.
On Oct. 12, 1944, she was united in marriage with Verner J. Lent at Columbus, and enjoyed 52 years of marriage before he predeceased her on May 15, 1997.
While raising her family, Arrietta was a working dairy farm wife and did custom sewing at home.
After her children were grown, she went to SUNY Oneonta and received her B.S. in Education. She taught fourth grade at South New Berlin Central School and retired in 1996 after 20 years teaching.
Not one to sit idle, Arrietta loved going on tours with Eastern Tours of Oneonta to many different destinations. She was very active in her church, the Baptist Church of Gilbertsville as a member of ABW group, Board of Christian Education, the Church Governing Board and the Otsego County Council of Churches.
She was also active in the Butternut Valley Grange, Tianderah Chapter of the DAR, Chenango County Retired Teachers Association and the New York State Teachers Association, the Quilt Group of Gilbertsville and the Pinochle Club of Gilbertsville.
Arrietta is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Keith Lilley of Otego, Janet and Doug Tobey of Gilbertsville, and Christena and Len Reynolds of Otego; grandchildren and spouses, Mark and Andrea Tobey, Tommy Tobey, Timothy and Tricia Lilley, Sandra and Greg Bonczkowski, and Lisa and William Kuehnle Jr.; six great-grandchildren, Chris, Glen, Darren, Aleah, and Alysah Tobey and Gavin Bonczkowski; brothers and sisters-in-law, Christoph Teed of Venice, Fla., Truman and Darlene Teed of Columbia, S.C., Nelson and Betty Teed of Morris, and Joyce Teed of White Sulphur Springs; several nieces, nephews and cousins and many friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and brother, Leon Teed.
Calling hours will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at Bookhout Funeral Home, 34 River St., Otego, and continue until 8 p.m., with the family being present from 6 to 8 p.m.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Gilbertsville Baptist Church, with the pastor of the church, the Rev. Randy Palada, officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Otego.
Memorial donations honoring Arrietta may be made to the Gilbertsville Baptist Church, Gilbertsville, N.Y., 13776.
Arrangements are by Bookhout Funeral Home, Otego.

Published in The Daily Star on July 10, 2003.

Matteson, Frances (Woehrle) 1919-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Frances W. Matteson
MORRIS — Frances Woehrle Matteson, 84, of Morris, N.Y., and West Laurens, N.Y., died Thursday, July 3, 2003, at Fox Hospital in Oneonta, N.Y.
She was born Jan. 23, 1919, in Roscoe, N.Y., the daughter of Charles and Margaret (Bauer) Woehrle. She graduated from Roscoe High School in the Class of 1935 and attended Delhi College, graduating in 1937. Between 1937 and 1941, she was employed at Meridale Farms, where she worked in the main office and then for Delaware Company Co-op Creamery, again in the office.
She was married to Keith B. Matteson in 1941, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Delhi, N.Y. They bought a farm on Route 23 in West Laurens where they were successful farmers for 58 years, until Keith's death on Feb. 1, 1995.
In September 2002, Frances moved to Morris and lived there ever since.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, John and Pat Matteson of West Laurens, Jim and Diane Matteson of Madison, Conn., Joan and Allen Hanson of Amherst, Mass., her eight grandchildren, twins, Margaret Bunnell and husband John of Gilbertsville, Courtney Mackey and husband Jerry of West Oneonta, Jesse Hartley-Matteson and wife Amy of Mattapoisett, Mass., Abigail Matteson of West Laurens, Matt and Todd Matteson of Madison, Conn., Kristine Dion and husband Mike of Westfield, Mass., and David Hanson of Amherst, Mass.
She is also survived by her six great-grandchildren, McKenna Bunnell, Teagan and Aidan Mackey, Sam Hartley-Matteson and Nathan and Lindsey Dion.
Frances was a member of the Laurens Eastern Star for 53 years and served as secretary for 31 years. She was a 60-year member of the west Laurens Grange, a member of Zion Episcopal Church in Morris, and a member of the West Laurens Homemakers. She was an active member of those organizations throughout her lifetime.
Calling hours will be on Saturday, July 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris.
Funeral services will be held at the Zion Episcopal Church Morris, on Sunday, July 6, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Robert Witt officiating.
Committal services and internment will be in Hillington Cemetery in Morris.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make contributions to the Episcopal Church General Fund, Morris, N.Y., 13808, or the Morris Village Library, Morris, N.Y., 13808, in her memory.
Arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on July 5, 2003.

