For recent death notices, scroll to the bottom of this page.

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Obituaries

Raymond M. Rajala

Age 63, of Alpine, NY passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility, Montour Falls, NY.

Mr. Rajala was predeceased by his parents, Matt and Opal Spivey Rajala; a brother, Calvin (Bud) Harter; and a sister, Carolyn Harter. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia (Fletcher) Rajala; Children of the Heart, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mr. Rajala was a graduate of Spencer High School in 1964. Ray loved horses, and his infatuation with the “Old West” was apparent to those who knew him. Western trail riding was a great pleasure of Ray’s and he was very competitive at it as well. Ray worked for the Cayuga Medical Center in the Laundry Department for 15 years.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Odessa Wesleyan Church, Church Street, Odessa, NY on Saturday, March 13 from 4 to 5 PM. A memorial service will be held following visitation at 5 PM. The Rev. Robert Ketchum will officiate. A time of fellowship and sharing of a meal will be held following the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Odessa Fire Department or to the Schuyler County Volunteer Ambulance Association in Ray’s name.

The family would like to express their special gratitude and thanks for the exceptional care that was given to Ray during the year he was at the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility on Unit 3.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home.

Delores Bartone Pylypciw

“De” Bartone Pylypciw, of North Syracuse, NY, died Monday in her home surrounded by her family.

A native of Watkins Glen, NY, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Mary Bartone, and the sister of the late Mike (Mary) Bartone, Tony (Louise) Bartone, Rose (Jack) Riley, and Ang Bartone. Born in the family home on Steuben Street, De returned to Watkins frequently throughout her life to spend time in that home, visiting with family and friends.

She graduated from Watkins Glen High School in 1940. While in school she was one of the early girls basketball players. Her short stature and speed earned her the name “Shorty Bartone” among her many friends. To her friends, as well as family, she was known throughout her life as a kind, loving person with a very gentle demeanor.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, William (Doc) Pylypciw, who she met at a Burdett Grange Hall dance while he was serving in the Civilian Conservation Corp at Burdett in 1938. They have three children: Janet (Jack dec.) Hachmann, Kathy (Stan) Slingerland, and Billy Pylypciw. Also surviving are three grandsons: Jeffrey and Jason Hachmann and Brian Slingerland. There are many loving nieces and nephews who live in the area, and along the East Coast.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 5 at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church in Watkins Glen at 11 a.m. Visitation will take place that morning from 9 to 11 a.m. in the attached church link. Burial will be in Montour Falls Cemetery, overlooking the valley she always called "home."

In lieu of flowers, De asked that instead donations be made to St. Mary’s of the Lake Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, Montour Falls, NY.

Cora Angeline (Goodrich) Hall

Age 89, of Odessa, NY passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2010 at the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility, Montour Falls, NY.

Mrs. Hall is survived by her daughter, Anna Mae (Bill) Langley of Aurora, CO; sons Walter (Marie Miller) Goodrich of Middlebury Center, PA and Larry (Connie) Goodrich of Littleton, CO; daughter-in-law Sharon Thompson of Montour Falls, NY; stepson Larry (Judy) Hall of Benton, KY; 15 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Her first husband, Earl Goodrich; second husband, Amos Hall; and her son, Floyd Goodrich, predeceased Mrs. Hall.

Mrs. Hall was a life member of the Excelsior Southern Light Chapter #323 Eastern Stars of Big Flats-Breesport, NY.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 534 Church St., Odessa on Friday, February 19 from 6 to 8 PM. The Eastern Stars will hold a service at 7:30 PM. A second set of calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 20th from 10 to 11 AM with her funeral service to follow at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Schuyler Hospital Foundation, Montour Falls, NY or to the Excelsior Southern Light Chapter of Eastern Stars, C/O Carol Masin, P.O. Box 333, Breesport, NY 14816.

