Saturday, November 26, 2011

Sonya Kay Hurd

Erie, PA - Sonya Kay Hurd, a former resident of Scio, passed away on Thursday November 24 at the Hamot Medical Center in Erie following a lengthy illness. She was born on January 28, 1971 in Wellsville to Louis and Cynthia Crance Hurd.

Sonya Kay graduated from Scio Central High School in 1989. She worked as a bank teller in Illinois and later was a case worker in Erie PA. She enjoyed drawing, painting, reading, computer work and her friends. A great joy in her life was her cats, Zeke and Howie and her dog Jake.

She is survived by her father, Louis (Jane) Hurd of Belmont and her mother Cynthia Crance of Erie, PA. and her maternal grandmother, Helen Crance of Scio. Brothers, Jerome Hurd, Gary Brownell Jr. and Brent Platt; sisters Tammy Scharet, Terri Santiago, Monique Brownell, Tracy Platt Ledis and Alisha Sands; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, November 28, at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Sonya Kay's funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday at 11am with Rev. Glen Layfield presiding. Burial will take place in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Judith D. "Judy" Austin

Wellsville, NY - Judith D. "Judy" Austin, 66, of 3031 Truax Road passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at her home with her family at her side. She was born March 7, 1945 in Wellsville the daughter of the late Frederick and Delphine (Moyer) Wightman. On January 31, 1975 in Wellsville she married Roy W. Austin who predeceased her February 24, 2005.

Judy was raised in Wellsville and was a 1963 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was formerly employed in Wellsville at Loblaws, Super Duper, and Big N and at the Housing Department of Alfred State College. She later owned and operated several rental properties and a trucking company with her husband. She was a member of Brookside Wesleyan Church, where she enjoyed teaching and working with children. She also enjoyed camping and spending time with her family.

She is survived by two step-daughters, Cheryl (William) Williams of Wellsville and Tara Austin of Liverpool, one step-son, William (Rebecca) Austin of Andover, two sisters, Ann M. Clark of Canisteo and Susie Wightman of Wellsville, one brother, Dennis Wightman of Wellsville as well as several grandchildren, aunts, nieces, nephews and a loving family friend, Melody Elias of Wellsville and a very special friend, Anne Williams of Wellsville. She was predeceased in addition to her husband of 30 years by a step-daughter, Debbie Spizzirri.

Friends are invited to call today, November 18, 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. The funeral will be Saturday at 2:00 pm in the funeral home with Rev. Robin George presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Brookside Wesleyan Church or the American Cancer Society. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Robert F. Osgood

Greenhurst, NY - Robert F. Osgood, 89, of 3023 Route 430 died on Monday, November 14, 2011 at the Heritage Green Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facility. He was born December 17, 1921 in Belmont, NY the son of the late Arthur E. and Florence M. (Adams) Osgood.

Robert formerly resided in Belmont where he worked on the family farm for many years. He later moved to the Jamestown area and resided at Tanglewood Manor and the Union Gospel Mission before moving to Heritage Green. For many years he traveled to the Food Bank in Buffalo as a volunteer with the Mission Ministry.

He is survived by several cousins. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by two half- sisters, Pauline VanCampen and Marion Hardy and one half-brother, Harold Osgood.

Friends are invited to a graveside service on Friday, November 18, 2011 at 11:30 am at Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont, NY with Rev. Richard Hurd presiding. Memorial donations may be sent to Union Gospel Mission in Jamestown, NY. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Viola Beryl Watts

Belmont, NY - Viola Beryl Watts passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 12, 2011, at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville. Viola was born on October 4, 1933 in Minot, North Dakota to Melvin and Ione (Graves) Coad. She attended Minot State College and on March 7, 1953 she married Air Force Airman 1st Class George B. Watts who predeceased her.

In 1954 she and her husband moved to Abington Maryland where Mr. Watts was a self employed roofing contractor. In 1967 they moved to New York State where they operated dairy farms in Jasper and later in Belmont. Viola was a long time employee of ACME Electric in Cuba until her retirement in 1999 at the age of 67. She enjoyed bingo, playing cards and going to the casino. She was also an avid attendee of area flea markets where she bought and sold items. Viola especially enjoyed time spent with her family.

