Margaret A. Harris

Margaret A. Harris died at home in Sarasota, Florida October 18, 2008, following a brief illness. In her 88 graceful years, Margaret blessed the lives of her husband Keith Harris and her three children and their spouses, Owen Harris and Peggy Klimek of Bradenton, Florida; Holly Harris and Charlie Dattola of Cohasset, Massachusetts; and Steve Harris and Patti Zaknich of Renton, Washington. Her grandchildren Emily Harris and Kyle Dattola-Harris brought her strength, purpose and joy to the very end of her days. They all miss her beyond measure. Extended family, special friends, and her beloved cat, Sunny, also mourn her loss.

Born in Belmont, New York, Margaret graduated summa cum laude from Alfred University in 1943 and later earned her master’s degree from the same institution. After retiring from her career as a high school teacher, much of it spent at Whitesville and Wellsville, New York, Margaret returned to her first love, the theater, and several southwestern New York theater groups benefited from her many talents. Favorite roles included Fanny in Watch on the Rhine, Eleanor of Aquitaine in The Lion in Winter, and Fonsia in The Gin Game. Margaret also served in numerous non-acting capacities from set construction to rehearsal accompanist to assistant to the director and held leadership positions with the Wellsville Players Association prior to her move to Florida in 1987. She found greater fulfillment and took more pride in her theater work than in anything else in her life except her children and grandchildren.

Margaret enjoyed playing the piano, reading, and doing kind things for other people. Donations in her memory should be made to the donor’s local hospice organization or community theater group, Alfred University, Planned Parenthood, or World Wildlife Fund.

Family and friends of Margaret and Keith and Owen, Holly, and Steve are invited to gather at Embser Funeral Home, 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2009, for a service starting at 11:00 a.m. to remember and honor Margaret.

Earl V. Buchholz

Wellsville - Earl V. Buchholz a former resident of Wellsville passed away on Sunday July 26 at the Sister’s Hospital in Buffalo. He was born on April 18, 1931 to Harry and Florence Fanton Buchholz. He was married to the former Ella Gilbert and later he married Mary Jane Steven who predeceased him on September 7, 1993.

Earl was a veteran of the US Army 101st Airborne Infantry serving overseas in Japan. He was a welder for CE Air Preheater and later retired from Joyce Western Pipeline in 1977. Earl was a life member and post holder of the American Legion Post 702 in Wellsville, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2530 of Wellsville and the Eagles Club in Olean.

Survivors include: a daughter, Kathleen Deming; three sons, Earl Buchholz Jr., William Buchholz and David Buchholz; two step daughters, Patty Ayers and Kathleen Cross; twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren; two sisters, Jane Kernan and Joyce Arbogast ; five brothers, Erwin Buchholz, Mark Buchholz, Oscar Buchholz, Virgil Buchholz and Galen “Pete” Buchholz. Several nieces and nephews;

He was predeceased by his parents and by three brothers, Leonard “Jim” Buchholz, Alwin Buchholz and Richard Buchholz.

Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service with full military honors at 11:00 am on Saturday August 1, 2009 in the Stannards Cemetery in Stannards, NY with Rev. Ralph Eastlack presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville.

Marilyn A. Keller

Wellsville - Marilyn A. Keller, 75, of Stannards Road, Wellsville, passed away Saturday, July 25, 2009 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.

She was born June 28, 1934, in Lakewood, OH, a daughter of Ernest and Dora (Reinker) Stuehm. She graduated high school in St. Petersburg, FL. Marilyn has lived in Corning, NY, Ulysses, PA and the Wellsville area since 1970. She has been employed at Tops and for various Home Care agencies, doing medical transportation. She has most recently provided private home care as a certified nurses aide.

Marilyn had many friends; she loved to play bingo and bowled in Wellsville for many years. She loved time in the country and loved animals, enjoying horses, cats, dogs and hummingbirds. She had a particular compassion for the elderly and disabled and spent much of her life in service to them.

