Frances Jean Read "Ma Lewis" Austin

Friendship, NY - Frances Jean Read "Ma Lewis" Austin, 84, of 3261 County Road 8, died on Sunday, August 30, 2009 at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 11, 1925 in Bradford, PA, the daughter of the late Joseph and Frances (Miller) Read. She was predeceased by two husbands, Wade W. Lewis Sr. and N. Robert Austin Sr.

Frances was raised in Olean, NY and was a 1944 graduate of Olean High School. She was formerly employed at Weston’s Shoppers City and was a waitress at The Truck Stop in Ceres, The Cogswell, The Highway Inn and the Bear’s Den in Portville. She loved spending time with her family, her friends, her dog “Mouse” and her cats “Sam” & “Taz”.

A loving mother and grandmother; Frances is survived by eight children, Linda Haynes of Olean, Wade W. “Skeeter” Lewis Jr. of Anchorage, AK, Rena M. (Steven) Bedow of Friendship, Shirley (Bill Ingraham) Shreve of Friendship, N. Robert (Diana) Austin Jr. of Shinglehouse, PA, Kathy (Ron Gross) Kuder of Shinglehouse, PA, Kevin (Kim) Austin of Bradford, PA, Glenda (John) Doner of Nashville, TN, 10 grandchildren, Darcia (Carl Blauvelt) Gilbert, Melinda (Micki Orcutt) Haynes, Danielle (Michael) Brant, Brandi (Chris) Haynes, Jesse (Heather) Bedow, Cassandra (Tim Mitchell) Shreve, Richard Shreve Jr., Aaron Shreve, Jeremy (Sheri) Ingraham and Heather Austin, thirteen great grandchildren, one brother, Paul S. Read, California and one sister, Nancy Travis of Fairbanks, AK.

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 1:00 pm at the Bells Run Community Center in Shinglehouse, PA; there will be no prior visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial suggestions include the SPCA Serving Allegany County, P. O. Box 381, Wellsville, NY 14895. Arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville, NY.

Fern A. Bostley

Wellsville, NY - Fern A. Bostley, 84, of 689 Trapping Brook Road died on Friday, August 28, 2009 at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born August 15, 1925 in Wellsville the daughter of William and Dora (Heers) Teller. On December 17, 1949 in Wellsville she marred Thomas Bostley who predeceased her on July 23, 2000.

Fern was raised in Wellsville and was a 1943 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was formerly employed at Shorts on the Stannards Road, Citizens Bank and Western Auto; she retired in 1988.

She is survived by two sons, William “Bill” (Nancy) Bostley of Wellsville and Brian (Christine) Bostley of Lake Worth, FL, four Grandchildren, William Bostley Jr. of Verona, WI., Laura Knapp of Wellsville, Jonathan Bostley and Brooke Bostley both of Wellington FL. six great grandchildren, two sisters, Dorothy Ennis of Wellsville and Margaret Smith of Zephyrhills, FL and several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by a sister, Mildred Cleveland and two brothers, Russ and William Teller.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, August 31st from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with Monsignor Vincent Becker presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville. Memorials in Fern’s name may be made to the Immaculate Conception School, 24 Maple Avenue Wellsville, NY 14895.

Marjorie F. Brown

Belmont, NY - Marjorie F. Brown, 83, a former resident of 5110 Noble Street died on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born June 2, 1926 in Sandown, New Hampshire, the daughter of Emmanuel and Marie (Laudani) Blanco. In 1945 in Boston, MA she married William F. Brown who predeceased her on January 19, 1965.

Marjorie formerly resided in Braintree, MA and Sandown, NH prior to moving to Belmont in 1983. She was a former employee of Honeywell Corporation in Waltham, MA for many years.

She was a former Girl Scout Leader, a former CCD teacher at Holy Angels Church in Plaistow, NH and was a member of the Holy Family Church, (formerly St. Mary’s) in Belmont.