She was the proud mother of 5 children; Kathleen (Daniel Sr.) Ziolkowski of Edgewood, MD., Gregory Watts of Seattle, WA., Pamela (Stephen) Green of Friendship, Debora Watts of Fairbanks, AK., and Brenda (Timothy) Slade of Belmont. Viola is additionally survived by 2 brothers, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews as well as her beloved and precious dog, Moe.

Viola was predeceased by her parents, Melvin and Ione, a sister Margene and her beloved husband, George.

A graveside service and burial will take place in Jappa, Maryland at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Dawn Elaine (Hargrave) Reagan

Wellsville, NY - Dawn Elaine (Hargrave) Reagan passed away on Friday, November 11, 2011 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. She met the Lord in the presence of her husband David A. Reagan of 38 years as well as close family and friends.

Dawn was born August 10, 1951 in LeRoy, N.Y. to Earl and Gladys Hargrave. She was a 1969 graduate of Addison High School and a 1972 graduate of Saint Joseph's School of Nursing, Elmira, NY. She married David A. Reagan on July 28, 1973 at Saint Catherine's Church in Addison, N.Y.

Dawn's career in nursing has included jobs at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, NY, Ira Davenport Hospital in Bath, NY, Savona Central School, Steuben County Infirmary in Bath, NY, Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, NY, Allegany County Dept. of Health in Belmont, NY, and the Wellsville Elementary School in Wellsville, NY where she worked for the past 16 years preceding retirement due to health concerns.

Dawn was an avid lover of nature, seeing God's love and beauty in the birds, trees, flowers, and animals around her. Dawn was a talented artist and gifted poet, using her words to bring love and life to family and friends. Dawn will be remembered for the love and affection she had for her patients, young and old, in her capacity as the Wellsville Elementary school nurse. She had an uncanny ability to make bad days "all better". Some of the nurses who cared for Dawn in her final days recall being cared for by "Nurse Dawn" as young children.

In addition to her husband, David, she is survived by her son, Devon (Shaye) Reagan of Wellsville; Mary Katherine (Chris) Gaines of Blacksburg, VA; and son Timothy Reagan of Wellsville. She is predeceased by her father, Earl Hargrave and is survived by her mother, Gladys (Purcel) Hargrave. Surviving siblings include Thomas (Vicky) Hargrave, Deborah (Barry) Hoad, Terri (George) Farrand, Tina (Wally Bahomey) Hargrave, Tammy (Randy) Dunn, and Timothy (Lisa) Hargrave. She is predeceased by three brothers, James, Tracy, and Todd Hargrave. Numerous nieces and nephews are also recognized as survivors.

Dawn was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, NY. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority where she held many offices over the years and attended several National Conventions. Dawn was on the Board of Directors of the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville, NY.

Dawn's family will receive friends on Monday Nov. 14th at Embser's Funeral Home in Wellsville, NY from 6-9 PM., also on Tuesday Nov. 15th at Carpenter-Flint Funeral Home in Addison, NY from 6-9 PM. Funeral Mass to be held at St Catherine's Church in Addison, NY on Wednesday, Nov. 16th at 11 A.M. Memorials can go to Comfort House of Allegany County, Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, NY, or to the charity of choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Glenn Edward Hornburg

Wellsville, NY - Glenn Edward Hornburg, 91, of 2938 Truax Road passed away on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at Highland Park Rehabilitation Center. He was born on June 8, 1920 in Wellsville to Edward and A. Belle Behrens Hornburg. On April 9, 1940 in Wellsville he married Gladys M. Flint who survives.

Glenn graduated from Wellsville High School in 1937 and went to work at Moore Steam Turbine until he entered the US Army during World War II. After the war he owned and operated Hornburg's Meat Market with his father for 5 years. Glenn then returned to the then Worthington where he retired from in 1982 after 40 years of service. In his retirement Glenn enjoyed making wood crafts from his home work shop, cross word puzzles and the New York Yankee's. He was an affiliate of the Wellsville Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Wellsville.