Denida L. (DeDe) Hyer

Age 47, of Alpine, New York passed away on Monday, February 8, 2010 at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Her husband, David L. Hyer, survives DeDe along with her sons and daughters-in-law; Greggory & Bridget and Patrick & Lindsey; grandchildren Jonathan, MaKennah and EmmaLee; “Grand Puppy” Remy; parents Charles & Chris Miller; grandparents Bud & Betty Cilley; a brother, Armin & Kelly Miller; brothers-in-law, Jerry & Donna Hyer, and Bill & Susie Hyer; sister-in-law, Donna & Dwight Wilber, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Dee was predeceased by her sister, Tina Miller, and her father and mother-in-law, Jerry & Esther Hyer.

Dee was a former employee of Cornell University, Ithaca, NY and had recently been working at Cbord Group, Ithaca. She was very active in the Relay For Life Organization.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY on Saturday, February 13, 2010 between the hours of 1 and 4 p.m. Her memorial service will be held there following visitation at 4 p.m. The Rev. Edward Ayers will officiate.

Those wishing to remember Dee may do so by logging on to Caring Bridge at www.caringbridge.org/visit/deehyer.

John P. (Jack) Kubinski

Age 90, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2010 while residing at Bethany Manor.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Thelma (West) Kubinski of Elmira, NY; daughters & sons in law Sharon & John Bacon and Susan & Anthony Mastrantonio, and Wendy Kubinski with fiancé Randy Covell; grandsons Jeremy Bacon, Jeffrey & Alianne Bacon and Matthew Cook; granddaughters Allison (Kevin Fitch) Mastrantonio and Erin & Bob Benoit; two great grandchildren, Annabella & Johnathan Bacon; brothers in law Norman West and Richard (Shirley) West; sisters in law Marsha (Dan) Jenkins and Florence (Daniel) Bentley; and several nieces and nephews.

John was predeceased by his parents, Leon & Mary, brother Leon, sister & brother in law Mary & Gordon Connelly, father in law & mother in law Arthur & Myra West, sister in law Joyce West, brother in law Kenneth West, and nephew John Connelly.

He was a 40-year employee of American LaFrance as a project engineer, retiring in 1984. His many loves included hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. He was the oldest person at age 74 to finish the Finger Lakes Trail from end to end with special friend Bob Kephart. He was instrumental in laying out the Queen Catherine Marsh Trail and the Montour Falls Historic Loop Trail. A 27-page guide was published in 1995 by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Inc. He graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1936. He took an ICS Course through the mail to receive his Engineering Degree.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls on Monday, February 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. His funeral service will be held following visitation. The Rev. Larry Burke will officiate. Burial will take place in Montour Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

The family of Mr. Kubinski would like to express their gratitude and thanks for the wonderful care he received by the staff at Bethany Manor.

Merle R. Starkweather

Age 89, of Odessa, New York passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Elmira, NY.

Mr. Starkweather is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marjorie E. Starkweather; children, Merle Jr. and Jean Starkweather of Elmira, NY, Carol & Frank Dudgeon of Cayuta, NY, David & Helen Starkweather of Montour Falls, NY, Diane Johnson of Florida and Bonnie & Douglas Schwenn of Union Spring, NY; 14 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren; a sister, Mary & Gus Killkenny of Mainesburg, PA, and a sister-in-law, Esther Starkweather of Montour Falls, NY.

Mr. Starkweather was a member of the Odessa Fire Department with the honor of Fireman Emeritus, was retired from Shepard Niles Corp. of Montour Falls, NY, and was a life member of the William F. Coon Post #2674 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 534 Church St., Odessa, NY on Saturday, January 30, 2010 from 11 AM to 1 PM; a Memorial Service will follow at 1 PM. Burial will take place in Highland Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

The family wishes to thank all the people at the Arnot Ogden Dialysis Unit for their wonderful care and kindness.

Dorthula Lorraine Tucker

Age 81, of Montour Falls, NY passed away peacefully at Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility, Montour Falls, on Saturday, January 9, 2010. Mrs. Tucker suffered for many years with Alzheimer’s/Lewey Body Dementia.

