Harris, Ada Y. 1915-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Ada Y. Harris
MORRIS — Ada, born Adah Yvonne, passed away on Oct. 20, 2002, at the Harding Nursing Home in Waterville, where she was staying for rehabilitation. Since it seemed that her problem was only a broken ankle that was stubborn in mending, the abrupt onset of breathing problems, and her death several days later, took everyone, including Ada, by surprise.
A general public announcement of her death was withheld by her trustees for a protracted time in order to protect the antique shop/home premises, containing her lifetime's work, left uninhabited and vulnerable.
Ada was born Jan. 18, 1915, youngest child of William Henry Harris and Winifred Yates Harris of Morris.
She graduated from Morris High School, and then, in 1937, from Oneonta Normal School, teaching school just briefly. In 1938 she opened her first antique shop, Brookside Antiques of Morris. Her career in antiques was interrupted for only a couple of years, during World War II, when she labored at the Bendix defense plant in Sidney.
In 1948, after the death of her beloved mother, Winifred, she sold Brookside and moved to a farm outside of West Winfield, where she opened another antique shop, dedicated to "country antiques in the rough." There she remained until just a month before her death, removed from her family, leading a semi-reclusive life.
Ada did, however, remain in spirited lifelong correspondence with certain friends and cousins, while cultivating good new friends among her neighbors, business clientele, and fellow antique dealers.
And she became one of the best-known antique dealers and experts in New York state, while also being known as a "real character" with decidedly eccentric ways. It seems that everyone, among neighbors, clientele and fellow dealers, has a favorite "Ada story."
She was a night person, working into the wee hours then sleeping late. She vociferously resented anyone who rang her bell before noon, and, even during permitted hours, you didn't get in her front door unless she liked the looks of you or you talked the talk that was on her wavelength. And very few people were ever admitted to her inner-sanctums, where she kept the stuff that meant the most to her. In many ways, to most people, Ada was a woman of mystery. The quote under Ada's picture in her high school yearbook is "I just want to be left alone." Basically she arranged her life to achieve that aim. Yet she also managed to reach out to many who will never forget her, who will always miss her salt-and-peppery self.
Ada was proud of her Yates family heritage, and preservation of that family history was one of her chief concerns. Her great-grandfather was Dr. William Yates, baronet, born in 1767 to the manor of Sapperton, Burton-on-Trent, England — cousin to Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel and to the philanthropist John Howard. Having been on the staff of ancient St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London, and a colleague of Dr. Jenner's, the originator of the smallpox vaccine, Dr. Yates, of a philanthropic bent himself, was the first to bring the smallpox vaccine to America, to Philadelphia in 1799. It is possible that it was Dr. Yates who personally administered the vaccine to ex-President John Adams, who did receive a vaccination on one of his trips through Philadelphia.
Whilst in Philadelphia, Dr. Yates struck up a friendship with Judge Cooper, founder of Cooperstown and father of James Fenimore Cooper. Dr. Yates accompanied Cooper up the Susquehanna with an eye to purchasing property. In Morris, then called Butternuts, Dr. Yates became captivated by a tall, lovely blonde, the daughter of prominent settlers, Ichabod B. Palmer and his wife, Mary Wakelee, lately of Brookfield, Conn.
Dr. Yates and Hannah Palmer were married and, in 1801, he took his bride back to England where she was presented to King George III's queen, Charlotte. During the bridal couple's year in England, the doctor devolved the manor of Sapperton and his baronetcy in favor of his younger brother Harry, settled his financial affairs and, in 1802, returned to Butternuts, there to live the life of a gentleman farmer and doctor to all who needed help, with no fees charged — becoming the patriarch of a large, exceptionally well-educated family.
In late February of 1857, when summoned to attend a patient on a remote farm, the still vigorous Dr. Yates, just short of his 90th birthday, rode out into sub-zero weather. On his return home he found that one of his feet was frozen. He remarked to Hannah that most likely gangrene would set in and kill him. It did.