Surviving besides his wife; a son Gary (Debbie) Hornburg of Ashland, KY., and a daughter, Janice (George) Givens of Andover; 3 grandchildren, Maribeth (Shannon) Hausey of Ashland, KY., Dennis Givens of Andover and Christi Schweigart of Wellsville; 3 great grandchildren, Danielle Armfield, Michelle Schweigart and Marc Givens all of Andover. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Glenn was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Raymond T.J. Hornburg; 2 sisters, Beulah Stryker and Alma D. Hornburg.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, November 10, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm and on Friday from noon to 1 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. His funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Friday in the Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Brady presiding. Burial will take place in Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio and memorials made be made to the charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Thelma D. Canfield

Tonawanda, NY - Thelma D. Canfield, 88, of 135 Syracuse Street passed away on Friday, November 4, 2011 at Kenmore Mercy Hospital following a brief illness. She was born May 2, 1923 in South Buffalo the daughter of Benjamin J. and Iva M. (Francis) Davies. On June 2, 1945 in Buffalo she married Wilton K. Canfield who predeceased her on November 18, 2001 after 56 years of marriage.

Thelma was raised in Buffalo and was a former long time resident of Belmont, NY and since December 5, 2001 she has resided in Tonawanda. She was a graduate of South Park High School and Syracuse University. She was formerly employed by Rochester Gas and Electric Company, Allegany BOCES and was a cashier and examiner for the Department of Motor Vehicles in Belmont. She was a very active member of the First Baptist Church in Belmont and the Grace Baptist Church in Tonawanda. She was a woman of faith who embraced life to the fullest!

She is survived by a daughter, Twila (James) Vitthuhn of Tonawanda, a granddaughter, Joanne (Aaron) Mahoney of Buford, GA, a brother, Francis (Jessie) Davies of Naples, FL as well as several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, Philip Davies and three sisters, Ruth Bingert, Jean Klotzbach and Helen Thompson.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm at the Grace Baptist Church, 2525 Eggert Road in the Town of Tonawanda, where a service will follow at 2:00 pm. On Wednesday friends may call from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon at the First Baptist Church in Belmont, where a service to follow at 12:00 pm. Interment will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont. Memorials donations can be made to either Grace Baptist Church in Tonawanda or First Baptist Church in Belmont. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Albert R. Fitch

Wellsville, NY - Albert R. Fitch, 94, of 3371 C Hallsport Road died unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Highland Park Rehabilitation Center in Wellsville. He was born August 3, 1917 in Port Allegany, PA the son of the late Glenn A. and Clella (Reed) Fitch. On May 14, 1959 in Youngstown, Ohio he married Alta C. Hill who predeceased him on July 16, 1989.

Albert moved to Buffalo, NY in 1921 where he graduated from Technical High School. He was a veteran of WW II serving with the U.S. Army Air Corps in England and Europe from 1942 to 1945. In 1946 he was a civilian employee with the U. S. Air Force in the Philippine Islands. In 1947 he was employed as a surveyor for R. C. Howard Company, a civil engineering and land surveying firm in Wellsville, NY. He moved to Buffalo in 1954 and began a career with Nussbaumer and Clarke Inc. Consulting Engineers. Upon losing his eyesight in 1973, he retired and moved back to Wellsville.

He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Blind Veterans Association, a charter member of the Blind Association of Western New York; he was a volunteer for the Allegany County Office for the Aging and the Allegany County Association for the Blind and was an active member of the Wellsville Lions Club.

He is survived by two sons, Timothy G. (Debbie) Fitch of Sunnyvale, CA and Michael S. Fitch of West Hollywood, CA, a grandson, Christopher R. Fitch and several cousins. He was predeceased by a sister, Mildred R. Healy.

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 11:30 am in the Stannards United Methodist Church with Rev. Rocky Mitchell presiding. Military honors will follow the service. A graveside service will be Monday, November 14, 2011 at 11:00 am at Acacia Park Cemetery, 4215 North Tonawanda Creek Road, North Tonawanda. Memorial donations can be made to the Allegany County Association of the Blind, The Allegany County Office for the Aging or the Southern Tier Youth for Christ. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.