She is survived by three daughters; Karen Keller of Dresden, NY, Brenda (Patrick) Hood of Dayton, OH, and Dorothy (Graham) Winslet of Berkshire, England, and one son David Keller of Wellsville, NY. Marilyn was also blessed with two grandsons, Eric (Heather) Newland and Craig Newland both of Dayton, OH and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sisters; Hazel Schiemann, Ruth Behnke, Pearl Cowper, and Dorothy Isphording.

Friends may attend a memorial service Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 11 am at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc., 34 West State Street, Wellsville with the Rev. Ralph Eastlack officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Private interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Contributions noted “in memory of Marily A. Keller” to the SPCA (PO Box 381, Wellsville, NY 14895) would be greatly appreciated.

Judith Clair Farwell

Belmont, NY - The friends and family of Judith Clair Farwell, who died on Friday, May 8, 2009, are invited to a graveside service on Wednesday, July 29, 2009 at 1:00 pm at Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont.

Ruth L. Fanton

Wellsville, NY - Ruth L. Fanton, 76, of 2616 Brandes Road died on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at the Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on December 20, 1932 in the Town of Willing, the daughter of Paul and Florence (Teater) Fanton.

Ruth was formerly employed at Marion Rohr Company in Hornell and Current Controls in Wellsville.

She is survived by her long time companion, Charles J. White of Wellsville and several nieces & nephews, including, Sharon Ainsworth of Princeton, NJ, Judy Flamini of Alfred Station, Paul Sherwood and Lynn Sherwood both of Danville, KY, Cheryl Sherwood of Murfreesboro, TN, Lester E. Fanton Jr., Paula White, Della Carl and Jessie Fanton all of Wellsville, Wanda Dickerson of Alma, James M. Fanton of Belmont, and Jeanene Ludwig of Cyclone, PA. She was predeceased by a brother, Lester E. Fanton Sr., a sister, Esther Ann Sherwood and a niece, Terry Pritchard

At Ruth’s request, there will be no memorial service or visitation. Burial will be in Stannards Cemetery. Memorial suggestions include the Willing Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc.

Virginia Raub

Wellsville - Virginia Raub of the Andover Road Trailer Park passed away on Wednesday July 8, 2009 at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on October 24, 1920 to Elmer and Lida Adams Raub Sr. She was predeceased by two husbands, Frank Lowrie and Bert Hershey.

Virginia worked for the former Mary’s Nursing Home until it closed and then for Highland Nursing Home. She then stayed home to care for her mother and later for her uncle Irving Adams. Survivors include a brother in law, Leroy Lowrie and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by three brothers, Herb, Irving and Elmer and two sisters Frances and Gladys.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday July 25 at 2 pm in the Shongo Country Chapel in Shongo, New York with Rev. Lewis Mericle presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home.

Virginia “Ginny” Christman Dean

Wellsville, NY - Virginia “Ginny” Christman Dean, 83, a former longtime resident of 67 Early Street died on Thursday, July 16, 2009 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following a brief illness. She was born on September 29, 1925 in Town of Scio, the daughter of the late Howard and Margaret (Rahr) Christman.

Ginny was a 1943 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was employed as an Executive Secretary at Turbodyne Corporation in Wellsville for 26 ½ years. During her career she served five corporation presidents; she retired in 1988. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, the Lady Elks and a former member of the Frank B. Church Post 2530 VFW Auxiliary.

She is survived by one daughter, Linda (Rob Prunoske) Mocejunas of Rochester, two sons, William Satterlee of Hawaii and Philip Satterlee of Wellsville, eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Gayle Varley Nash, a brother Robert Christman and a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Petrey.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and Monday from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street, in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation on Monday, (July 20, 2009) at 2:00 pm in the funeral home with Rev. Robert Morris presiding. Burial will be Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville; with a reception to follow at the Wellsville Elks Lodge. Memorial suggestions include the Trinity Lutheran Church, the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps or the SPCA Serving Allegany County.

Jerry J. Wright

Wellsville – Jerry J. Wright, 82 of 201 E. Dyke St. died Tuesday, (July 14, 2009) at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA after a long illness. He was born June 30, 1927 in Buffalo, NY the son of the late George & Cora (Sears) Wright. On July 16, 1955 in Buffalo, NY he married the former Anne Wolko who survives. He served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948 as a Military Photographer. For seventeen years he was employed at Linde Corporation in Buffalo, NY. In 1965 he moved to Wellsville and was employed at C.E. Air Preheater Company until his retirement in 1992.