She was predeceased by her husband, Leo E. Tucker Sr., and is survived by her children, Leo E. Tucker Jr. (Linda) of Montour Falls, Lorraine Hrycyshyn (Richard) of Lincoln Park, NJ, Linda Parker (Dean) of Elgin, SC, and Patrick Tucker (Anne) of Greentown, PA, along with eight grandchildren, Jennifer Verdegaal, Tim Tucker, Andrea and Heather Hrycyshyn, Michele Waters, Michael Rambus, and Patrick and Matthew Tucker, and ten great-grandchildren.

Dorthula was a retired clerk from the Watkins Glen Public Library.

As per Mrs. Tucker's wishes, there will be no prior calling hours and a graveside service will be held at Black River Cemetery, Black River, NY, in late spring 2010.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vedder & Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls.

Bernice E. Franklin

Age 83, formerly of Cayuta, NY passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at Elcor Health Services, Horseheads.

Her husband, Burton L. Franklin, predeceased Mrs. Franklin in 1998. She is survived by her children, Roger Franklin, Dale (Bonnie) Franklin and Lou Franklin, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mrs. Franklin worked for Thatcher Glass Co. and Larison Poultry farm and was also a homemaker.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 534 Church Street, Odessa, NY on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 from 2-3 PM. Her funeral and committal service will be held there at 3 PM. The Rev. Jeanne Bleiler will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Schuyler County Ambulance Association, PO Box 2, Watkins Glen, NY or to a charity of one’s choice.

John L. Conkright

Age 81, of Lowman, NY, formerly of Montour Falls, NY.

John was born in Montour Falls, NY on April 24, 1928. He leaves his loving family here and joins his predeceased family in heaven.John was predeceased by his parents, Frank & Catherine (Aldrich) Conkright; his brothers, Francis (Bud) Conkright and Harold Conkright; and sisters Bertha Hulslander, Mildred Austin, Myrtle Jenkins, Ruth Greek and Edwina Davis.

John is survived by his devoted, loving wife of over 60 years, Helen (Ellison) Conkright; his dedicated, loving, always there for each other daughter, Debra (Brent) Andrews of Lowman, NY; and his dear loving sister, Ellen Hulslander of Montour Falls, NY. John was the very proud grandfather of his grandson, Erik Franzese (Christie Soltis) of Endicott, NY and leases numerous nieces, nephews and many close friends.

John and Helen were married on September 16, 1949 in Watkins Glen, NY. John was employed by International (Akzo) Salt Co. in Watkins Glen and retired as a supervisor in 1988 with 42 years of service. He was a member of the Mechanics Club and the Montour Moose Lodge, and was an avid bowler in many leagues. He loved fishing, hunting, playing cards, his motor home trips and most of all every day he could be with his family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee Street, Montour Falls, NY on Friday, January 15, 2010 from 3 to 7 PM. His funeral service will be held there on Saturday, January 16 at 10 AM. The Rev. Sheila Price will officiate. Interment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Reading Center, NY.

Eleanor M. Folnsbee

Age 73, of Montour Falls, NY passed away on Friday, January 1, 2010 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center.

Her daughter, Terry Ector of Watkins Glen, NY and her special grandchildren, Joshua and Chrissy, son Todd Van Alstine of Elmira, NY and his children, Alisha, Tyler and Jordon, survive her. She is also survived by her sisters, Francis Gearing of Rochester, NY, Betty Clark of Horseheads, NY, Margaret (Tom) Elliott of Watkins Glen, NY, Teresa Petitt of Waverly, TN, Loretta Lynch of Mesa, AZ and Mary Johnson of Horseheads. NY; and by her best friend, Beverly Martin.

Mrs. Folnsbee was predeceased by her husband, LeRoy Folnsbee, in 2004 and by her siblings, Agnes Bates, James MacBlane, William MacBlane, Katherine Cole and Anna Jane Kelly.