Ada was a farm girl, and throughout her life she practiced that farm heritage, sometimes raising farm animals, always growing, canning, preserving and drying much of her own food. But she also inherited a profound respect for, and concern for, history — of her family but also of colonial and 19th Century New York country society in general. She dedicated her life to studying, collecting and preserving colonial and rural 19th Century artifacts: art work, household utensils, agricultural and architectural items — excited always with the history behind any object, rather than by its condition.
A special study was that of antique wallpaper, and one wallpaper company specializing in reproductions honored her when they reproduced an ancient wallpaper that she had rescued from oblivion. They named their reproduction the "Ada Harris." Ada was always eager to teach any, who were willing to sit and listen as she imparted her knowledge of New York State rural history.
With her death we lost one of our most knowledgeable experts in that regard. How sad that we only, just now, begin to realize that fact. But the world of antiques and history can be thankful that Ada cared enough to recognize the importance of "everyday" items, to collect them and to preserve them — thousands upon thousands of items which would simply have been tossed, and so lost — but which now are being treasured by those with the smarts to appreciate their historical and societal importance.
Aside from her passion for history — family and societal — and for antiques and gardens, Ada was passionate in regard to issues of environment and conservation. She prided herself that her household produced only one small bag of trash a month. All else was in some way reused. Ada even dried and reused paper towels.
Then, very importantly, there were her animals. For close to 60 years Ada's closest friends and companions, those beings in whom she was able to place absolute trust and affection, were not people — for, beginning in childhood, people, sometimes those closest to her, traumatized, wounded, confused, or alienated her, and she was hesitant to trust and to love. It was to the dogs and cats who shared her home that she was able to give unqualified trust and affection, and receive trust and affection in return. On their behalf she developed an active interest in ending the abuse of, and promoting the humane treatment of, all animals.
Those few of us in whom she did finally place her trust — trusting us to see that her wishes are carried out, that certain collections are passed on and preserved as a heritage for all, and that her hard-earned funds go to furthering the work and passions of her lifetime — are aware of the honor done to us. We will not fail her.
Ada desired that all that she had worked for would go to organizations which she carefully researched and selected, which organizations would preserve her goods and use them to inform, instruct and educate the public, while using her funds for the furtherance of those causes to which she was passionately devoted.
Those desiring to make contributions in her memory may consider any of these, her four beneficiaries. The New York State Historical Association (Cooperstown), the New England Historical and Genealogical Society (Boston), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NYC), or Spring Farm CARES Animal Sanctuary (Clinton).
Ada was predeceased by her "Papa," William, who died after an auto accident in 1923, by her mother, Winifred, and her siblings, Collis Paschal Harris, Erie Corinne Colvin, Avis Lorraine Paden and Winston Harris.
She is survived by nieces, Rosalie Smith and Winifred Talbot; nephews, William and Winston Harris, by numerous cousins; by caring friends who sorely miss the irreplaceable Ada and who wish that she was still around to teach us and to entertain us; and by her cherished dog.
As per Ada's wishes, her ashes will be interred in the grave of her beloved mother, Winifred Yates Harris, whose grave is in the Yates plot at Hillington Cemetery, Morris. The service for the extraordinary Ada will be at that graveside at 1 p.m. on Nov. 8, 2003, overseen by Johnston Funeral Home of Morris, and conducted by Father Witt of Zion Episcopal Church of Morris, a church which Dr. William Yates and his family were instrumental in organizing and building. At 3:30 p.m., Ada's friends and neighbors are invited to her home, 9869 Route 20, 2 miles West of West Winfield, 1/2 mile east of Bridgewater, corner Route 20 and East Street, for a party to celebrate the life of Ada and to trade fond memories of our gal.

