Thursday, July 28, 2011

Michelle A. Ayers

Wellsville, NY - Michelle A. Ayers, 41, of 53 South Main Street died on Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the home of her sister in Wellsville, following a long battle with cancer. She was born March 16, 1970 in Dansville, the daughter of George and Eleanor (Mosher) Ayers.

Michelle was a lifelong resident of Wellsville and a graduate of Wellsville High School. She was a cafeteria employee at Wellsville Central School and a hostess at Manor Hills.

She is survived by two daughters, Amanda (Gordon) Ordiway of Wellsville and Theresa Kuzara and her fiancé Kyle O'Dell both of Wellsville, one son, Dillon Ayers of Wellsville, one sister, Melissa (Ray Belen) Ayers of Wellsville, three grandchildren, Adrian, Morgan and Adian, two nephews, Tom Miles and Julian Belen as well as one uncle, several cousins and a special friend, John Bartow of Wellsville

Friends are invited to call on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be Monday, August, 1, 2011 at 2:00 pm in the funeral home with Rev. Robin George presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society or any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Alice J. Meyers McHenry

Wellsville, NY - Alice J. Meyers McHenry's life ended on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Jones Memorial Hospital with her family at her side. My life was the best and most fulfilled life that anyone could wish for. I loved life and cherished each and everyday.

I was the proud mother of five daughters who will continue my love of life; Deborah Meyers (Blair) Buchholz of Wellsville, Steff Meyers (Rich) Miller of Sylacauga, AL, Valerie "Babe" (Lisa Hays) Meyers of Birmingham, AL, Arienne "Jo" Meyers (Casey) Conroy of York, PA and Karina "KC" Meyers Bronke of South Deerfield, MA. I am also the very proud grandmother to, Ashley, Georgia, Patrick, Ryan, Sarah, Daniel, Peter, Marissa and Johnathan, and step-children, Robert and Vicki.

I was born in Olean on October, 4, 1934 the daughter of Dr. Edmond and Faith (Neother) Osgood. My husbands, Les Meyers and Jim McHenry have predeceased me. I was raised in Belfast and graduated from Belfast High School. In my lifetime I worked as a dishwasher, cook and housekeeper. I was also employed at Lane's Drugs, Ponche's Red & White in Belfast, Dinnion Coil and the Pajama Factory in Fillmore. I found my purpose and second home in Wellsville working as a Children's Librarian at The David A. Howe Public Library. My job and the community of Wellsville were always a great source of joy in my life and always offered hope, strength, respect and a reason to fight to stay young. In my lifetime I enjoyed food, music, books and films. I thrived on the dark sound of thunder, rain and laughter. I loved life. I leave this message:
When you remember me
If you remember me
This isn't the way I want it to be
Or I'd be with you now
But wherever you go ~ my love goes with you.
Friends are invited to visit with my family on Friday, July 15, 2011 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. At my request, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations in my memory may be made to the organization of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Pearl E. Childress

Wellsville, NY - Pearl E. Childress, 93, of 4192B Bolivar Road died on Monday, July 11, 2011 shortly after arrival at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born March 18, 1918 in Mayburg, PA, the daughter of George and Eunice (Keifer) Shepard. On December 31, 1938 in Mayburg she married John E. Childress who predeceased her on February 21, 1981.

Pearl was employed for many years at the Allegany County Office for the Aging. She enjoyed Bingo, traveling with her daughters and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by two daughters, Darlene (Tom) Caschera and Arlene Lehman both of Wellsville, 13 grandchildren, Cherise Lehman, Jeff Padden, Kevin Caschera, Rhonda Lorshbaugh, Denny Padden, Steve Caschera, Kim Arnold, Amy Padden, Scott Burdick, LuAnn Dixon, Michele Platt, Kris Caschera and Shawn Lehman, 30 great grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren and several nieces& nephews. She was predeceased by two daughters, Marlene Padden on July 7, 2007 and Sharlene Burdick on January 12, 2004, four sisters, Delores Sibble, Ruth Zaffino, Opal Littlefield and Virginia Williams and two son-in-laws, Terry Lehman and Maxon Burdick.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, July 14, 2011 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 8:00 pm Thursday in the funeral home with Rev. Ralph Eastlack presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Office for the Aging, Jones Memorial Hospital of any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Lois Murdough Smith (100)

Lois Murdough Smith (100), mother, friend, librarian and involved citizen of Alfred, New York, died on July 11, 2011 at Wellsville Manor, in Wellsville, New York.

Lois was born in Boston on September 10, 1910. In 1940 she married C. Duryea Smith, III, Chairman of Alfred University's Department of Speech and Drama, and moved to Alfred, NY, where she resided for 67 years. Her husband died in 1977. They had two children, Charles Duryea Smith, IV and Jennifer Anne Smith Fajman, who both reside in Maryland.

In 1932, Lois graduated from Simmons College with a degree in Library Science and became a children's librarian at the New York City Public Library. She worked for Anne Carroll Moore, the founder of children's libraries in the United States. In 1937, she moved to Wellsville, NY to establish the Children's Library at the David A. Howe Public Library. After 34 years as a librarian with faculty status, she retired in 1974 from the State University of New York College of Ceramics at Alfred University.

Lois was active in the Alfred community. During the time when her children were growing up, she became a Girl Scout leader and the President of the Alfred Almond Central School PTA in 1955. Lois was active in theater, working with the University's Footlight Club to support theater productions and being a strong participant in the Wee Playhouse. She was a founding member of the Reading Rots the Mind book club and was a principal founder and member of the Board of Directors of the Alfred Housing Committee. She was also a member of the Amadine Club. Lois was an active participant in the 1989 Nuclear Dump Fight ("Bump the Dump"), which was successful in stopping the plan to dispose of radioactive nuclear waste in Allegany County. In 2006, Lois received Alfred University's Honorary Alumnus Award, given annually to one person a year, for their interest, allegiance and service to the University and its alumni.