She was a member of the Montour Falls Moose Lodge and the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 from 1 to 3 PM. Her funeral service will be held there following visitation at 3 PM. The Rev. Paul Bonacci will officiate. Interment will be in Tyrone Union Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Recent obituaries can be found at the bottom of the page

Vedder & Scott Funeral Homes, Inc.

Our family caring for yours

We honor your time by talking about what's most important to you, the memory of your loved one. You decide what's right for you. We pride ourselves on listening to your needs and working with you to create the most meaningful, appropriate and affordable way to remember your loved one.

Locations

122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY 14865. Phone number (607) 535-2396.

534 Church St., Odessa, NY 14869. Phone number (607) 594-3765.

Services Available

-- Information and support materials about death and dying.

-- Preplanned funeral arrangements and trust account planning.

-- Complete range of funeral services personalized to meet your specific needs.

-- Broad selection of memorialization merchandise, from cards and memory books to caskets and urns.

-- Range of prices to meet your unique requests.

-- Wide variety of cremation options available.

-- On-site casket selection room where you may choose to see and understand your choices.

-- Pet Burial containers.

Together we will create a Personalized Memorial

When you come to us for funeral services, we listen to your needs and work to understand the
unique wishes of your family. We are happy to discuss a wide variety of options that are available to create an appropriate and affordable memorial . We provide a reference guide of information that will help support your experience with information needed to make this process
less restricting and more memorable. We promise to give you our best!

What You Can Expect From Us

* Personal and compassionate attention
* Prompt professionalism
* Creative and unique personalized services
* Clear and understandable explanation of how we will meet your needs
* “Reference Guide” to refer to and take home with you
* Affordable solutions to meet your financial situation
* Quality and Value
* Accommodating Modern Facilities
* Barrier Free Access
* Off-Street Parking
* Support Services in the days following the funeral

What You Will Need To Prepare To Bring

* Birth Certificate
* Social Security number or card
* Veterans Papers if applicable
* Insurance Papers if applicable
* Cemetery Deed if applicable

What We Will Discuss

Our first meeting will be 1 to 2.5 hours
During that time we will be covering:

* Planning the Farewell
* Bringing Family & Friends together

Things To "Consider” When Planning a Personalized Memorial

* Pictures
* Family &/or Friends sharing
* Special/Favorite Music
* Work, Hobbies, Organizational Affiliations, Travel
* Minister/Speaker
* Special Readings
* Memorial donations and/or Flowers
* Location
* Family & Friends gathering between and/or after the services
* Veterans or Civic Organization Tributes

Our Staff

Every person on our caring staff is committed to maintaining personal attention to every detail of each unique family situation in order to provide a personalized tribute to your loved one. We are committed to provide excellence in service. Our history is rich in tradition and service to the local communities. We cherish home-town values, and our heritage shows a proven record of trust and commitment.

Jackie Wickham joined the staff as Office Manager in early 1996 and is an invaluable help with support information and assistance for all families that pass through our doors. She and her husband John were both raised in Schuyler County and have raised a family of three children here as well. She has an extensive firsthand knowledge of the communities and families we serve.

Kevin Sullivan, LFD joined the staff as a part-time Associate in May of 2004. He brings nine years of experience to the business. Kevin and his wife Lorrie grew up in the Horseheads area, and they understand our dedication to community. They have recently opened Sullivan’s Funeral Home on the corner of Franklin and State Rt. 13 in Horseheads, NY. We’re very happy to have Kevin join our dedicated staff, and are confident in his ability to serve your needs.

Fred Scott, LFD, after returning from Vietnam and getting his Associates Degree at Corning Community College and his Mortuary Science Degree at Simmon’s Mortuary School, joined his father in business in 1977.

Fred and his wife Bonnie (shown together at right) have lived for 25 years in this community, where they raised their daughter and have been active in community endeavors such as church, school, civic organizations, charity fundraisers, community government and local development committees. Fred also donates his time to manage the Montour Cemetery for the Village as a Cemetery Commissioner, and serves on the St. Mary’s Holy Cross Cemetery Board. Fred is personally committed to continuing the tradition of compassionate service delivered promptly and with the highest degree of professionalism as was established by his father.