Find A Grave Memorial for Frances C. Matteson

Murphy, Nancy M. 1934-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Nancy M. Murphy
MORRIS — Nancy Murphy Murphy, 68, of Morris, died Saturday, March 29, 2003, at her home.
She was born April 18, 1934, in Gilbertsville, the daughter of Arthur and Marjorie Douglas Murphy. She was a graduate of Gilbertsville Central School.
She married William Murphy on Aug. 22, 1954, in Gilbertsville.
Nancy was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her husband, William: her children and their spouses, William Murphy and wife, Barbara, of South New Berlin; Jack Murphy and wife, Diane, of Mt. Home, Idaho; Dennis Murphy of Mount Upton; Roger Murphy and his wife, Marilyn, of Udall, Kan.; Patricia (Patti) Howland and husband, Ray, of Morris; her grandchildren include, Kevin and Keith Murphy of South New Berlin, Kraig Murphy of the U.S. Army, Fort Hood, Texas, Laura Murphy of Derby, Kan., Becky Murphy-Henderson, Winfield, Kan., Andy, Tina and Scott Murphy, all of Udall, Kan., Benjamin and Sarah Murphy of Mt. Home, Idaho, Benjamin Howland of the U.S. Army, Fort Drum, Alexander and Logan Howland of Morris.
She is also survived by her siblings and their spouses, Douglas Murphy and wife, Marion, of Oneonta, Lucy Upham and husband, Walt, of Westmoreland, Thomas Murphy of Sidney, Marvin Murphy of Brooksville, Fla., Kathy Schober and husband, Walter, of Hillsdale.
She was predeceased by her parents.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris.
Funeral services will be private at a later time with the Rev. Ann Blair, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Morris, officiating. Burial and committal services will be at a later date in Hillington Cemetery in Morris.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to donate to the Morris Emergency Squad in her memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on March 31, 2003.

Find a Grave Memorial for Nancy M. Murphy

Platz, Margaret J. 1921-2003 Gilbertsville NY Obituary

Margaret J. Platz
GILBERTSVILLE — Margaret J. Platz, 81, of Gilbertsville passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at her home.
She was born July 27, 1921, daughter of the late John M. and Anna Stark Platz in Deans, NJ.
Margaret graduated from Sidney High School in 1939.
She was employed by Keith Clark in Sidney from 1962 to 1967 and by General Instruments from 1968 to 1983.
She is survived by a niece, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by one brother, John W. Platz; and one sister, Marie Wright.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 21, 2003 at 2:00 PM from C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main Street, Sidney.
Friends and family may call from 12 noon to 2:00 PM on Friday.
Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Mt. Upton in the spring.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gilbertsville Emergency Squad.
Arrangements are by C.H. Landers, Inc. Sidney, NY.

Published in The Daily Star on Feb. 20, 2003.