He was a member and former Treasurer of the Emerald Hook & Ladder Company # 3, former President of the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, former President of the American Welding Society, on the Board of Directors of the Jones Memorial Hospital, member of the Finance Committee at the Immaculate Conception Church and a member of the Wellsville Lions Club as well as many other activities.

Surviving in addition to his wife Anne, is a son Paul (Deborah) Wright of Wellsville and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers Jack, Donald and George Wright.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. A prayer will be offered on Friday (July 17, 2009) at 10:00 am in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 10:30 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Rev. Monsignor Vincent Becker as Celebrant. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Kenmore.

Memorials in Jerry’s name are suggested to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps or any charity of the donor’s choice.

Sarah R.”Sally” McNulty

Wellsville - Sarah R.”Sally” McNulty of Manor Hills adult Care Facility on Bolivar Road passed away on Monday July 6, 2009 at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was a former resident of Farnum Street who was born in Buffalo on May 12, 1922 to Peter and Agnes Lawton Cole. On May 18, 1940 in Wellsville she married Richard P. McNulty who predeceased her on December 13, 1998.

Sarah graduated from Wellsville High School in 1939. During WWII, while her husband was serving in the war, she was employed as a riveter” Rosie the Riveter” for Bel Aircraft in Buffalo and later became a cook for the Airlanes Restaurant. She and her family moved back to Wellsville in 1955 and she worked for Jones Memorial Hospital from where she retired. Sarah’s hobbies included sewing, afghan making and crocheting. She made clothes for her children and will be remembered for her doll making. Sarah loved to cook and bake for her family and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church of Wellsville.

Survivors include: a daughter Jean [Sean] Franklin of Plainfield, IN.; three sons, Richard”Mick” [Carolyn] McNulty of Ocean Springs, MS., and Daniel [Jean] McNulty of Aiken, SC. And Timothy [Cindy] McNulty of Wellsville; thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews; and a spiritual care giver, Maureen Schmidt.

She was also predeceased by a daughter Sister Nancy McNulty RSM and fourteen brothers and sisters.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, July 10, 2009, from 10 am to 12 noon at the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A funeral service with Monsignor Vincent Becker will follow the calling hours at 12 noon in the Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery and memorials may be made to either the Jones Memorial Hospital Building Fund or to the Manor Hills Activities Center.

Vernon “Eugene” Cornelius

Wellsville, NY - Vernon “Eugene” Cornelius, 71, of 92 Clark Street died on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following a brief illness. He was born December 16, 1938 on Beech Hill in the Town of Willing, the son of the late Richard and Mildred (Latten) Cornelius. On June 25, 1966 in Wellsville he married the former Marilyn J. Abbott who survives.

Eugene was a former resident of the Town of Willing; he was a 1958 graduate of Wellsville High School and served with the U. S. Army from 1961 to 1963. He was formerly employed by the M & W Tire Company in Wellsville and for the Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville. He retired from Dresser in 2000 after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Morrison-Hayes Post 702 American Legion, attended Brookside Wesleyan Church in Wellsville and enjoyed hunting. Memorial suggestions include to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two children, Kathleen (Marc) Morehouse of Wellsville and Kevin (Jessica) Cornelius of Coudersport, PA, three grandchildren, Adam and Grace Morehouse and Nathan Cornelius, one sister, Anita (Henry) Graham of Tioga, PA and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Fred, Gerald and Edward Cornelius.

Friends are invited to call from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be at 10:30 am Thursday, July 9th in the funeral home with Pastor Robin George presiding. Burial with military honors will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. Memorial suggestions include the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Anthony J. “Tony” Wright

Wellsville, NY - Anthony J. “Tony” Wright, 46, of 698 Trapping Brook Road died unexpectedly at home on Friday, July 3, 2009. He was born April 10, 1963 in Wellsville, the son of the late John P. and Sybil “Betty” (Burton) Wright.