Published in The Daily Star on Nov. 4, 2003.

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Springett, Henry R. 1917-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Henry R. Springett
MORRIS — Henry Richard Springett, 85, of Morris, died Tuesday, June 24, 2003, at his home in Morris.
He was born in Hubbardsville, on July 13, 1917, the son of John Merton Springett and Ethel (Larrabee) Springett.
He married Irene (Palmer) Springett in 1945, in Sidney. He was a lifelong area resident and had operated his own independent excavating business all of his adult life. Henry was an avid supporter of the local American Legion Post.
He is survived by his son, Alan Springett and wife, Karen of Bainbridge; a daughter, Barbara Gardner and husband, Stuart of North Carolina; his grandchildren, Joshua, Erica and Alaina Springett and Michael and Stuart Gardner Jr.; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Lyle Springett of Morris; and two sisters, Alta and Leona; as well as his special friends, Eddie and Lorraine Lynch of Bridgeport, Conn.
Calling hours will be from 1 p.m. Friday until 2 p.m. at which time the funeral service will be conducted at the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris, with the Rev. Ann Blair officiating.
It is the family's request that in lieu of flowers, those who wish make contributions to the Morris Emergency Squad in his memory.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on June 26, 2003.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

Bridges, Kathleen L. (Enggaard Morley) 1921-2013 Morris NY Obituary

MORRIS-Kathleen L. (Enggaard Morley) Bridges 92 years old, of Morris, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 9, 2013 at her home in Morris. Kay lived her life with abundant grace and dignity. As a result of her humble nature, most didn’t know of her generosity, helping countless family and friends. Born on March 18, 1921 in Viroqua, WI, Kay was the daughter of Carl and Johanne (Hansen) Enggaard. She was a graduate of Norwich High School. Kay bravely struck out on her own at age 18 and moved to Syracuse, NY to work at WAGE, one of the first radio stations in the country. She loved her job and met some interesting celebrities during the war. She married Sidney T. Morley, Jr. on June 30, 1945 in Syracuse, NY. They had two daughters and resided in Shaker Heights, OH. When Sid passed away in 1968, Kay moved back to Enggaard family farm with her brother, Paul Enggaard and her mother. While there she enjoyed actively volunteering at Chenango Memorial Hospital and socializing with their old friends. In November, 1972, Kay married Bud Bridges and moved to Morris where she remained until her death. She loved living in the same village as her twin sister, Peg Clement, and playing bridge with their many friends. She was a long time member of Zion Church and was involved in many organizations, including; Charter member of the Butternut Valley Art Center, Member and former president of the Butternut Valley Garden Club, founding Board Member of the Morris Health Clinic, and founding Board Member of the Oneonta Catskill Area Hospice. Kathleen was predeceased by her husbands, Sidney Morley (1968) and Merritt (Bud) Bridges (2003); her twin sister, Margaret Clement; brothers Paul Enggaard and John Enggaaard; sisters, Helen Robb, Mazie Kirchbaum, Elsie Cusma; and her daughter Leslie Morley. She’s survived by her daughter Stephanie Morley and her grandson, Logan Morley- McCurdy and several nieces, nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews. Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris, NY. There will be no calling hours at Kay’s request. Reverend Robert Witt, Jr. will preside at a private family service. Interment will be at the Enggaard Family plot, in Sylvan Lawn Cemetery in Greene, NY. In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made in her memory to the Village Library of Morris, P.O. Box 126 Morris, NY 13808. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnstonfh.com

Published on the Johnston Funeral Home website.

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Decker, Raymond C. 1943-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Raymond C. Decker
MORRIS — Raymond C. Decker, 59, of Morris, died Monday morning, Feb. 10, 2003, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 14, 1943, in Oneonta, the son of Charles William Crane and Pauline Grace Andrus. His adoptive father was Carl Decker.
He married the former Mary E. Morrison on Aug. 19, 1966, in the Unadilla Methodist Church, Unadilla.
Ray was an independent tractor trailer driver all his life and was a stock car owner and driver since 1958. He was also a gun enthusiast. He was a member of the Stock Car Association.
He attended school in Oneonta until he was 21 and then moved to Sidney where he lived until moving to Morris last year.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Decker, of Morris; six stepbrothers of which three live in the area and are Bob Decker and his wife, Donna of Unadilla, Ron Decker and his wife, Shiela and Ed Decker, all of Binghamton. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
At Ray's request there will be no funeral service and he will be cremated at the Hillington Crematory, Morris.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home, Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on Feb. 12, 2003.