Richards, Ralph J. 1916-2003 Unadilla NY Obituary

Ralph J. Richards
UNADILLA — Ralph J. Richards, 86, of the town of Unadilla, N.Y., died Thursday, March 27, 2003, at his home.
He was born Sept. 24, 1916, in Hartwick, N.Y., the son of Frank and Minnie Bell (House) Richards.
He was married to Lillian Kumpikas. He was then married to Margaret Hall, who died Sept. 12, 1988.
He served his country in the U.S. Army in the 5th Armored Division (Military Police). He served in the European Theater of Operations during World War II.
He was employed as a machinist at the Scintilla/Bendix Corp. for many years. He was a member of Moose Lodge 277 of Sidney as well as the International-Brotherhood of Aerospace Workers.
Ralph is survived by his children, Carol Fazio of Sarasota, Fla., Larry F. Richards and wife Nancy of Knoxville, Tenn., Gordon J. Richards and wife Rita of Ceperley Avenue, Oneonta, N.Y., Dennis P. Richards and wife Lynn of Middleburgh, N.Y.; three sisters, Viola Harrington of Garrattsville, N.Y., Dora Osborne of Gilbertsville, N.Y., and Minnie Pope and husband Elsor of Mount Upton, N.Y.; and one brother, Herbert Richards of South New Berlin, N.Y. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Mike, Steve, Tim and Chris Fazio, Kevin, Kristin, Casey Richards, Kristen Clevenger, Todd, Adam, Derek, Scott, Mathew Richards, and Lisa Kirchhoff; several great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by a son, Morgan Lee Richards, who died Dec. 22, 1947.
Calling hours will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, March 31, at the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris, N.Y.
The funeral service will also be held at the funeral home at 6 p.m. on Monday.
Burial and committal services with military honors will be held at a later date in the Hillington Cemetery in Morris.
Those who wish are asked to donate to the Mount Upton Emergency Squad in Ralph's memory.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on March 29, 2003. 

Find A Grave Memorial for Ralph R. Richards

Shaw, Gerald 1929-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Gerald Shaw
MORRIS — Gerald Shaw, 74, of 8 North Main St., Morris, died unexpectedly on March 24, 2003, at his home.
He was born on March 11, 1929, in Oneonta, the son of the late Harry and Mildred (Butler) Shaw.
He is survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Betty Dean of Oneonta, and Joan and Forest Wollaber of Cobleskill; his friends, Sue Coss and Bill Kara of Morris; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers Richard Shaw and Carl Shaw.
Gerald loved to make bird houses and feeders and was very handy around the house.
He will be remembered for his time at the Red Barrel in Oneonta, riding his moped and mowing lawns.
Graveside services will be held on April 18, 2003, at 11 a.m. in Glenwood Cemetery, Oneonta.
Memorial contributions may be made to one's favorite charity.
Arrangements are being provided by the Behe Funeral Home, Oxford.

Published in The Daily Star on March 28, 2003.

Sherburne, Raymond G. 1919-2003 Born in Butternuts NY

Raymond G. Sherburne
EATON — Raymond G. Sherburne, 83, of Sherburne Road, passed away Sunday, March 30, 2003, at University Hospital, Syracuse.
He was born April 21, 1919, in the town of Butternuts, a son of the late W. Gilbert and Jennie Bidwell Sherburne, and was a graduate of South New Berlin High School.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served his country in World War II.
On Nov. 18, 1939, Ray was united in marriage to the former Frances B. Silvernail in Otego.
He was employed by the Morrisville-Eaton Central School as the head custodian in the high school, and as a bus driver until his retirement. He had previously been the plant manager and dairy inspector for Sealtest Foods in Eaton.
Mr. Sherburne was very active in his church and his community. He was a member of the Eaton Community Bible Church; a member and past chief of the Eaton Volunteer Fire Department, and a past district commissioner.
He was a past president of the Central New York Firemen's Association, which gives a yearly award in his name; a past president of the Madison County Firemen's Association, and a past trustee of the Firemen's Home from 1980-1990.
He was also a member of the F&AM Butternuts Lodge No. 0515 of Gilbertsville.
Surviving are his wife, Frances Sherburne; a son, Robert R. Sherburne of Delray Beach, Fla.; a daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Art Zimmer of Syracuse; his grandchildren, Jenny and Jack Lewis of Sagauche, Colo., and John Sherburne of Wilmington, N.C.; a great-granddaughter, Amy Grace Lewis; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 3, 2003, from the Eaton Community Bible Church, Brooklyn Street, Eaton. There will be no calling hours.
Burial will be in the Maplewood Cemetery, Mount Upton, at a later date.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Eaton Community Bible Church, Eaton, N.Y. 13334; the Eaton Fire Department, Eaton, N.Y. 13334; the Firemen's Home, 125 Harry Howard Ave., Hudson, N.Y. 12534; or to a charity of one's choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 31 Cedar St., Morrisville.