Our History

Earl M. Vedder established the Vedder Funeral Home in 1926, and Wendell V. Scott established the Scott Funeral Home in 1948, both in Montour Falls, NY. Mr. Vedder also owned a local furniture store on Main Street. A local businessman and friend to both men, John E. Hodge, encouraged them to join their businesses to make a stronger commitment to the community. So in 1949 Vedder and Scott, Inc., was established as a Funeral Home on North Genesee Street and as a Furniture Store on the Main Street of Montour Falls, in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region. The Heal Funeral Home, on Church Street in Odessa, was purchased by the Company in 1981 and provided a second location to our unique communities.

Earl and Blanche Vedder resided in the North Genesee Street Funeral Home apartment. Blanche was a school teacher at the Montour Elementary School, and was the Village Clerk for a time. They owned a small farm on Rt. 414 where Earl enjoyed horseback riding and raising horses. They retired to Mesa, AZ in the early 1960s.

Wendell and Dorothy Scott lived on Owego Street in Montour Falls in the former Hibbard Funeral Home, where they raised five children, until moving into the North Genesee Street apartment when the Vedders retired. Dorothy worked as an accountant for the Montour National Bank and in the furniture store in following years. Wendell was the Town Clerk in Montour Falls for approximately 20 years, and was well known as a resident at Chef’s Diner for breakfast!

The Montour Falls location was built in 1844. Before becoming the Funeral Home, some of the upstairs rooms were rented for local nurses who worked at the Shepherd’s Hospital out behind the Funeral Home on Schuyler Street. The building still has the original Dutch Oven and Fireplace and is included as part of the section known as the “Glorious T” of historic buildings in Montour Falls.

Other recent obituaries:

Anna M. Bauman

Age 86, of Watkins Glen, NY passed away on December 24, 2009 at Schuyler Hospital, Montour Falls, NY.

Mrs. Bauman was predeceased by her husband Robert and son Gary. She is survived by her sons David (Dawn) Bauman of Odessa, NY, Dan Bauman of Watkins Glen, NY, Timmy Bauman of Beaver Dams, NY and James Bauman of Watkins Glen, NY; 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Robert Pike of Montour Falls, NY. Mrs. Bauman was also predeceased by her brothers Merle, Lee, Walt and Ken Pike, and sisters Gertrude Tunnicliff, Hazel Ames, Ada Simmons and Alice Pike.

Mrs. Bauman was a member of the Pocahontas of Watkins Glen, NY, a member of the Bowling League of Watkins Glen and Hall of Famer, and attended the Watkins Glen Baptist Church.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY on Monday, Jan. 4th, 2010 from 6 to 8 PM, with Anna’s funeral to immediately follow at 8:00 PM. Interment will be Tuesday, Jan. 5th at 10:00 AM in the Union Cemetery of Hector.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220 or to the Watkins Glen Saturday Morning Youth Bowling League in Mrs. Bauman’s memory.

Martin Joel (Jody) Darling

Age 55, died December 21, 2009 at the Troy, Pa. Community Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on July 21, 1954 in Montour Falls, the son of Stanley Martin Darling and Helen Jean Couch Darling. He lived in Odessa and Corning, and was a master carpenter and a member of Carpenters Local 281. He enjoyed scuba diving, fishing and boating on Seneca Lake and he liked to play the mandolin. He was known for his sense of humor and his love of life, family and friends.

He is survived by his companion, Barbara Workman; daughters Alexis (Eric) Starns and Ashley Darling; granddaughters Evelyn and Charlise Starns; his mother, Helen Darling; brothers Thomas (Lil) Darling and Jack (Francine) Darling; sister Anne (Tim) Hull; stepmother Joyce Darling; stepbrothers and sisters, nieces and cousin Chari (Joel) Krenis and several other cousins. Jody had many friends, including his lifelong friends Randy Johnson, George Thompson, Gavin Field and Joe Corby. His father Stanley and a special cousin, Jane Ann McGarry, predeceased him.

