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South Street · Edmeston, NY 13335
(607) 965-8242
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Gordon R. Terry
CFSP
& Joan Kuhn Terry CFSP, Directors
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The Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home has been trusted with the
care of the following individuals. We hope this on-line
obituary section will be of assistance to you. Simply
click on the name to view the obituary and send a condolence
message to the family.
George
(Lester) Stickles was reunited with his wife,
Florence, in Heaven on December 15, 2006.
Lester was born on February 25, 1919 in
Monticello, the son of John and Gertrude
(Babcock) Stickles. He married Florence M.
Key on August 9, 1941 at the Congregational
Church in Bridgewater. She predeceased him
on June 1, 1982.
Lester served in the United States Army during
WWII, and retired as Supervisor from Chicago
Pneumatic, Utica. He was quite the
sportsman: enjoying both hunting, fishing and in
the winter, snowmobiling. Lester was also
able to continue raising Beef Cows up till last
year. He was a member of the First Baptist
Church in West Edmeston, the Johnson-Rogers
American Legion Post in Brookfield, and the
Leonardsville Rod and Gun Club.
Lester loved
his family very much, always enjoying his
grandchildren and great grandchildren. He
was so grateful to meet his latest great
grandchild last week, only days old.
His children and their spouses Kathy and
Kelvin Smith; and Betty and Gary Simmons; his
grandchildren Kim Nelson, Kelly Collins, Keith
Smith, Eugene Klein, Michelle Griffiths, Amy
Deforest, Josh Simmons, Gary Simmons, Pam Hanks,
and Valerie Simmons; and 18 great grandchildren
survive Lester. His brothers and sisters
also predeceased Lester.
Services will be held on Sunday December 17,
2006 at 3:00pm at the First Baptist Church in
West Edmeston with Pastor Don Buck officiating.
Calling hours are from 1:00pm to 3:00pm prior to
the service at the church.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston, NY.
Valentin B. Bueche, Jr., 77, of Ormond Beach,
Florida passed away Monday evening, December 4,
2006 at Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown. He was
born July 1, 1929 in Torrington, CT, the son of
Valentin and Lillian (Maynard) Bueche, Sr. He
married Marguerite Ann Gunn, who survives.
Valentin was employed as a Quality Analyst for
IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY and has been a resident
of the state of Florida for the past 18 years.
He and his wife, Ann, have resided in Ormond
Beach for the last 8 years.
In addition to his wife Ann, Valentin is
survived by his sons; Mark and Jennifer Bueche
of West Edmeston and Jeffrey Bueche of Hawaii
and three grandchildren: Charles, James and
Ashley Bueche.
A memorial service will be held in the spring of
2007. Those who wish may make contributions in
his memory to either Hospice or the West
Edmeston Fire Department.
Elizabeth (Betty) J. Cadwell Klingler, 72,
of Edmeston died at home Sunday December 3,
2006.
She was born September 27, 1934 in Leonardsville,
the daughter of Howard and Sally (Price) Cadwell.
Betty married Arthur R. Klingler September 27,
1952 in New Berlin. He predeceased her on
September 30, 1997.
Betty and her husband,
Art, owned a dairy farm for 39 years. For over
30 years she was also employed as a family care
provider by the Cadwell Home in New Berlin.
Betty was a gentle Lady. She loved to read and
sew; and made all three wedding gowns for her
daughters. Betty was a member of the Second
Baptist Church, Edmeston and had served on the
Christian Education board.
Her children
Jonathan Klingler, Maureen Klingler, Geri Bosco,
Patricia Green, Paula Turner, and Arthur
Klingler Jr.; nine grandchildren; her mother
Sally Price Cadwell; her sister Sally Welch; her
Aunt Margaret P. Close; and several nieces and
nephews survive Betty.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday
December 6, 2006 at 11:00 AM at the Second
Baptist Church, Edmeston with Rev. Dr. John
Buskey officiating. Calling hours are from 4-8
PM on Tuesday December 5, 2006 at the Houk-Johnston-Terry
Funeral Home, Edmeston.
Interment will be at Edmeston Union Cemetery
following the service.
Contributions may be made in Betty’s memory to
the Second Baptist Church, Edmeston Fire Dept.,
or Catskill Area Hospice. Envelopes will be
available at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Wayne
L. Sweet, 70, of Utica and formerly of Schyuler
died Wednesday evening at the Northeast Center
for Special Care, Lake Katrine, NY.
Wayne was born on April 18, 1936 in Edmeston,
the son of Edward C. and Charlotte (Klock)
Sweet.
Wayne retired from the Bendix Corp., Utica as
a manufacturing Inspector. He was a quiet man
who followed sports and enjoyed cars. He favored
the Yankees; and pampered both the 1987 Corvette
and 1976 Buick that he had bought new.