Elliott, Edward 1918-2003 Morris NY Obituary

Edward Elliott
MORRIS — Together Again! After a long 3 1/2 year wait, Edward Elliott of Morris returned to the side of his faithful wife on March 3, 2003, from the Veterans Home in Oxford.
Ed was born in Bridgewater on July 1, 1918, the son of Jesse DeAlton Lloyd and Lena Ballard Lloyd. Lena died four months later, and he was brought to Morris to live with Lena's aunt and uncle, Frank and Sarah Elliott, who later adopted him.
Ed lived his entire 841/2 years on the family farm. He graduated from Morris Central School in 1937 where he lettered in baseball, basketball and football. He attended Cazenovia Junior College, where he also lettered in all three sports, and graduated in 1940.
After graduation, Ed married Lura Belle (Peg) Rayburn in Briar Cliff Manor, and went to work at Bendix Scintilla in the Engineering Lab, settling in Morris.
After the outbreak of World War II, Ed enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942, and served with the 15th Air Force in Northern Africa and Italy as a waist gunner on a B-24. After the war, in 1946, Ed returned to Scintilla.
A year later, he and Peg decided it was time to take over the running of the family farm. Together, they ran the farm on South Broad Street for 18 years.
During the years on the farm, Ed also served in many community affairs. He served for 15 years on the School Board, for eight years as Mayor, he brought the first ambulance to Morris, and for eight years as Town Councilman.
He was a past Master of the Masonic Lodge, a past President of Rotary, a past Commander of the American Legion, a member of the Fire Department, and later on the Cemetery Board and as a member of the Methodist Church Board.
In 1965, Ed and Peg sold most of the farm, subdivided a portion into lots, and built a new home on what became known as Meadow Lane.
Also in 1965, Ed went to work for Otsego County as the Executive Secretary to the Civil Defense Director. He later became the first Personnel Officer and the county's first Purchasing Agent.
Ed retired in February 1981, after 15 years.
Since retirement, Ed has enjoyed his hobby of woodworking; repairing things for people in his shop; and visiting with his many friends at the Coffee Shop and around town.
Ed was preceded in death by his faithful wife, Peg, who died on Aug. 21, 1999. They had spent 59 years together.
They are survived by their three children, Lynn (Jean, of Cedar City, Utah), Julie (Peter, of New Hartford), and Jamie (New Lisbon); 13 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren.
At their request, Ed and Peg's ashes will be spread 'under the cherry tree.'
A coffee hour was held at the Coffee Shop on March 11, 2003, with many of Ed's friends stopping in.
In lieu of cards or flowers, the family has requested donations to the Morris Emergency Squad.

Published in The Daily Star on March 20, 2003.

Talbot, James F. 1911-2002 Morris NY Obituary

James F. Talbot
MORRIS — James Francis Talbot, 91, of Morris died Monday, Sept. 23, 2002, at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta.
He was born in Burlington Flats on May 23, 1911, the son of Dr. Harold Ward Talbot and Beatrice (Smith) Talbot.
He attended West Winfield Central School until his father's death, at which time he went to live with his paternal grandparents until he was 15 years old. He then lived with his maternal grandparents in Binghamton.
He was married to Mildred (Richards) Talbot on May 25, 1934, in Morris. She died March 7, 1989.
James worked in the defense plant in Detroit and then at the Scintilla Corp. of Sidney, as a machinist for more than 35 years.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, James Talbot and wife, Marjorie, of South Carolina, Gary Talbot and wife, Joanne of Gilbertsville, Thomas Talbot and wife, Winifred of New Lisbon, and Michael Talbot and wife, Christine of Gilbertsville. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
There will be no calling hours.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2002, at the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris, with the Rev. Randolph Palada officiating.
Committal service and burial will be in the Hillington Cemetery in Morris.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to donate to the Morris Emergency Squad in his memory. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Oneonta Star on Sept. 24, 2002.