Calling hours will be from 12 noon-2 p.m. on December 30, 2009 at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home in Odessa, NY, with a memorial service immediately following at 2 p.m. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of his life at the Montour Moose Lodge following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, 612 W. State Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Nora C. O’Harra

Age 90, of Montour Falls, NY passed away on Monday, December 21, 2009.

Her husband, Harvey J. O’Harra, predeceased Mrs. O’Harra. She is survived by her son: Harvey R. O’Harra of Watkins Glen, NY; daughters Nora Evelyn O’Harra of Ischua, NY, Marsha O’Harra of Cheektowaga, NY, Lori Barber of Bath, NY and Maureen Nichols of Corning, NY; 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter.

It was Mrs. O’Harra’s request that there be no services. Arrangements are under the direction of Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, Montour Falls, NY.

Joseph B. Rosier

Age 72, of Montour Falls, NY passed away on Monday, December 21, 2009 at Schuyler Hospital.

Mr. Rosier is survived by his wife of 24 years, Joyce B. Rosier; children Bruce Rosier of Montour Falls, NY, Lorraine & Phil Gardner of Montour Falls, and Philip Rosier of Horseheads, NY; grandchildren Serena Michaels, Gabrielle, Hannah Rosier, Michael & Daryl Madigan and Kristen Rosier; great grandchildren Dominick & Adrianna Michels; and several nieces and nephews. His parents, one brother and 11 sisters predeceased Mr. Rosier.

Mr. Rosier retired from Schuyler Hospital after 26 years of service. He was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Marines, and was a member of the Montour Falls Mechanics Club, Montour Falls Moose Lodge #426 and EJ Brewer Marine Corps League.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY on Monday, December 28, 2009 from 12 Noon to 2 PM. His funeral service will be held there at 2 PM. The Rev. Fred Dyer will officiate. Interment will be in Montour Cemetery, where full Military Honors will be accorded.

John Joseph Adams

Age 64, of Seeley Road, Cayuta, NY passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, Pa.

John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ruth K. Adams; children John (Sue) Adams, Shirley Adams (Kim), Billy (Michelle) Adams, Betty Adams, Mary Adams (Bruce), and Frank (Brandy) Adams; 26 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brothers Frank, Dick and Jake; and sisters Laura Lepp and Linda Weaver. His parents, Jason & Laura Adams, and a grandson, Harold Fenton, Jr., predeceased John.

Mr. Adams was the former president of the Rochester Society for the Deaf, was a member of the Bowling Deaf Club, and loved to play Euchre. He loved all of his friends in the Deaf Club.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 from 2 PM to 4 PM. His funeral and committal service will be held there following visitation at 4 PM. The Rev. Peter A. Williams will officiate and sign for the Funeral Service.

Many thank yous go out to Susan Wardwell and her staff for all their help and care.

Norma J. (Nim) Millspaugh

Of Montour Falls, NY passed away peacefully on Monday, December 14, 2009 at the home of her daughter Jo Anne Gleason and husband Ray in Big Flats, NY, under the care of Jo Ann and another daughter, Linda Locey.

Nim was predeceased by her husband Donald (Steve) and is survived by her daughters, Jo Anne (Ray) Gleason of Big Flats, NY and Linda (Ron) Locey of Painted Post, NY; a brother, Richard (Mary) Cole of Palm Desert, CA; five grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Nim attended Cook Academy for three years and graduated from Odessa Central School. She and Steve Millspaugh were married in 1944 while he was serving in the U.S. Army. Nim was a lifelong resident of Montour Falls and was employed by Shepard Niles Crane & Hoist Corp. in the Cost Accounting Department during WW II.

She was a member of the Montour Falls United Methodist Church and was Church Historian for 10 years. Nim loved local history, the New York Yankees, music, art and antiques. She was a dear, sweet lady till the very end and will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY on Saturday, December 19, 2009 from 11AM to 12 Noon. Her Funeral Service will be held there at 12 Noon. The Rev. Bill Wells will officiate.