His companion Jean St. Amour; his brother and
wife Douglas and Myrta Sweet; nine nieces and
nephews; and cousins Brenda, Eleanor, Jimmy,
Patty, and Prudy survive Wayne.
His sister Ruth Thompson and niece Susan Kolik
predeceased Wayne.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday
November 28, 2006 at 10:00 am at the Houk-Johnston-Terry
Funeral Home, Edmeston with Pastor Jay Henderson
officiating. Call hours are from 2-4 and 7-9 pm
on Monday.
Interment will follow the service at Edmeston
Union Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in Wayne’s memory to
the American Diabetes Association, envelopes
will be available at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
John F.
Grosfent, 71, of Edmeston died early Thursday
morning at Harding Nursing Home in Waterville.
He was born on October 12, 1935 in Worcester,
the son of Harold and Ida Mae (Hubbard) Grosfent.
He married Bernice Martin on July 18, 1959.
John so loved the outdoors; he equally loved
dairy farming, logging and the management of his
forests. His day was always brighter when
surrounded by his “kids” and family.
He was an
avid hunter who enjoyed deer season best.
His wife Bernice; his children Deborah Grosfent,
Denise Catoe, Dennis and Tracey (Hoagland)
Grosfent; 12 grandchildren; three great
grandchildren, his brother Walter Grosfent, and
nephew Harold & Becky Grosfent survive John.
His brothers Richard and Elland Grosfent
predeceased John.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday
November 18, 2006 at 11 AM at the Houk-Johnston-Terry
Funeral Home, Edmeston with Pastor Jay Henderson
officiating. Calling hours are on hour prior to
the service from 10 – 11 AM.
Interment will follow at the Leonardsville
Cemetery, Leonardsville.
Contributions may be made in John’s memory to
the Harding Nursing Home, Waterville, NY.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Clara
H. Whitacre, 88, formerly of Brookfield was
called home to the Lord on Tuesday October 17,
2006.
She was born on January 12, 1918 in Sherburne,
the daughter of Walter and Cora (Alysworth)
Hull. She married Paul Whitacre on July 5, 1942.
He predeceased her on April 28, 1980.
Clara was a member of the Brookfield Baptist
Church, Sunday school teacher, and WTCU. As a
homemaker for her family she was also a foster
parent for 16years. Church, children,
grandchildren, family, gardening, and flowers
were her life. She felt deeply rewarded by each.
Her children Ernest Ray Whitacre and wife Linda,
Bernard Charles Whitacre and Nancy; her special
children Pat Gaither and Margaret Boice; her
grandchildren Jason Whitacre, Jonathan Whitacre,
Joseph Mortzheim, Trevor Smith and Carrie Smith;
and her brother Raymond Hull and sister Gladys
Williams survive Clara.
Funeral services will be held at the Brookfield
Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Thall officiating on Friday October 20, 2006
at 2:00pm.
Interment will follow at South Brookfield
Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in
Clara’s memory to the First Baptist Church of
Brookfield.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
The
Lord peacefully called Robert Lee Sweet Jr., 70,
of West Burlington home on Sunday October 8,
2006
He was born on July 19, 1936 in Pittsfield, the
son of Robert Lee and Vivia L. (Church) Sweet.
He married Donna Lee Bennett in December 1957 at
the Edmeston Baptist Church.
Robert served in
the United States Air Force, Airman First Class,
from 1954 till 1962. He was member of the
Wharton Valley American Legion Post #1311.
He retired from the United States
Postal Service as Post Master of the West
Burlington Post Office. Robert was an active
member of his community as past member of the
Rotary he had served as both Vice President &
Secretary. He was also a Cub Scout Leader, and
coach for the Edmeston Little League and Pony
League.
His loving wife Donna; his children and their
spouses Kimberlee & Joseph Leqault, Kellee and
Dale Gregory, Michael and Mary Sweet, and Robbin
and Roxanne Sweet; his grandchildren Joseph
Sweet, Jeremiah Gregory, Erica Gregory, Marissa
Sweet, Kayla Sweet, and Michael Sweet; and his
brothers James W. Sweet and Richard W. Sweet
survive Robert.
Contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to
the United Methodist Church, Edmeston.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday October
10, 2006 at 11:00 AM at the Houk-Johnston-Terry
Funeral Home with Rev. Beverly Butler
officiating. Calling hours are from 9:00-11:00
prior to the service.
Mary
C. Mahoney, 91, went home to the Lord on
Tuesday September 5, 2006 at MIB in Cooperstown.
She was born May 16, 1915 in the Bronx, the
daughter of Michael and Alice Norton) Laracy.