She is survived by a daughter, Margaret (Robert) Watson of Kingman, AZ, two sons, Thomas (Renee) Brown of Belmont and William F. Brown of Berlin, MA, five grandchildren and one great grandson.

Burial, in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont will be private and there will be no prior visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Belmont. Memorial suggestions include the Amity Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 62 Belmont, NY 14813.

Marilyn E. Slavin

Wellsville, NY - Marilyn E. Slavin of 91 East state Street passed a way at Jones Memorial Hospital on Saturday August 22, 2009. She was born on March 15, 1953 in Coudersport, PA. to Lyle and Elizabeth Freeman Slingerland. On February 6, 1971 she married Thomas Slavin who survives.

Marilyn attended school in Genesee, PA. and later graduated from both Wellsville High School and Alfred State College and had worked for various businesses in the Wellsville Area. Marilyn was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wellsville and was active in many of its organizations. She had been a member of the Wellsville Fire Department Auxiliary who enjoyed sewing, knitting, genealogy and flower gardening. Marilyn will be especially missed as a loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her husband Tom Sr.; her parents Lyle and Elizabeth Slingerland of Wellsville; a son Thomas (Elice) Slavin Jr. of Belmont; two daughters, Michele (Lloyd) Campbell of Wellsville and Theresa (Dustin) George of Penn Yan; seven grandchildren, Jason Hixson, Nicole Hixson, Daniel Hixson, Madison Campbell, Taylor Slavin, Loren Slavin and Hannah Slavin; two sisters, Rebecca (Gary) Messing of State College, PA. and Kristine Slingerland of Wellsville; five nieces and nephews, Eli Slavin, Sara Slavin, Laura Slavin, Joshua Messing and Andrea Messing; a great niece and nephews, Ethan, Nathaniel and Alexandria Slavin; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday August 25 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville and on Wednesday from 10 am to 11 am in the First United Methodist Church. The funeral will follow in Church at 11 am with Pastor Jerry Ward presiding. Burial will take place in the Genesee Cemetery and memorials in Marilyn’s name may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Wellsville.

Michael G. Hart

Wellsville, NY - Michael G. Hart of 26 ½ Jefferson Street passed away on Monday August 17, 2009 at his parent's home with his family at his side. He was born on May 9, 1958 in Rochester to Francis David and Lucille Smith Hart.

Mike graduated from Wellsville High School in 1976 and served in the US Navy from 1982 to 1986 on board the USS John F. Kennedy. He had been a truck driver for several local firms and later became a machinist for many years at Dresser Rand. Mike was proud to be a machinist and was a member of local 1580 and the American Legion Post 702 of Wellsville. He was also a member of the Immaculate Conception Church of Wellsville. Mike had many interests including restoring older vehicles and spending time on the family farm. Mike was a devoted uncle who will be sadly missed by his many great friends.

Survivors include his wife Barbara; His parents Dave and Lucille Hart of Wellsville; brothers, Pat (Julie) Hart, John (Virginia) Hart and Daniel Hart all of Wellsville; sisters Eileen (Tim) Shea of Wellsville, Kate (Pat) Dempsey of Wellsville, Sarah (William) Swisher of York, PA. and Josephine (Brent) Bailey of Wellsville and a brother in law Craig (Nora) Burdick of Wellsville; Barbara's children, Sheila (David) Cartwright, Mark (Amy) Hyslip and Thomas (Susan) Hyslip. Many nieces and nephews as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mike was predeceased by his sister Bridget Burdick

Friends are invited to call on Friday August 21 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church with Monsignor Vincent Becker presiding. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers memorials in Mike's name may be made to either the Immaculate Conception School or to the David A. Howe Library.