Find a Grave Memorial for James F. Talbot

Benjamin, Betty J. (Dodge) 1942-2013 Morris NY Obituary

June 7, 2013

Betty J. Benjamin

-- The Daily Star

Betty J. Benjamin
MORRIS — Betty J. Benjamin, 71, of Morris, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at Otsego Manor.
Betty was born in Cooperstown, the daughter of James and Phoebe (Hotaling) Dodge. Betty married Sonny Benjamin on Feb. 20, 1959, at the United Methodist Church of Morris.
Betty was employed at Corning in Oneonta for 20 years as an assembler. Betty was a member of the United Methodist Church of Morris. She enjoyed doing word searches, flower gardening, playing cards with her grandchildren and visiting with her friends.
Betty is survived by her husband of 54 years, Sonny Benjamin; children, Samuel Benjamin (Alison), Joseph Benjamin, Brenda Stetin (Lawrence) and James Benjamin (Melanie); her brothers, George and Robert Dodge; grandchildren, Lucas Benjamin, Stacey Benjamin, Chelsea Stetin, Joshua Benjamin, Matt Seifert, Jessica Trask; and several nieces and nephews.
Betty was predeceased by three brothers, Harold, Richard and James Dodge.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at the United Methodist Church in Morris with the Rev. Nancy Stanley officiating. A private burial of ashes will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Betty’s memory to the Morris Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 452 Morris, NY 13808 or Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820. The family requests casual dress for the memorial service.
Online condolences may be made for the family at www.johnstonfh.com.
Arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Tribute to Harold Dodge, brother of Betty J. Benjamin
Harold is buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Norwich, NY.

Crumb, Harold H. 1922-2002 Morris NY Obituary

Harold H. Crumb
MORRIS — Harold H. Crumb of Morris died Saturday, Sept. 14, 2002, at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta.
Harold was born on Harris Hill in the town of Morris on March 12, 1922. He was the son of Virgil W. Crumb and Elsie May (Harris) Crumb. When he was 3 years old, his parents moved from the farm to the village of Morris, which Harold called "home" his entire life. His mother passed away when he was 10.
At an early age (mid-teens) he worked for the Linn Manufacturing Corp. as a night watchman, shop maintenance person, water wheel operator and fireman of the coal- and oil-fed furnaces, working 14 hours each night for three nights a week: Friday, Saturday and Monday. He was thus employed for two years and four months. Morris Central School graduated Harold in 1939.
At the conclusion of his employment, above, he moved to Albany for the purpose of attending Albany Business College, from which he graduated.
During World War II and it conclusion Harold was a member of the New York State Guard, Adjutant General's staff, field finance (payroll) division, being discharged as a technical sergeant.
He was employed for four years during legislative sessions as clerk to Assemblyman Chester T. Backus, and as a statistician in the Education Department in off-times. He worked briefly as a stock transfer tax examiner for the state Department of Taxation and Finance.
In 1945, he joined the state comptroller's newly formed Division of Municipal Affairs, from which he retired in 1988. During this time he served, variously, as chief examiner in the Syracuse and Binghamton geographic areas.
Harold was a lifetime member of the Morris United Methodist Church. He was a Free and Accepted Mason for 60 years, his blue lodge being Butternuts No. 515, and had a similar tenure as a 32 Mason in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Albany. He was also a member of Englewood Elks Lodge No. 2378.
He was a certificated public accountant. Harold was an avid hunter and fisherman. Woodworking was a chief hobby, possibly superseded by construction with stones.
He married Marilyn Ida Whitney in 1951 in Oneonta. They made their home in the village of Morris.
Harold is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn, of 50 years; a daughter, Rebecca M. Crumb of New York City; a son and daughter-in-law, Leonard and Pamela Crumb; and granddaughter, Lauren of Carlisle, Pa., a son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Shari Crumb; and granddaughters, Elizabeth and Katherine of Sedalia, Colo.; and a half-brother, Stephen of Duncanville, Texas.
A younger brother, Wilmer, predeceased him.
Graveside committal and Masonic services will be at the Hillington Cemetery in Morris at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2002.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2002, at the United Methodist Church in Morris, with the Rev. Ann Blair officiating.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make contributions to the United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, Morris, NY 13808 or the Masonic Brotherhood Fund, care of Butternuts Lodge No. 515, P.O. Box 288, Gilbertsville, NY 13776.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on Sept. 16, 2002.