She married James Mahoney on September 20, 1941
at Saint Clare’s Catholic Church in Staten
Island. He predeceased her on May 2, 1964.
Mary retired as secretary from the Permutit
Company in Paramus, New Jersey. She relocated to
Edmeston to be with her son and daughter-in
–law, Jim and Debbie. She had a deep love of
family, and they in turn loved her.
Mary was a devoted reader, and had especially
enjoyed traveling Europe with her good friend
Virginia.
Her son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Debbie
Mahoney; her step-grandchildren Michael Feeley,
Julie and Matt Beers, and Seamus and Julia
Feeley; and two great grandchildren Lauren and
Jameson survive Mary.
A memorial Service will be held on Friday at
1:00 PM at the Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home,
Edmeston with Father John Burns officiating.
Interment will be private at St. John’s
Cemetery, Brooklyn
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Martin
(Marty) J. Maloney completed his journey of life
on August 31, 2006.
He was born on January 31, 1928 in Hornell, NY
the son of Thomas Francis and Helen (Ryan)
Maloney; and was raised by his step-mother
Winifred Frawley. Marty married Evelyn Sharo on
November 28, 1953. He was predeceased by his
brothers William and Thomas Maloney, and his
sister Mary Enouf.
Marty served in the Korean War, graduated from
Buffalo State and Albright Art School, which
began his career as an artist and educator.
Beginning as an art teacher in New Berlin,
Hayden-Winkleman School in Arizona,
Superintendent of Mt Upton Central School,
Deposit Central School, St. Mary’s in Keota,
Iowa and also Holy Family in Norwich. Marty
rounded off his career at BOCES in Chenango
County.
Marty lived his life waiting to meet his Lord &
Savior face to face. He was a devoted husband to
his “girlfriend & sweetie”, Evie, and cherished
his children & grandchildren.
Marty is survived by his wife of 53 years, Evie;
his children and their spouses Thomas (Dawn)
Maloney, Maureen (Daniel) Perry, Joann (Paul)
Page, Gretchen (James) Matt, Martin Maloney and
his fiancé Nicole, and Christopher (Christine)
Maloney; and 17 grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday
September 4, 2006 at 11:00 AM at the Church of
the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Edmeston with Father John Burns officiating.
Calling hours will be one hour prior at the
Church.
Interment will be held on Tuesday September 5,
2006 at 11:00 AM at Fairview Cemetery in New
Berlin.
Contributions may be made in Marty’s memory to
the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin
Mary, Edmeston.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Bethia A. Arnold, 65 of New Hartford went to
be with the Lord on Monday, August 28, 2006 at
St. Lukes-Faxton Hospital, Utica. She was born
March 10, 1941 in Utica, the daughter of David
and Hazel (Benjamin) Welch. On May 14, 1960 she
was united in marriage with Ralph Arnold at a
cottage on Summit Lake.
Bethia was a kind and
devoted wife and mother. She loved children and
especially enjoyed the times spent with her
grandchildren. Traveling through the New England
states and Florida brought her much happiness.
She liked to crochet and dining out was another
pleasure in her life. Along with her husband,
she was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church
in New Hartford
In addition to her husband, Ralph, she is
survived by her daughters: Sheila St. Hilaire
and Melissa Beach and her grandchildren:
Christine, Ryan and Andrew St. Hilaire and
Alexis and Ashley Beach.
Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday
August 30, 2006 at 2:00 PM at the Houk-Johnston-Terry
Funeral Home with Pastor Don Buck officiating.
Calling hours are Wednesday August 30, 2006 from
Noon to service time at the Funeral Home.
Contributions may be made in Bethia’s memory to
the American Cancer Society and envelopes will
be available at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Earl W.
Hickling, 87, of Edmeston went home to the Lord
on Sunday August 20, 2006.
He was born on
October 28, 1918 in Edmeston, the only child of
Walter J. and Nellie (Ward) Hickling. He
married Pearl Decker in 1942, she predeceased
him in 1964. Earl then married Grace
VanPelt in 1964; she also predeceased Earl in
1991. In 1991 he married Barbara Garrigan,
who passed away in 2001.
Earl was a devoted family man; always with a
smile, a twinkle in his eye, and a warm hug.
He was a member of the Second Baptist Church in
Edmeston, and the Wharton Valley Grange.
Earl retired as a chemical operator from Norwich
Eaton Pharmaceutical. He had love of
nature, and a fondness for animals great and
small.
His children Robert and Freda Hickling,
James and Christine Hickling, Shirley and Robert
Danaher, and Marilyn and Matthew Gagne; 12
grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren
survive Earl.
Besides his wives, his son John Hickling also
predeceased Earl in 1963.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday
August 24, 2006 at 11:00am at the Houk-Johnston-Terry
Funeral Home. Calling hours are Wednesday,
August 23, 2006 from 7:00pm - 9:00pm at the
Funeral Home.