Mary Ellen Connor Hart

Wellsville, NY - Mary Ellen Connor Hart of 141 East State Street, passed peacefully away on August 15, 2009, surrounded by her loving family. Mary Ellen was born in Andover, NY on October 25, 1932, the daughter of John A. and Monica R. (Padden) Connor; both have preceded her in death. She was a 1950 graduate of Andover Central School and a 1953 graduate of the St. James Mercy Hospital, School of Nursing.

On January 22, 1955, she married Gerald C. Hart at Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover, NY. Together they had ten children: Ellen (Robert) Wartella, of Oneida, NY; Kathleen (Patrick) Godfrey, of Woodbridge, VA; Thomas (Cindy Ewell) Hart of State College, PA; Colin (Theresa Dempsey) Hart of Fredonia, NY; Nora (Craig) Burdick; Jerome (Nancy Anderson) Hart; Gabrielle (Rich) Ewell; and Joseph (Christy Forsberg) Hart, all of Wellsville, NY; Maggie (Mark) Reuter of Superior, CO; and Jonathan (Dawn Hennessey) Hart of Grand Island, NY.

Mary Ellen was employed as a Register Nurse at Jones Memorial Hospital and Turbodine. She was a private duty nurse for many years too. She continued her education by completing several continuing education courses. In addition to her nursing career, she earned a real estate license. She was a volunteer for the Domestic Violence Task Force, Office of the Aging, and the Belfast, Ireland Summer Relief Program and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Mary Ellen was a voracious reader and a life-long learner. She enjoyed the outdoors, traveling, raising Irish setters, gardening and spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving in addition to Gerald and her children are: thirty-five grandchildren, three brothers: John (Maurice) Connor; Michael (Melinda) Connor, both of California, James (Marlene) Connor of Wellsville; two sisters-in-law: Jean (Gerald) Hanks of Almond, NY; Judy (James) Brush of Wellsville; one brother-in-law, Clinton (the late Esther Hart) Adams, several nieces, nephews and cousins and life-long friends: Aquinas McCormick, Shirley Lyon-Bentley, and Mary Ann Nicoloff. She loved them all dearly.

Friends are invited to call on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser and Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. A prayer service will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 10:30 am in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Wellsville, with Monsignor Vincent Becker as Celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the Immaculate Conception School, 24 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895. …May God hold her in the palm of His hand.

Carl Bruce Munro

Foxfire, NC - The family and friends of Carl Bruce Munro are invited to a graveside service on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at 11:00 am in Woodlawn Cemetery on South Main Street in Wellsville, NY.

Carl died on July 28, 2009 at his home in North Carolina.

Bette L. Burnside

Ulysses, PA - Bette L. Burnside of State Street passed away on Tuesday August 11, 2009 at the Robert Packer Medical Center. She was born on October 15, 1925 in Port Allegany, PA. to Ernest and Clara Van Ness Morris. In 1942 she married Bruce Burnside who predeceased her in January of 2003.

Bette attended school in Mansfield, PA. and in Wellsville, NY. After her marriage she continued her education while her husband was in the service in Tullahoma, TN., Las Vegas, NV. and in Greensboro, NC. She was active in Sunday School, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Bette enjoyed gardening, Crocheting, embroidery, sewing and cooking and was a member of the Mills Union Church.

She is survived by: four children; nine grandchildren; nineteen grandchildren; two brothers, Ernest (Eloise) Morris Jr. of Westfield, PA. and Duane (Jean) Morris of Hemet, CA.; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two sisters Gloria Pratt and Stella Shutt.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service to be held on Saturday August 15, 2009 in the Mills Union Church off of Route 49 in Mills, PA. with Rev. Lowell Watkins presiding. Memorials in Bette’s name may be made to either the American Cancer Society or to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W.Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville.

Thomas F. Fortner

Wellsville - Thomas F. Fortner of Ketchner Road, Wellsville, NY, passed away suddenly on Saturday August 8, 2009 while visiting family in Pennsylvania. He was born November 19, 1940 to Joseph and Rose Harrington Fortner. He married the former Joy Gath who predeceased him in 1996.