Dutka, Victor 1919-2002 Morris NY Obituary

Victor Dutka
MORRIS — Victor Dutka, 82, formerly of Morris, N.Y., died Wednesday, April 3, 2002, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Glendale, N.Y.
He was born on Dec. 19, 1919, in Engerau, Czechoslovakia, the son of Andreas and Emilie (Kristofek) Dutka. He married Josephine Oettinger in 1948. She died on July 5, 1994.
He had worked as a forester before WW II and moved to New York in 1956 and worked in the printing industry and later as a sheet metal technician and had resided in Glendale until his retirement when he moved to Morris in 1984. He had resided most recently at the Dominican Village in Amityville, N.Y.
Victor is survived by his son, Michael Dutka, and daughter-in- law, Denise, and his daughter, Margaret Rehberger, and son-in-law, Ken. He was brother to Gitta Dutka of Hainburg, Austria. He was blessed by his grandchildren, Kathryn Rehberger, Nicholas, Stefan and Jonathan Dutka.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Schwille Funeral Home in Glendale.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, April 7, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 8, at 9:30 a.m. at the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Morris, with the Rev. John Burns officiating.
Committal services and burial will follow at the Hillington Cemetery in Morris.
The Dutka family requests that anyone wishing to make a donation in Victor's memory do so to the Morris Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 452, Morris, NY 13908. Envelopes will be available at the Johnston Funeral Home.

Published in The Daily Star on April 6, 2002.

Hurley, John 1944-2002 Morris NY Obituary

John Hurley
MORRIS — John Hurley, 58, of Morris, N.Y., died Tuesday, May 28, 2002, at Fox Hospital, in Oneonta, N.Y.
He was born March 17, 1944, in the Bronx, N.Y., the son of William and Harriet (Gibney) Hurley. John resided in both Riverdale, N.Y., and in Morris, as often as he could.
He was employed as a building superintendent at Fieldstondale Mutual Housing of' Riverdale. He was an active and proud member of the Morris Fire Department and its Fire Police Squad. He was a member of Teamsters Union Local #814, serving as a helper and foreman. He was also a member of the Building Service International Union Local 32 B/J and a district steward of that union.
He attended Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church when he was in Morris.
He is survived by a son, John Memannus of Indiana; a sister, Katherine Prezkuta of Katonah, N.Y.; and a nephew, Robert Prezkuta of Ridgefield, Conn.
Other family members include Victoria Soto, Anthony Murfitt, Karen Murfitt and Adam Weissman, all of Morris; along with eight grandchildren.
Calling hours will be on Friday, May 31, 2002, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Johnston Funeral Home in Morris.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 1, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.
His final resting place will be in Hillington Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home, Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on May 31, 2002.

Melius, Percy G. 1913-2002 Morris NY Obituary

Percy G. Melius
MORRIS — Percy George Melius, 89, of Morris, and formerly of East Aurora, died Saturday, July 13, 2002, at the Gilmore Health Care Facility in Norwich, where he had been a resident since 1999.
He was born in Stormville, the son of Henry Fillo and Anna (Davis) Melius.
He had lived with his nephew and niece, Ralph and Charlotte Melius of Morris before his residency at the Gilmore Health facility.
He is survived by his nephew and niece, Ralph and Charlotte Melius of Morris, and several other nephews and nieces of the Hulse family.
Percy was predeceased by two half-brothers, Herbert and William Barret, his brothers, Henry and Clarence Melius, and his sisters, Florence Stevenson and Maude Hulse.
There will be no calling hours. He was cremated at the Hillington Crematory in Morris.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and interment of his cremains will be in Poughquag.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make donations to the Morris Emergency Squad in Percy's memory.
Funeral arrangements are by the Johnston Funeral Home of Morris.

Published in The Daily Star on July 16, 2002.