Contributions may be made in Earl's memory to
the Edmeston Fire Department.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Charles
F. Turner, 88, of South Edmeston died peacefully
at home with his family and companion Florence
Card by his side.
He was born June 21, 1918 in Gilbertsville, the
son of Fred and Harriett (Ward) Turner.
Charles attended the local school, and then
began his career with the Unadilla Valley Rail
Road. He was track foreman when he made his next
career move to dairy farming working for David
Welch.
Charles enjoyed fishing, hunting small game,
tinkering on his cars, and riding with his
grandson Rick picking up used cars.
His sons Alfred Turner and Ernest Turner; his
daughter Jane Hall; 17 grandchildren, and
several great grandchildren survive Charles.
Committal services for Charles will be held on
Sunday August 13, 2006 at 4;00 PM at the West
Edmeston Cemetery with Rev. Beverly Butler
officiating.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
H.
Roger Nelsen, “Rog”, 77, of Garrattsville, died
peacefully at home on Sunday, July 09, 2006,
surrounded by family and friends. He was born
September 21, 1928, son of the late Henry and
Evelyn (Ockers) Nelsen in Sayville, Long Island,
New York. His sisters Iris and Dorothy and their
husbands predeceased him.
After graduating from Mineola High School in
1946, he joined the National Guard. He and
several of his high school friends were members
for seven years in the Rainbow Division and
trained at Fort Drum, N.Y.
He met Janet Schwarze in high school. They
married in 1951, built a house in Huntington,
Long Island and had two children, Peter and
Susanne. Rog was a partner with his father in
Nelsen’s Auto Parts, in Mineola, New York for
many years.
In 1968 Rog moved his family to Garrattsville
New York, where he and his nephew, Doug Coutlee,
started a dairy farm, Nelco Farms.
Later on, he was a parts manager at several
local auto dealerships in Cooperstown and then
worked at Pathfinder Village until he retired.
When he was a young boy, he worked as a pin boy
for a local bowling alley and became an avid
bowler, once competing in a ProAm bowling
tournament with Ray Bluth. During his life, Rog
enjoyed raising homing pigeons, fishing, boating
and snowmobiling. He loved going to horse shows
with his family and friends.
Rog enjoyed having all his children and
grandchildren gather at the family homestead for
holidays and special occasions. He was a devoted
family man, who always put everyone else before
himself. He loved to fix things around the house
and could always be seen on his John Deere
tractor with his favorite “JD” hat mowing the
lawn.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years,
Janet Nelsen, his two children and their
families; Peter and Sue Nelsen, of South
Windsor, CT and Susanne and Tim Eschler of
Garrattsville, NY; grandchildren, Holly Nelsen,
Daniel Nelsen, Candace Eschler and Dana Eschler;
and nephew Doug Coutlee along with several other
cousins, nieces and nephews.
We would like to extend our most sincere
appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the
Catskill-Area Hospice and At Home Care, Inc. for
their dedicated and loving care of Rog and our
family.
Calling hours will be held at the Houk-Johnson-Terry
Funeral Home in Edmeston on Friday, July 14 from
7PM to 9PM. A service will be held at 11am on
Saturday, July 15 at the Morgan-Jackson All
Faiths Chapel, Pathfinder Village with Joan Kuhn
Terry officiating followed by burial at
Hillington Cemetery in Morris, N.Y. at 1pm.
Contributions may be made in Rogers memory to
Catskill Area Hospice, envelopes will be
available at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Charlotte Ruth Wadsworth, 81, of Utica, went
home to the Lord early Saturday morning at
Lorretto Utica Center Nursing Home.
She was born August 24, 1924 in Old Forge, the
daughter of Maynard and Florence (Covey) Jones.
She married Frank Wadsworth on August 5, 1944.
He predeceased her on February 7, 2001.
Charlotte
graduated from Sauquoit, She was a devoted
member to the Herkimer Baptist Church, and had
served as past President of the Cassville Fire
Department Auxiliary. She and her husband Frank
owned and operated the Wadsworth Store, a local
mom & pop grocery store, in Cassville. Later
Charlotte & Frank owned the Bon-Star Farm in
Cassville. Charlotte was also talented with her
hands producing fine knitting, crocheting, and
needle point.
Her husband Frank; her daughter Bonnie Lou, who
had died in 1961; and her brother Maynard, who
had died during WWII, predeceased Charlotte. Her
brothers and wives: Raymond & Grace Jones, and
Richard and Barbara Jones; her sister-in-law
Grace Bendix; and numerous nieces & nephews
survive Charlotte.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June
27, 2006 at 11:00 am at the Houk-Johnston-Terry
Funeral Home, Edmeston with Rev. Fred Wadsworth
officiating. Calling hours are one hour prior to
the service. Interment will follow at
Norwich Cemetery, Litchfield.