Published in The Daily Star on April 2, 2003.

Shields, Doris (Pederson) 1919-2003 New Lisbon NY Obituary

Doris P. Shields
NEW LISBON — Doris P. Shields, 84, died at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta on April 22, 2003.
Doris was born in Cazenovia, on April 20, 1919. She was the daughter of Thorvald Pederson and Dorothy (White) Pederson.
When Doris was 2 years old, the family moved to Syracuse. Doris attended Nottingham High School, graduating in 1937. She then attended the Crane Department of Music at Potsdam Normal School, now the State University College at Potsdam, where she met Kenraid Shields. They married in 1940 and settled in Morris. In 1950, she and the family moved to New Lisbon and purchased the Clayton Lull Farm, known to this day as Sugar Ridge Farm.
She was predeceased by her husband, Kenraid, on March 25, 2003.
Doris was a member of the United Methodist Church in Morris. For 50 years, Doris taught piano lessons to the youth of the community. She often had as many as 25 or 30 students per week, giving lessons at the church after school, at the farm or the Butternut Valley Art Center. She also gave piano lessons at Oneonta State Teachers College in the 1940s.
Doris was an active member of the Butternut Valley Garden Club and enjoyed floral gardening and arranging. She exhibited annually at the Otsego County Fair and was very involved in the development of the Butternut Valley Art Center.
In 1967, Doris assumed the position of "temporary," organist at Zion Episcopal Church in Morris, a post she has held for 36 years. During that period, Doris developed and promoted the appreciation of pipe organs and organ composition through numerous recitals and performances by guest organists.
In 1972, she was a charter member of the Oneonta Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and remained actively involved in that group.
Doris' musical interests also included opera. In 1975, she became a volunteer prop worker for the young Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown during their formative years at Cooperstown High School. She later served as head usher at the opera's present facility on Otsego Lake. For 27 years Doris attended nearly every performance and was actively involved in the Opera Guild.
Throughout her busy life, Doris maintained the household at Sugar Ridge Farm. She had an immense capacity for managing multiple priorities with calmness and dignity.
She is survived by sons, Bruce of New Lisbon, David and wife, Diana of Kodiak Island, Alaska, Eric of Morris, Chris and wife, Barbara of Treadwell; and daughter, Kristina of New Lisbon; six grandchildren, Meredith of White Plains, Erika of Atlanta, Ga., Sylvana of West Orange, N.J., Clark of Cambridge, Mass., Luvonne and Linn of Kodiak Island, Alaska; many nieces and nephews; dear friend, Audrey Shields of Cherry Valley; brother, Dr. Thoru Pederson of Worcester, Mass.; sister, Hilda Bigwood of Williamsville.
A memorial service will be held at Zion Episcopal Church at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2003, with Fr. Robert Witt officiating; assisted by the Rev. Ann Blair of the Morris United Methodist Church. Family will greet friends in the Episcopal Parish House immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make contributions to Glimmerglass Opera, P.O. Box 191, Cooperstown, N.Y. 13226; Zion Episcopal Church, Morris, N.Y. 13808 or the Oneonta Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, 114 Forest Dr., Oneonta, N.Y. 13820.
Internment will be later in the spring.
Arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on April 24, 2003.


Kenraid and Doris Shields
NEW LISBON — Graveside committal services for Kenraid and Doris Shields will be held in Hillington Cemetery, Morris, on Saturday, June 7, 2003, at 1 p.m.
Friends are invited back to the Shields' residence after the committal services.

Published in The Daily Star on June 5, 2003.