Tom graduated from Wellsville High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the early 1960's. He was long time Wellsville businessman with Carpet Town Furniture and later CT Appliance. Tom and Joy were among the first organizers of the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally and Tom piloted the Carpet Town Balloon. He was a dedicated Buffalo Bills fan and will be remembered for his 20 plus years of hosting a super bowl party at his home. Tom was an avid outdoorsman who hunted much of North America and twice in Africa, and his favorite place to hunt was the beloved "3 H Camp". This was often a gathering place for many functions with family and friends. Tom loved the water ... fishing, boating and waterskiing and spent many years with Joy and their family at Rushford Lake and more recently with Gretchen and her family at Keuka Lake. Tom was a collector of John Wayne memorabilia and was a life member of the NRA as well as a staunch supporter of our second amendment. Tom's greatest love was for his children and grandchildren. He often travelled to be a part of their lives and excitedly looked forward to their visits to his home.

Survivors include: two daughters, Annamarie Phalen of East Aurora and Colleen (John) Groves of Lockport, son Kevin (Tara) Fortner of Littleton, NH.; six grandchildren, Meghan, Kierian and Keegan Phalen and Elizabeth, Thomas and Jakub Fortner; two brothers, Robert Fortner and Joseph (Mary Jo) Fortner; two sisters, Jeanne Zenger and twin Therese (Wayne) Gary; numerous nieces and nephews and dear friend Gretchen Childs.

In celebration of Tom's life, friends are invited to join the family starting at 6pm on Thursday August 13, 2009 followed by a service at 7pm at Shepherd of the Valley Church on Fassett Lane in Wellsville. Coffee and light refreshments will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tom's name may be made to Jones Memorial Hospital, the American Heart Association or a local charity of the donor's choice.

William R. Lehman

Belmont - William R. Lehman of 96 Greenwich Street passed away on Saturday August 8, 2009 at the Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital in Buffalo. He was born on December 29, 1928 in Wellsville to William and Lena Strong Lehman. On October 2, 1982 he married Doris Ann Babbitt who survives him.

Bill left high School to join the U.S. Navy and in 1954 he moved to California and in 1981 he moved to Belmont. He was employed in the military and commercial aircraft industry in California and Canada until 1980. Most notably Bill worked for Hughes Aircraft, Douglas Aircraft, Bell Aircraft, and Lockheed Aircraft and for North American Autonetics. He was very proud that he worked on the SR-71 Blackbird Interceptor. After returning to this area he worked for Alfred State College from where he retired from in 1993. Bill was an avid trout fisherman who knew the Genesee River. He loved the outdoors and liked to trap and had a passion for woodworking and good friends. Bill was a member of the Christian Temple Church in Wellsville and the American Legion Post 808 of Belmont.

Surviving besides his wife are four sons; Daniel (Debra) Lehman of Oklahoma, Patrick (Mary) Lehman of Virginia Beach, VA., Michael (Sousan) Lehman of California and Shane (Tracy) Lehman of Belmont; a daughter, Monica (Brennan) Turpel of Virginia Beach, VA.; four stepsons, Clayton(Danrae) Babbitt of North Carolina, Steven (Beverly) Babbitt of North Carolina, Jesse (Mary Ellen) Babbitt of Belmont and Ricky (Darla) Babbitt of Belmont; thirteen grandchildren, nine step grandchildren and several great grand and step great grandchildren. three brothers, Robert (Winnie) Lehman and Donald Lehman of Wellsville and Edward Lehman of Belmont, a sister in law Arlene Lehman of Wellsville and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by: a brother Terry Lehman, a sister Nancy Kiefer and sister in law Mary Helen Lehman.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday August 11 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in the J.W.Embser Sons F.H. in Belmont. A Funeral service will take place on Wednesday at 11 am in the Funeral Home with Rev. Ralph Eastlack presiding. Burial will take place in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont and memorials may be made to the donor's choice.