Contributions may be made in her memory to the
Cassville Fire House or the Lorretto Utica
Center Nursing Home, Utica.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Hedwig
(Hedy) Walicki, 89, of Edmeston died late Friday
evening June 16, 2006 at The Manor with her
grandchild Alicia by her side.
She was born October 15, 1916 in Brooklyn the
daughter of Adam and Michalina ( Rymaszewski)
Cwirko. She married Joseph Walicki on
June 16,
1935. He predeceased her in September 1986.
Hedy was a devout woman, and lead her life in a
very precise and accurate manner. She graduated
from High School at 15. She loved knitting,
baking, and sewing. She herself had been taught
to sew at 4, and in turn taught many young
children if asked.
Hedy’s first job was in a sewing factory,
piecework paid, in Brooklyn. After her marriage,
she and her husband operated an Ice Cream Parlor
before they moved to Burlington where they
started a farm. Hedy loved sharing her farming
life with all of her city friends, and
especially proud that she could use every part
of a pig. She had a huge garden and would can
everything, make her own butter, and for the
special people in her life she would make
Strawberry-Rhubarb pies. She and her husband
retired from farming in 1986.
Hedy was also a night supervisor for the Otsego
School, and 4-H leader. She was the oldest
member and past reader of the Church of the
Nativity and Blessed Virgin Mary in Edmeston.
Her daughter Theresa Walicka; her grandchildren
and spouses Alicia & Brian Bowen, Michael &
Wendy Albrecht, James Wolff Jr.& Lisa, and
Gregory & Osa Wolff; her great grandchildren
Joshua and Justin Bowen, Mitchell and Jamie
Albrecht, and Katie and Adam Wolff survive
Hedy. Her brother Walter Cwirko, and her
daughter Barbara Albrecht predeceased her.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday June
20, 2006 at 10:00 am at the Church of the
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Edmeston
with Father John Burns officiating. Interment
will follow at Edmeston Union Cemetery.
Calling hours are Monday from 5-8 pm at the Houk
Johnston-Terry Funeral Home, Edmeston, with a
prayer service to be held at 7:30 pm.
Contributions may be made in Hedy’s memory to
the Edmeston Emergency Squad or Catskill Area
Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the
funeral home.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Elizabeth "Beth" Walsh, August 14th, 1944 - June
9th, 2006.
The dash represents memories that will never
fade of old country songs, knitting, coloring
books, and the adventures of the 3B’s.
Beth, you are to be remembered by your family,
and all those who have been blessed to know you.
"To live in the hearts of those we leave behind,
is to never die." - Campbell
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Dorothy
M. Maier, 91, of Edmeston died peacefully on May
24, 2006 at Chase Nursing Home, New Berlin.
She was born January 18, 1915 in St. Johnsville
and was raised by her maternal grandparents Ira.
J. and Cora (McLaughlin) Nellis. She married
Edmund Maier on October 6, 1940. He predeceased
her on May 21, 1993.
Dorothy graduated from St. Johnsville with a
regent Diploma. She attended Russell Sage
College in Troy, NY and received her BA in
Elementary Education from the University of
Michigan in Ann Arbor. Dorothy taught at Moravia
Central School, the Knox school for Girls, Lemon
Grove Elementary in California, and retired from
Fort Plain Central School.
Dorothy was a member of the New York State
Retired Teachers Association, AARP, the National
Wildlife Federation, and CLA (Cat Lovers of
America). She had a great fondness and concern
for animals, be it her cats, her collie, and at
one time her horse. Dorothy was a devoted
educator and loved to learn. She enjoyed her
flower garden, and traveling the United States
of America.
Her sons and spouses Wayne and Veronica Maier,
Richard J. and Ann Maier; her grandchildren and
their spouses Christopher and Marena Maier, John
and Donna Maier, and Richard C. Maier; her two
great grandchildren Blake and Cody Maier survive
Dorothy.
At private committal service will be held at
Edmeston Union Cemetery.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Charles “Chuck” Geiger of Edmeston, NY, formerly
of Lower Township, NJ, passed away suddenly on
May 12, 2006. Aged 46 years.
Chuck is survived by his loving mother Marie
Geiger of Mantua, NJ, two precious children
Amanda and Chuck, Jr. of New Bedford, Mass.,
dear aunt Charleen Bevans of Mantua, NJ, brother
Wayne Geiger of Philadelphia, PA, two sisters
June Simon of Washington Twp., NJ and Donna
Lally of Ft. Belvoir, VA.
Also survived by his
dear friend and companion Suzanne Elliot of
Edmeston, NY.