Tony was raised in Wellsville and was a 1982 graduate of Wellsville High School. After high school he worked construction in Virginia for three years. He later was employed by Mapes Industries and Butler-Larkin in Wellsville and High Tech Ceramics in Alfred Station. He loved the outdoors, was an avid connoisseur of antique collectables; various forms of art and enjoyed the history of Wellsville.

He is survived by four brothers, Philip (Mary Jane) Wright of Rochester, Charles (Betsy) Wright of Baldwinsville, Paul Wright of Nyack and Stephen (Shawnee) Wright of Wellsville, two sisters, Sybil “Bonnie” Wright of Whittier, CA and Stacie (Kevin) Bacon of Wellsville as well as several nieces & nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, July 9th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow visitation at 2:00 pm with Rev. Ralph Eastlack presiding. Memorial suggestions include the David A. Howe Public Library, 155 N. Main Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Anne R. Crittenden

Wellsville, NY - Anne R. Crittenden, 89, of 152 Pine Street died unexpectedly at home on Friday, July 3, 2009. She was born on March 22, 1920 in Windbur, PA, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Zydonska) Welgan. On November 26,1949 in Wellsville she married James L. Crittenden who predeceased heron Sept. 19, 1988.

Anne was a 1939 graduate of Hornell High School and a graduate of St.James Mercy Hospital; School of Nursing. She was a registered nurse with the U.S. Navy during WWII, stationed at the Sampson Naval Hospital onSeneca Lake and later at Soldiers & Sailors Hospital in Chicago, IL. She was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant. She was formerly employed at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville and was a private practice nurse in Wellsville for many years. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville and a former member of the Lady Elks and the Frank B. Church VFW Post 2531 in Wellsville.

She is survived by two sons, James (Joyce) Crittenden of Rochester and Robert (Laura) Crittenden of Monroeville, PA, five grandchildren, Devon (Tiffany) Crittenden, Aaron Crittenden and Loretta Crittenden all of Monroeville, Steven Simons and Timothy (Sherry) Crittenden of Rochester, one great grandson, Jason Crittenden, two sisters, Mary "Judy" Becker of Prattsburg and Sophia Hofer of Thurmont, MD, one brother, Andrew Welgan of Florida and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a son, Robert Roy Crittenden in 1953 and three brothers, Michael, John and Joseph Welgan.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm and Wednesday from 10:00 to 10:30 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 8th at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Monsignor Vincent Becker as Celebrant. Burial, with full military honors will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial suggestions include the Immaculate Conception Memorial Fund c/o 6 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Henry F. Gardner

Wellsville, NY - Henry F. Gardner, 83, of 51 Breckenridge Avenue and a former long time resident of Grand Island; went to his heavenly home on Friday, July 3, 2009 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 15, 1926 in Buffalo, the son of Frank and Mary (Pavelska) Gardner.

Henry was a graduate of Stella Niagara High School in Lewiston, NY. He was a musician and enjoyed playing the drums with several bands; before he was called to serve his country. He met the former Valentina Scholokoff in Japan during WW II and they were married on November 24, 1946; while Henry was serving with the U. S. Army’s 158th Regimental Combat Team “The Bushmasters” in the Pacific Theater of Operation. He was employed for many years as an operational engineer and heavy equipment operator for the Town of Grand Island. He also owned and operated Island Disposal Service on GrandIsland. He was a former active member of the VFW Post 9249 on Grand Island and the Grand Island Rod and Gun Club. He was a member and Chaplain for the Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion in Wellsville and the VFW Post 2721 in Cuba. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed playing golf, hunting and fishing.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 62 years; is one son, John (Dorothy) Gardner of Grand Island, two daughters, Suzanna (Fred) Hoefler of Lawrenceville, GA and Vera (Rodney) Hollowbush of Ulysses, PA, five grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one brother, Don (Sue Ann) Gardner of Grand Island and several nieces & one nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm and Tuesday from 10:00 to 10:30 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 7th at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville. Burial, with full military honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville. Memorial suggestions include Home Care & Hospice or the Morrison-Hayes Post 702 American Legion.