In 2007, Lois moved to Wellsville Manor in Wellsville, NY, because of her progressively worsening case of dementia. She resided there for her last four years and was often visited by her many friends and family. When Lois turned 100, her family and numerous friends from throughout the country attended her birthday party at the David A. Howe Public Library in Wellsville.

Lois is survived by her son Charles (Ruth) and her daughter Jennifer (Roger). She is also survived by her sister, Grace Murdough Chace of Chevy Chase, Maryland, and her nephews Bill, Paul and Jon Chace and Jimmy Murdough. She was predeceased by her husband, her four brothers and her parents.

Donations in Lois' memory may be made to Alfred University (Attn: The C. Duryea Smith III and Lois M. Smith Fund), Alfred, NY 14802. The Fund is used to support theater activities at the University. Alternatively, the family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an organization of your choice.

A memorial service will be held in Alfred at a later date and will be announced as soon as the arrangements are made.

To leave on line condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Philip J. Wulf Sr.

Allentown, NY - Philip J. Wulf Sr. of High Street in Allentown passed away at home on Saturday, July 9, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was born on September 15, 1945 in Erie, PA. to Fred and Jane (Avey) Wulf. On July 3, 1967 he married Carole Moore who survives.

Phil was a veteran of the US Army serving during the mid 1960's stationed in Germany. He was a 39 year employee of Dresser Rand in Wellsville, from where he retired in 2007, and enjoyed golfing and hunting. Phil had been a member of the VFW Post in Port Allegany, the American Legion Post in Bolivar and the Moose Lodge in Port Allegany.

Surviving besides his wife Carole include: a son Philip J. Wulf Jr. of Allentown; a daughter, Cheryl (Tom) Dannheim of Allentown; 6 grandchildren, Matthew, Tim and Jon Dannheim, Elizabeth (Al) Fountain, Kyle and Jennifer Wulf; 2 great grandsons, Landon and Logan; 3 sisters, Sue (Vince) Bellian of Tucson, AZ., Nora (Jim) Carpenter of Jessup, PA. and Penny (Ray) Robbins of Scranton, PA.; 2 brothers, Gilbert Barr of Scranton, PA. and Roy (Rose) Barr of Factoryville, PA.; and aunt and uncle, Pat (Dan) Delmonto of Colden; several nieces and nephews.

Phil was predeceased by his parents, his loving grandparents Roy and Nora Avey and 2 brothers, Michael and Fred Jr.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville from 6 to 8 pm at which time a funeral service will be held. Rev. Glen Layfield will preside and military honors will follow the service. Phil's burial will take place on Thursday at 11 at the Fairview Cemetery in Port Allegany. Memorials in Phil's name may be made to the Salvation Army serving the Wellsville Area. To leave on line condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Shirley Ann Cannioto

Wellsville, NY - Shirley Ann Cannioto of 689 Trapping Brook Road passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2011, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center after a brief illness. She was born on May 28, 1936 in Belmont to Ariel and Bertha Edwards Doty.

Shirley worked for Jan and Bev's as a home health care aide. She enjoyed her work and the people she cared for retiring in 1995. She enjoyed gardening as well as listening to country music bands in Wellsville, Coudersport and Scio.

Survivors include: 6 children; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; a brother, Homer (Carol) Doty of Belmont.

As per Carol's request there will be no services and memorials in her name may be given to Home Care and Hospice. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Erwin Amos Buchholz

Wellsville , NY - Erwin Amos Buchholz, a lifetime resident of Wellsville, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2011, at his home on the Hallsport Road. He was born on July 6, 1929, the third of eleven children born to Harry and Florence (Fanton) Buchholz. He was united in marriage with Margaret Carol Hardy on August 30, 1950, and then shared almost 61 years as husband and wife.

Erwin, known to his family and friends as Herb, graduated from Wellsville High School in 1947 and was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He worked for many years in the shipping department of Air Preheater, retiring in 1991. Since his retirement he worked part time for a number of years for McDonalds and afterwards for the Wellsville Country Club. He also served for a number of years on the Board for the Stannards Cemetery Association.

Herb was an extremely generous and caring man. He and Margaret are well known for selling wood over many years, but they have also been known to give many cords to those in need. He was a wonderful and faithful husband, father, brother and friend, always seeking to meet the needs of others whenever he could.

Survivors include his widow, Margaret, a daughter, Connie (Ken) Winters; 2 sons, Blair (Deb) Buchholz and George (Paula) Buchholz: 8 grandchildren, Laura (Berny) Salvaggio, Jack Buchholz, Ashley (Jason) Millard, Allena Buchholz, Melissa Webster, Emily Winters, Georgia Buchholz and Felicia Diehl: 5 great grandchildren, Aubrey, Arianna, Kevin, Annie and Blakey: 2 sisters, Jane (Jr.) Kernan and Joyce (Larry) Arbogast; 3 brothers, Oscar {Diane) Buchholz, Virgil (Marian) Buchholz and Galen "Pete" (Liz) Buchholz.

Herb was predeceased by his parents, 5 brothers, Leonard "Jim", Alwin, Richard, Mark and Earl Buchholz; His youngest child Debbie Lou Allen and a grandson Chad Webster.

A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Friends are welcomed to stop at the house to pay their respects to Margaret and the family. Memorials in Herb's name may be made to either the American Cancer Society or the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.