He is pre-deceased by his father Charles Geiger
and grandparents Charles and Marie Bevans.
Services and Internment will be private.
Donations in his memory may be made to “Geiger
Children College Trust Fund” c/o Commerce Bank,
148 N. Main St., Mullica Hill, NJ 08062
Laurie
Ann Ray, 38, of Binghamton, died tragically May
3, 2006 at her home in Binghamton while trying
heroically to save her children.
She was born November 11, 1967 in Norwich, the
daughter of Kenneth and Hilda (Matthews)
Eastman. She married Michael Ray on August 26,
1989.
Laurie graduated from Edmeston Central School in
1986, and had thoroughly enjoyed being an active
member of the Edmeston Color Guard. She
continued her education in the field of nursing
and was pinned LPN on January 30, 1987.
Her career in nursing stemmed from her core
being of caring and giving to others. A mile
from her home in Binghamton resided an elderly
man who was in need. She would walk to his home
often to change his bandages, and to share her
kind spirit of encouragement with him. She was
employed by Willow Point Nursing Home, where
many had warmly loved her.
Family was so important to Laurie, and camping
seemed to be the best way to keep her children
happy and together. Gilbert Lake was the
favorite spot to fish, boat, swim, and share
good times with her own family and her sisters’
families. These memories cannot be taken away;
all who loved her will savor them.
Her beloved husband Mike; her precious daughter
Courtney; her loving parents Kenneth and Hilda
Eastman; her stepchildren; her companion sisters
Sherry Johnson, Teresa Kopp, and Diane Rifanburg;
and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and
friends survive Laurie.
Memorial Services will be held on May 12, 2006
at 3:00 Pm at the Second Baptist Church,
Edmeston with Rev. Jay Noll officiating.
Contributions may be made in memory of Laurie,
Kenny, Alicia, and Kristie to their daughter and
sister Courtney Ray care of the Eastman Family,
225 Axtel Road, Edmeston, NY 13335.
Kenneth Lee Eastman Ray, 16, of Binghamton died
tragically at his home on May 3rd, 2006.
He was born August 14, 1989 in Cooperstown, the
son of Michael and Laurie (Eastman) Ray.
Kenny attended Binghamton School District and
was looking forward to completing 10th grade and
summer vacation.
He was a typical teenager who loved the various
video games, the camaraderie of family and
friends. From an early age he enjoyed fixing
things, when younger he was not always
successful. But his determination carried him to
working on vehicles. His current fix-r-upper was
his truck.
Kenny was also very proud of his
parents being members of the Binghamton
Auxiliary Police.
His father Mike, and his dear sister Courtney;
his devoted grandparents Kenneth and Hilda
Eastman; stepbrothers and stepsisters; and many
loving Aunts, Uncles, special cousins,
schoolmates and friends, survive Kenny.
Memorial Services will be held on May 12, 2006
at 3:00 Pm at the Second Baptist Church,
Edmeston with Rev. Jay Noll officiating.
Contributions may be made in memory of Laurie,
Kenny, Alicia, and Kristie to their daughter and
sister Courtney Ray care of the Eastman Family,
225 Axtel Road, Edmeston, NY 13335.
Alicia Marie Ray, 15, of Binghamton, died
tragically on May 3, 2006.
She was born April 17, 1991 in Cooperstown, the
daughter of Michael and Laurie (Eastman) Ray.
Alicia was a student at Binghamton High in 9th
grade. She had already decided her career path
would be Teaching English.
She so loved her books, especially Harry Potter.
But reading was not her only love; she also
appreciated music and was studying guitar and
violin. Each summer she could be found at
Gilbert Lake fishing rod in hand, soaking up
nature and her family. She enjoyed camping and
hanging out with her companions from school.
Her loving father Mike, and older sister
Courtney; her supportive grandparents Kenneth
and Hilda Eastman; stepbrothers and stepsisters;
and many loving Aunts, Uncles, special cousins,
schoolmates and friends, survive Alicia.
Memorial Services will be held on May 12, 2006
at 3:00 Pm at the Second Baptist Church,
Edmeston with Rev. Jay Noll officiating.
Contributions may be made in memory of Laurie,
Kenny, Alicia, and Kristie to their daughter and
sister Courtney Ray care of the Eastman Family,
225 Axtel Road, Edmeston, NY 13335.
Kristie Mae Ray, 10, of Binghamton died May 3,
2006 as her mother Laurie tried to guide her
brother Kenny, sister Alicia, and herself to
safety from their home fire.
She was born February 11, 1996, in Norwich the
daughter of Michael and Laurie (Eastman) Ray.
Kristie was a fourth grade student at Woodrow
Wilson Elementary School in Binghamton. Like her
sister Alicia, she possessed a love of books and
wanted to be well educated.