Find a Link Memorial for Doris P. Shields

Shields, Kenraid 1917-2003 New Lisbon NY Obituary

Kenraid Shields
NEW LISBON — Kenraid (Ken) Shields, 86, died at Oneonta Nursing & Rehabilitation Center on March 25, 2003, due to complications from lymphoma.
Ken was born on Mt. Utsayantha, near Stamford in Delaware County on March 16, 1917. He was the fifth son of Robert and E. Grace (Boggs) Shields. He was predeceased by brothers, Bernald, Fenton, George and Lyle.
When Ken was 2 years old, the family moved to Morris, settling in the Light Homestead, overlooking the village. He grew up and attended schools in Morris, graduating in 1934. He then attended the Crane School of Music at Potsdam Normal School, now the State University College at Potsdam, where he met Doris Pederson, who became his wife.
They resided in Morris until 1950, when they moved to New Lisbon and purchased the Clayton Lull farm, known to this day as Sugar Ridge Farm.
Ken was employed as a youth by Morris Manor Farms, Linn Manufacturing of Morris and was self-employed with friend Dick Campfield as Campfield & Shields, painters & decorators and Musson Brothers Tree Surgeons.
After serving in World War II, in the Pacific Theater as a radio operator and field artillery, Ken was employed by Scintilla Corporation. He then taught music at Laurens Central School until joining the New York State Division of Employment as a farm representative in the Oneonta and Norwich offices.
In 1966, Ken devoted himself fully to Sugar Ridge Farm, breeding and raising a fine herd of registered Jersey cattle. Ken remained actively involved in the farm until the time of his illness.
Ken's hobbies included hunting and other outdoor activities such as maple syrup production, forestry, firewood and carpentry. A fine baritone, Ken sang with numerous local choral groups, and as recently as last year, 2002, Ken sang at the funeral of a family friend. He was one of the original members of the Oneonta Chorale, now known as the Catskill Choral Society, and did solo work in several area churches.
He was highly skilled at all types of equipment maintenance and repair, which served him well in his primary avocation, Sugar Ridge Farm. Starting with two horses and six cows, Ken developed the farm into a registered Jersey dairy. The herd was the result of great emphasis placed on breeding and quality farming practices. The family showed their prize Jerseys regularly at the Otsego County Fair.
Ken joined the Morris United Methodist Church when he was 13 years old and was one of their oldest living members. He was a church trustee for many years, and periodically directed or sang in the church choir. He served as a trustee of the Village Library in Morris and was active with The American Jersey Cattle Association, The New York Farm Bureau, The Delaware Jersey Cattle Club and The Nature Conservancy. He served as a tax assessor for the town of New Lisbon for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Doris P. Shields; sons, Bruce of New Lisbon, David and wife, Diana, of Kodiak Island, Alaska, Eric of Morris, and Chris and wife, Barbara, of Treadwell; and daughter, Kristina of New Lisbon; six grandchildren, Meredith of White Plains, Erika of Atlanta, Ga., Sylvana of West Orange, N.J., Clark of Cambridge, Mass., Luvonne and Linn of Kodiak Island, Alaska; many nieces and nephews; dear friend Audrey Shields of Cherry Valley; brother-in-law Dr. Thoru Pederson of Worcester, Mass.; and sister-in-law Hilda Bigwood of Williamsville.
A memorial service will be held at the Morris United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2003, with the Rev. Ann Blair officiating. Family will greet friends immediately following the service in the lower level of the church.
In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make contributions to the Memorial Fund at the Morris United Methodist Church or the Village Library of Morris, NY 13808.
Internment will be later in the spring. Arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on March 27, 2003.

Kenraid and Doris Shields
NEW LISBON — Graveside committal services for Kenraid and Doris Shields will be held in Hillington Cemetery, Morris, on Saturday, June 7, 2003, at 1 p.m.
Friends are invited back to the Shields' residence after the committal services.

Published in The Daily Star on June 5, 2003.