A special thanks goes out to the Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care for their wonderful care of Nim.

Anne Mausell Celdon-Wilde

Age 88, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility, Montour Falls, NY.

She was predeceased by her parents, Lyndwood C. and Elsie M. Packard Celdon.

Ann was born in Elmira, NY; her burial will be private at the Summit Park Cemetery, Spring Valley, NY on Monday, December 14, 2009.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee Street, Montour Falls, NY.

Joanne Mathers Fitch

Age 46, of Odessa, NY, a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and a woman beloved by many, passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2009 after a long battle with cancer.

Jo is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Mark A. Fitch; loving daughter, Cassie L. Fitch of Odessa, NY; father, Robert Mathers Jr. (Arlene) of Corning; sisters, Roberta (Daniel) Van Skiver of Odessa, NY and Karen (Kevin) Kelley of Elmira, NY; a brother, Gerald (Gina) Mathers of Chesapeake, VA; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her mother, Rita E. Mathers.

Jo was an Odessa-Montour Sports Hall of Famer with sixteen varsity letters in basketball, track, volleyball and swimming. She was an avid supporter of local high school athletics, contributing her time as a coach, and making other donations to various programs.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Odessa United Methodist Church, Odessa, NY on Friday December 11, 2009 between the hours of 5 PM and 7 PM. Her funeral service will be held following visitation at 7 PM.

Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery, Watkins Glen, NY on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 11 AM.

Jo’s wishes were that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the OMCS or WGCS sports boosters club or to The Odessa File. Arrangements are under the direction of the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home.

Wilhelmina B. (Biddy) Barrett

Age 73, of Montour Falls, NY, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, left this world to rejoin her beloved husband, Kenneth, on Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Wilhelmina was born on May 5, 1936 in Burdett, NY, the last of three children to August and Dona Biener.  She attended school in Watkins Glen and married Kenneth L. Barrett on October 8, 1955.  She was predeceased by Kenneth, her husband of 48 years, on December 28, 2003.

She is survived by son Stephen  (Rachel) Barrett of Odenton, Md; daughter Donna (Donald) Marshall of Savona, NY; and sons William (Terri) Barrett of Montour Falls, Christopher W. Barrett and Diane Angle of Montour Falls, and Brian A. Barrett of Horseheads, NY. Mrs. Barrett had nine grandchildren, Melissa Kay, Jessica, Melissa Anne, Rebecca, Adam, Megan, Alexandra, Logan and Cheyenne; and eight great-grandchildren, Albany, Sherridian, Steven, Montana, Brandi, Anaiya, Devon, and Ryleigh.  She is also survived by a sister, Elizabeth Goodier of Utica, NY.

Wilhelmina worked for many years in the Odessa-Montour Central School cafeteria and was a member of the Odessa Baptist Church. 

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee Street, Montour Falls, NY on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 from 6 to 8 p.m.  Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family.  Interment will take place at Glenwood Cemetery in Watkins Glen at a date to be determined. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Southern Tier Hospice of Corning, NY or to an animal shelter of your choice.

David Alan Shermer

Age 59, of Montour Falls, NY passed away suddenly November 17, 2009 at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA from a tragic car accident.

Mr. Shermer is survived by his wife of 32 years, Peggy Shermer; a son, Mark (Nichole) Shermer; son, Randy (Courtney) Gibson; daughter, Alicia (Holger) Shermer; 7 grandchildren, Jeremiah & Johanna, Dustin, Allison & Cody and Amber & Samuel; his mother, Julia Gardner; a sister, Linda (Al) Orso, and many nieces and nephews.

David was predeceased by his father, the late Raymond Shermer, and by a brother, Kenneth Shermer.

David will always be remembered for his extreme generosity, even down to his last dollar. Hunting and woodworking were hobbies that he thoroughly enjoyed.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service to be held in David’s honor on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 at 7:00 PM at the Vedder & Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, NY.