Her goal for the school year was to read 2000
books; she finished over 1600. She too, would be
found at Gilbert Lake in the summer fishing road
in hand, or hiking near by the family campsite
investigating nature. Typical for her age she
had a collection of Brat Dolls, and an
assortment of stuffed animals. She loved all in
her family.
Her daddy Mike, and role model sister Courtney;
her proud grandparents Kenneth and Hilda
Eastman; stepbrothers and stepsisters; and many
loving Aunts, Uncles, special cousins,
schoolmates and friends, survive Kristie.
Memorial Services will be held on May 12, 2006
at 3:00 Pm at the Second Baptist Church,
Edmeston with Rev. Jay Noll officiating.
Contributions may be made in memory of Laurie,
Kenny, Alicia, and Kristie to their daughter and
sister Courtney Ray care of the Eastman Family,
225 Axtel Road, Edmeston, NY 13335.
Willard I. Douglas, 75, formerly of Edmeston,
died Tuesday morning March 7, 2006 at Harding
Nursing Home in Waterville.
He was born September 3, 1930 in Hartwick, the
son of Owen and Helen (Markel) Douglas. He
married Esther Cornish on September 17, 1950.
Esther predeceased Willard on May 10, 2001.
Willard loved farming. After he retired from
Dairy his hobbies included raising herefords,
tinkering around the farm, in the barn, or in
the garage.
He enjoyed time, while at Harding,
discussing the restoration of his 1949 Cockshutt
tractor with his son-in-law.
Willard had a gregarious and warm personality.
While living in Edmeston he would socialize at
what was then known as Schworms store. More
recently he would frequent Quacks in Madison for
lunch. He enjoyed his independence from Harding
on nice days with a trip to Stewarts or going
out and about with friends or family in his van.
He enjoyed caring for animals, especially his
cats.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday March
10, 2006 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church
of West Edmeston with Rev. Don Buck officiating.
Calling hours will be from noon till 2:00 PM
prior to the service.
Interment will be in the spring at Milford
Cemetery.
Willard is survived by his sister Charlotte
Harrington of Morris, his children and their
spouses Marylyn and Don Fenton of Summerville
SC, Pamela and William Lewis of Remsen, and
Scott Douglas and his girlfriend Marleta Munio
of New Berlin; his grandchildren Bryan Fenton
and Aimee Gethers; and great grandchildren
Brandon, Dyon, Macey, Andrew, and Justin Jr.
His brothers Ronald and Barry Douglas also
predeceased Willard.
Contributions may be made in Willard’s name to
Harding Nursing Home, 220 Tower Street,
Waterville, NY 13480 or the MS Society.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Bertha
A. Dockstader, 89, of Pittsfield, was reunited
with her husband and son, as she went home to
her Lord on February 24, 2006.
She was born September 10, 1916 in Edmeston, the
daughter of Floyd and Mina (Carleton) Rose. She
married Frederick M. Dockstader on her birthday,
September 10, 1936 when she was twenty years
old. He predeceased her on December 7, 1992.
Bertha was a pillar of a woman, standing tall
and firm in her convictions. She bestowed an
easy smile, and remained loyal to her family
whenever there was a need. Her first career was
as a telephone operator in New Berlin, when you
only needed the last four digits to make a phone
call. Later Webb & Sons in New Berlin employed
her.
Bertha loved various television programs, and
enjoyed playing the organ and piano. She was a
talented gardener with flowers and with
vegetables. Many will remember her as the aka:
Den Mother for the area youth in the 1950’s. Her
home welcomed all as additional members of the
family, while she supplied them with beverages
and pizza.
Her sisters Wilma Bennett, Betty Lou Lamb; her
nephews, nieces, and numerous cousins survive
Bertha.
Besides her husband Frederick and her son
Richard; her sisters Mabel Dye, Eva Dye,
Beatrice Kibler, Beverly Weldon; and her
brothers Kenneth Rose and Buddy Rose predeceased
Bertha.
Funeral Services will on Sunday, February 26,
2006 at 3:00 pm at the Houk-Johnston-Terry
Funeral Home with Pastor Jay Henderson
officiating. Call hours are from 1:00 – 3:00
prior to the service on Sunday.
Burial will be in the spring at Edmeston Union
Cemetery
Contributions may be made in Bertha’s memory to
the Catskill Area Hospice & Palatine Care.
Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
Barrett T. Welch, 89, of West Edmeston died
Monday February 6, 2006 at the Masonic Home in
Utica.
He was born February 11, 1916 in Utica, the son
of Isaac Talbot Welch and Clara Barrett. He
married Phyllis Warner on June 2, 2002.