Find a Grave Memorial for Kenraid Shields

Sloan, John B. 1919-2003 Gilbertsville NY Obituary

John B. Sloan
GILBERTSVILLE — John B. Sloan, 83, of Gilbertsville, died Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at the Kingston Hospital after a prolonged illness.
He was born Sept. 20, 1919, in the town of Butternuts, the son of Brice and Mamie (Haines) Sloan.
He lived most of his life in Gilbertsville, where he graduated from Gilbertsville Central School in 1937.
He married Beulah Birdsall in June of 1940. He worked at Scintilla of Sidney from 1940 until 1943, when he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the European Theater of operations during World War II in the 102nd Infantry division as a machine gunner having fought in the "Battle of the Bulge," and was discharged in 1946.
Throughout the years he worked at various jobs including working at the Gilbertsville School as a custodian, where he also ran the projector for the Saturday night movies.
He moved to Florida in the mid 1950s and worked as a sheet metal mechanic for Radiation Company until he returned to Gilbertsville in 1962. He then worked for Scintilla, Bennett Ireland and retired from Simmonds Precision as a toolmaker in 1980.
He was fire chief of the Gilbertsville Fire Department during the early 1950s. He was also very active in the American Legion for over 50 years and served as Otsego County Commander in 1969.
He enjoyed throwing horseshoes and gardening.
John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Beulah; his sister, Ada Sloan of Orlando, Fla.; a daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Bernt Hansen of Zephyrhills, Fla.; a son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Mary Sloan of Gilbertsville, a son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Myra Sloan of Gilbertsville; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A brother, Bill Sloan; a son, Jim Sloan; and a grandson, Eric Nesbitt predeceased him.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2003, at the Presbyterian Church in Gilbertsville and burial will follow in the Brookside Cemetery with military honors.
Arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on April 3, 2003.

Find A Grave Memorial for John B. Sloan

Todd, Robert H. 1930-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Robert H. Todd
MORRIS — Robert H. (Toddy) Todd, 73, of Morris died Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.
He was born March 7, 1930, Albion, the son of Frank and Laura Todd Stark.
He married Lura Edwards on March 5, 1950, in the Baptist Church in Gilbertsville.
He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1949 to 1950. He had been employed by Journal Publishing Co. of Gilbertsville, from 1954 to 1965. He then owned and operated "Todd's Garage" in Gilbertsville, and later worked for Delaware-Chenango BOCES of Norwich, and Medicoach of Oneonta.
He then served the village of Morris as village superintendent until his retirement. He later went on to be elected Mayor of the Village of Morris.
He was a member and officer in both the Gilbertsville and Morris Emergency Squads and fire departments and had been a volunteer fireman since 1951. He was a First Aid instructor and was very instrumental in the establishment of several local Emergency squads including Edmeston, Guilford, Mount Upton, Morris, Gilbertsville and others.
He was a member and had held several offices in both the Baptist Church of Gilbertsville and the United Methodist Church of Morris, and was very active in the Emmaus Community.
He had also served as an assistant at the Johnston Funeral Home for several years.
He was raised in the Butternuts Lodge No. 515 F&AM on Dec. 7. 1961. He first served as Master of the lodge in 1967, a position he held five times since then. He was District Deputy Grand Master from 1980 and 1981.
Toddy was currently a Fire Commissioner for the Morris Fire District. He was a faithful twice a day attendee of the Morris Coffee Shop O.F.C.
Toddy is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Lura of Morris; his children, Rita Richards and Gordon Richards of Oneonta, LuAnn Todd and Paul of Morris, Linda Todd of Oneonta; his brother, Vincent C. Stark and Elsie of Gilbertsville; his sisters, Dianne Cardwell and John of Parsippany, N.J., and Cynthia Young of Franklin. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Todd, Adam and Derek Richards, Jessica and Olivia Spicer; two uncles; two aunts; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and many dear and close friends; and his "garage boys." And his special friend, Calico.
Calling hours will be held at the United Methodist Church in Morris, on Saturday, April 26, 2003, from 2 to 4 p.m., with the memorial service following at 4 p.m., with the Rev. Ann Blair officiating, and will include a Masonic service and a firemen's memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make contributions in his memory to either the United Methodist Church Improvement Fund, 5 Church St., Morris, N.Y. 13808 or the Emmaus Scholarship Fund, care of Wyoming Annual Conference, P.O. Box 58, Endicott, N.Y. 13760-0058.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on April 24, 2003.