Barrett was a life-long member and former Deacon
of the First Baptist Church of West Edmeston.
His life-long love was horses.
He grew up
trading draft horses in the family business, and
was President of I.T. & C.A. Welch & Sons. When
tractors overtook horseflesh, their firm became
known for trading dairy cattle throughout the
northeastern states and Florida. Their reach
spread as far as Israel in the 1950’s, supplying
many cattle to that nation’s fledgling dairy
industry. He and his cousin/partner, David
Welch, founded Welch Livestock Market. He
enjoyed working, not behind a desk, but out in
the field. He valued good work ethics, had a
strong belief in the Lord that guided him
throughout his life.
Barrett was founding President of the NYS
Cattleman’s Association, and for 54 years was a
Director of Central National Bank. A member of
the Masonic Fraternity, he was a member of
Farmers Lodge No. 553, Free and Accepted Masons
in Edmeston, and had also passed through the
degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry, having
attained the 32nd Degree. His interest in horses
continued as a founding partner in Vernon Downs,
and a frequent judge at regional draft horse
shows. A respected business and community man,
his hand was always open to family, friends and
strangers alike.
His loving and devoted wife Phyllis; his three
children and their spouses Mary and Warren Camp,
Isaac and Mary Welch, Clara Mae and Gus VanBrink;
13 grandchildren: Katrina Higgins Jones,
Barrett, Kevin & Christopher Higgins; Timothy
Camp Amy Camp Beck, Erin Camp Lynch; Gregory,
Laura & Adam Welch; Halicine VanBrink DuBose,
Analyn & Whitney VanBrink; and 19 great
grandchildren and several nieces and nephews
survive Barrett.
His daughter Bertha Andrews, and his sister
Elizabeth Lockerbie predeceased Barrett.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday
February 11, 2006 at 1:00 PM at the First
Baptist Church of West Edmeston with Rev. Don
Buck officiating. Calling hours will be held
prior to the service on Saturday from 10:30 AM
till 1:00 PM.
Contributions may be made in Barrett’s memory to
the West Edmeston Baptist Church.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral
Home, Edmeston.
CHARLOTTE
ELIZABETH (McElroy) MANN, 96, of Burlington, NY
(formerly of Old Tappan & Paramus) died Saturday,
Jan.14, at Burnt Tavern Rehabilitation & Health Care
Center, Brick, NJ.
She was born in a thatched cottage,
"Kiltycreighton", Boyle, Co. Roscommon, Ireland,
the daughter of George and Anne McElroy. At age 91 she
visited and slept in the room in which she was born. She
was predeceased by three sisters; Kathleen, Georgina
(killed in London bombing WWII), Ellen (Nellie) and five
brothers; William, Arthur, George (Bertie), Sam and
Jack.
She is survived by a brother Tom (wife, Ivy) of
Nottingham, England. Also two sisters-in-law, Mel and
Mavis (in Ireland) and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
She came to the U.S.A. in 1925. She was very proud of
her Irish heritage but was most proud of "becoming a US
citizen by choice instead of by accident."
She was an
Episcopalian (Church of England).
She graduated from The Boyle School in Ireland and
the Egan School of Business in Hackensack, New Jersey.
She held various positions in her lifetime; a
shopkeeper, waitress, secretary to a lawyer and to the
pathologist of Hackensack Hospital. Then, a wife,
homemaker and wonderful mother. After moving to New York
she became employed by the State of New York as the
activities director at "The Meadows" nursing home in
Cooperstown. She was loved by the patients and her
co-workers. She and her husband also owned and operated
a campground "El-Jen-Kay Ranch" (named after their first
three grandchildren. The camp store was later named
“Kenny’s Shack”) on their beloved 65-acre farm in
Burlington until retiring in 1980.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 67 years,
John Leo Mann, in June, l997.
Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Charlotte and
Kenneth Bergmann, Point Pleasant, New Jersey; three
granddaughters and their spouses, Elizabeth and Thomas
Mahon, Point Pleasant; Jennifer and Frank Ruzicka,
Easton, Pennsylvania;
Kathleen and William Luell, Friendswood, Texas and one
grandson, Kenneth Bergmann, Jr. and Judy Eskelson,
Brick, New Jersey; three great-grandchildren, Sara,
Melissa and William IV, Texas.
She was very energetic and loved children, story telling
(composed them as she spoke), animals, gardening,
knitting, cooking, entertaining, climbing “her
mountains,“ traveling and playing golf into her 90’s
with her “girlfriends.”
Visiting hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the
Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home, Edmeston, NY. Her
funeral service will follow at 7 pm with Father Charles
Taylor officiating.
Burial will in the spring at The Butternut Valley Brick
School House Cemetery, Burlington. Arrangements by
Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home, Edmeston.