Turnbull, John R. 1936-2003 New Lisbon NY Obituary

John R. Turnbull
NEW LISBON — John R. Turnbull, 67, of New Lisbon, died unexpectedly Friday, March 21, 2003.
He was born Jan. 15, 1936, in Oneonta, the son of George and Vivian (Rockwell) Turnbull.
He was married to Ruth M. Rood on Dec. 16, 1967, at the Baptist Parsonage in Hartwick by the Rev. Schindler.
John attended Morris Central School where he was an avid sports player, graduating in 1954.
He was a born farmer, starting while still attending school at 15. He purchased his own farm within a few years of graduation, and lived there for his remaining life.
John was a member of the Dairylea Cooperative Inc. for 52 years, receiving a recognition award for 50 Years of Loyalty as a member in October 2001. In 1995, John was awarded a certificate of appreciation for 40 Years of Loyal Patronage from I.L. Richer Co. In 1989, he was given the Award of Excellence for Herd Achievement for the outstanding quality of milk produced in the Northeast in Chenango County. John also received in 2001, a Certificate of Recognition for 20 years of dedicated service to the town of New Lisbon.
John loved all aspects of farming. He was devoted to his family, and enjoyed spending time with them — especially his grandson, Timmy. He enjoyed visiting with friends, and when possible he was always ready to kick up his heals square dancing.
John and his brother, Howard, operated a sawmill together up on John's farm. Thirty years ago he sawed his own wood for the addition on his barn. Many items in the Turnbull home were built from hand-sawed boards from the mill. The previous owner of the mill that John and Howard operated had sawed the boards for the home that his daughter Sharon and her family now live in.
John is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 35 years. His children and their spouses, Sharon and Robert Simmons of Edmeston, and Vivian Turnbull and Corey Layman of Albany; his grandson, Timothy Simmons of Edmeston; three brothers and their spouses, Howard and Priscilla Turnbull of Edmeston, Bruce and Beverly Turnbull of Wilmington, Del., and James and Marie Turnbull of Harrisburg, Pa.; his sister and her husband, Isabel and Stephen Winters of Garrattsville; his mother-in-law, Florence Rood; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and their spouses, Gladys Eldred of Norwich, Lawrence and Rita Rood of Mount Vision, William Arthur Rood of Oneonta, Edward and Linda Rood of Hartwick, Patricia and Frederick DeForest of West Edmeston, Dorothy and Roy Roberts of Oneonta, Mykel and Deborah Rood of West Burlington, Mary and John Bush of Hartwick; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Robert Rood Jr.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2003, at the Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home, Edmeston, with the Rev. John Young officiating. Family will be receiving friends at the New Lisbon Town Hall after the service.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today, March 24, 2003, at the funeral home.
Interment will be at Hillington Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Garrattsville Emergency Squad.
Funeral arrangements are by the Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home, Edmeston.

Published in The Daily Star on March 24, 2003.

Find A Grave Memorial for John R. Turnbull

On the Gain

My husband's surgery went well on Monday, the 9th and I brought him home Tuesday evening.  He is 87
and has many health issues so surgery and general anesthesia was a worry.  With the great surgical and anesthesia teams, then surgical nursing floor at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY,  he came through very well.  An exhausting 2 days, but so glad they are behind us.  He is happy to be home and progressing well.
Thank you for your patience and I hope your lives are going well. 

Van Vranken, Luella (Filer) 1918-2003 Gilbertsville NY Obituary

Luella VanVranken
OTEGO — Luella Van Vranken, 84, of Otego, died at home on Friday, Feb. 7, 2003. She was born in the town of Butternuts on Dec. 13, 1918, to Adelbert and Grace Utter Filer.
She graduated from Gilbertsville High School and later married Abram "Bill" Van Vranken on Dec. 16, 1939. Together they owned and operated Mel-O-Med Farm from 1943 to 1988.
Luella was active in the community as a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gilbertsville, former member of Covered Bridge Squares square dance club, Butternut Valley Grange of Gilbertsville, Butternut Valley Garden Club, Otego Hookers rug club, and the New York Holstein Friesian Association.
Luella is survived by daughters Mary Lou and husband, Kenneth Hammond, of Otego and Janet Nelson of Otego; brother, Carl and wife, Esther Filer, of Union Springs, N.Y.; sisters Wanda and husband, Ken Beach, of Morganton, N.C., Mildred and husband, John Van Vranken, of Edmeston, N.Y., and Esther Chandler of Hawley, Pa.; sister-in-law Phyllis Filer of Norwich, N.Y.; 11 grandchildren, Kenneth Hammond III, Karla Hammond, Amy and husband Frank Rock, Janie Hammond, Daniel and wife Annette Hammond, Ezra Hammond, Eric and wife Patti Hammond, Nicky Halperin, Seth Bordley, Tamara Nelson and Heidi Fischer; and six great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Jarvis, Marc and Tony Lizarraga, Sarah Hammond, Andrew Strum and Meredith Hammond.
She was predeceased by her husband, Bill Van Vranken, on Jan. 25, 1989; brothers, Donald Filer and Louis Filer; and sister, Gladys Barber.
Calling hours will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bookhout Funeral Home, 34 River St., Otego, with the family in attendance.
Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Randy Palada at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Bookhout Funeral Home, Otego.
Memorial donations may be made to Gilbertsville Emergency Squad, First Presbyterian Church of Gilbertsville or Catskill Area Hospice of Oneonta.
Burial will be in the spring at Brookside Cemetery in Gilbertsville by Bookhout Funeral Home, Otego.

Published in The Daily Star on Feb. 8, 2003.


Luella Van Vranken
OTEGO — Graveside committal service for Luella G. Van Vranken of Otego, who died Feb. 7, 2003, will be on Friday, June 20, at 2 p.m. at Brookside Cemetery, Gilbertsville, with the Rev. Randy Palada, officiating.
Immediately following the service the family will have a reception to greet friends at Bill's Park in Gilbertsville.
Arrangements are by Bookhout Funeral Home, Otego.

Published in The Daily Star on June 16, 2003.

Wust, Borghild (Betty) (Hovick) 1916-2003 Edmeston NY Obituary

Borghild Wust
EDMESTON — Borghild (Betty) Wust, 86, of Cooperstown, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2003 at Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown.
She had resided at Woodside Hall in Cooperstown for approximately one and a half years.
She was born on November 19, 1916 in Bergen, Norway, the daughter of Hans and Hanna Hovick.
She married Karl Johnson in 1935 who predeceased her in December of 1988.
She is survived by their children, Rev. Henry Johnson and wife, Janet, of Chambersburg, PA, Lennart Johnson and wife, Carol, of Burlington, Linnea Nelson and husband, Larry, of Hartwick; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Amy and Jay Lyon and family of Burlington, Alan and Keri Johnson and family of Burlington, Kristopher Johnson of Oneonta, Matthew Nelson of Mount Vision, Bryce Nelson of Hartwick, Karla Johnson, Kristine Johnson and Elizabeth Johnson.
She was also predeceased by a grandson, David Johnson, in 2001.
She married William Wust of Edmeston in 1989 who predeceased her in December of 2002.
Surviving are her stepchildren and their families, Charles and Nadine Wust, Sidney Wust, William Jr. and Susan Wust, John and Shelly Wust, and Richard and Michele Wust, all of Edmeston.
Borghild was a member of Saint John's Lutheran Church in West Burlington. She was active in Home Bureau and served as a 4-H leader.
She was well known for her culinary talents and owned and operated the Karlsborg Tourist Farm with her husband for many years.
She worked as a chef for Stephen Clark of Cooperstown for thirteen years and also worked at the Thanksgiving Home in Cooperstown.
She loved to read and enjoyed her many plants and flowers. She will be long remembered for her generosity, gentleness and caring way.
The family expresses its heartfelt thanks to her sister, Erna Richards, her brother and his wife, Henry and Nell Hovick, for all their love and support. Also to their family friend, Ingeborg Quitzau and to Peggy and the staff at Woodside Hall for their kindness and caring.
Calling hours will be held at the Dakin Funeral Home in New Berlin on Thursday, February 20 from 4-7 PM.
Funeral services will be held at the Saint John's Lutheran Church, West Burlington, on Friday, February 21 at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Lynn Ash and the Rev. William Rittberger officiating.
Funeral arrangements are with the Dakin Funeral Home in New Berlin.

Published in The Daily Star on Feb. 20, 2003.