Monday, August 29, 2011

Lois Murdough Smith - Memorial Service

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 at the Union University (Seventh Day Baptist) Church, 5 Church Street (near Main Street), Alfred, at 2:00 pm on September 10th. A reception will be held after the service at the Church Center across the street.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Eloise B. Scholes

Geneseo, NY - Eloise B. Scholes was born July 12, 1920, to Leon Burdette and Rachel (Burdick) Bassett in Winchendon, Massachusetts, and grew up in Milton, Wisconsin, and Alfred, New York. She graduated from Alfred High School and earned a BFA from Alfred University. Later she worked as a ceramic artist and teacher and housewife. On October 31, 1942, she married James B. Scholes of Alfred, son of Samuel Ray and Lois (Boren) Scholes.

Eloise was known for her unfailing kindness to both humans and animals. She died peacefully August 24, 2011, at Teresa House in Geneseo. She was preceded in death by her parents, younger brother William "Bill" Bassett, and grandparents William Henry Bassett, Myrta Stella (Bliss) Bassett, Rev. Clayton A. Burdick, and Harriet Heloise (Crandall) Burdick.

She leaves her husband of 68 years; stepmother Virginia (Foster) Bassett; daughter Sandra Henderson and husband, Harold; grandchildren Rachel (Henderson) Senter and husband Matthew, Robin K. Henderson and husband Marc Miles, and Samuel J. Henderson and wife Sara Davila; and great-granddaughter Alexandra Lynn Miles.

A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Interment will be in Alfred Rural Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to Teresa House, 21 Highland Road, Geneseo, NY 14454. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Gerald Charles Hart


Wellsville, NY - Gerald C. Hart passed away peacefully at his home, Friday August 19, 2011, surrounded by his family and prayer.

He was born in Wellsville, NY on March 3, 1928, son of the late Henry and Finola (Wiles) Hart. He was a 1943 graduate of Immaculate Conception School and a 1945 graduate of Wellsville High School. Upon graduation, Gerald was drafted into the US Army and served in the Army of Occupation of Japan as a Technical Sgt. in the 27th. Infantry Regiment "The Wolfhounds" of the 25th Infantry Division, he was stationed in Osaka, Japan. He attended Alfred State College on the GI Bill, where he earned an Associates Degree in Business Administration.. Additionally, he graduated from Buffalo Barber School in 1948.

On January 22, 1955, he married Mary Ellen Connor at Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover; who predeceased him on August 15, 2009. Together they raised ten children: Ellen (Robert) Wartella, of Oneida, Kathleen (Patrick) Godfrey, of Woodbridge, VA, Thomas (Cindy Ewell) Hart of State College, PA, Colin (Theresa Dempsey) Hart of Fredonia, Nora (Craig) Burdick, Jerome (Nancy Anderson), Gabrielle (Rich) Ewell, and Joseph (Christy Forsberg), all of Wellsville, Margaret (Mark) Reuter of Superior, CO, Jonathan (Dawn Hennessey) Hart of Grand Island, and thirty-five grandchildren.

Raising ten children was not a small task for Gerald and Mary Ellen. Together they worked hard to ensure their children were cared for. During his well lived life, he farmed the land on South Hill where he raised beans and potatoes. He owned and operated Crest Haven Vault and Burial Company and Hart Memorials. Gerald was also employed at the US Postal Service for thirty-seven years.

Gerald was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Emerald Hook and Ladder Co, American Legion, Moose Lodge, and was a 4th. Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
In addition to his children, he is survived by his sisters Jean Hanks and Judy (Jim) Brush, brothers-in-law, Clinton Adams, Jim (Marlene) Connor, John (Maurice) Connor, and Michael (Melinda) Connor, many nieces and nephews that he held very dear to his heart, and special friends Kevin and Nancy Kailbourne and Gordy Cook.

He was predeceased by his brother, Billy Hart, a sister, Esther Adams and a nephew, Billy Hanks.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 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, August 24, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, with Rev. Sean DiMaria as celebrant. Burial. with military honors will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Comfort House of Allegany County, or the Kelly Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund % of the Immaculate Conception School, 24 Maple Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Gary W. Rushmore

Wellsville, NY - Gary W. Rushmore, 77, of Clark Street went to be with his lord on Friday, August 19, 2011, after a short illness at Highland Park. He was born in Wellsville on July 27, 1934 to Wallace and Gladys Marsh Rushmore. On July 11, 1970 he married his wife of 41 years, Jean Rapan Rushmore who survives.

Gary graduated from Wellsville High School. He worked for Yanda's Service Station, Acker's Quaker State and later for Dean's ARCO all in Wellsville. He was employed by Alfred State College for a time and retired from The Friendship Dairy in 1996 after 20 years of service. Gary enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandsons.

Surviving besides his wife includes: 2 sons, Matthew Rushmore of Wellsville and Keith (Tabitha) Rushmore of Bath; 2 grandsons, Jake and Ryan as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to celebrate Gary's life on Tuesday, August 23 2011, at 11 am at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Marion L. Bartlett

Wellsville, NY - Marion L. Bartlett formerly of White Hill in Allentown passed away on Monday, August 15, 2011, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born on June 2, 1914 in Richburg to Glenn and Rosaida Young Woodard Sr. On June 2, 1931 in Richburg she married Edward E. Bartlett who predeceased her on June 26, 2007.

Marion was a long time resident of Allentown who attended the White Hill School, Richburg School and Allentown Union School. In 1940 she became a member of the Allentown United Methodist Church where she later taught Sunday school. Marion was a past president of the United Methodist Women in Allentown and later was a member of the United Methodist Women in Alma. She was also a past Nobel Grand for the Rebekah Lodge # 594 in Allentown.
Marion was very fond of flower gardens and crafts. She canned vegetables from her large garden and made maple syrup.

Survivors include: a son James E. (Norma) Bartlett of Wellsville; 4 daughters, Beverly (Cy) Dawson of Belmont, Thelia Swarthout of Belmont, Gloria (Melvin) Clark of Perry and Ann (Stephen) Austin of Dunnellon, FL.; 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 9 great great grandchildren; 3 cousins and several nieces and nephews:

Marion was predeceased by her parents and 3 brothers; Richard Woodard, Herbert Woodard and Glenn Woodard Jr.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, August 20, 2011, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Marion's Funeral service will be held on Sunday at 2 pm at the Allentown United Methodist Church with Pastor Vickie Hedlund presiding. Burial will take place in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Bolivar and memorials may be made to the Allentown United Methodist Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Jessica A. Dennis

Wellsville, NY - Jessica A. Dennis of the Stannards Road passed away on Monday, August, 15, 2011, at Strong Memorial Hospital after a yearlong battle with cancer. She was born on April 5, 1979 in Prince Fredrick, MD., To Richard W. Humphreys and Terry Prentice. On May 8, 2009 in Wellsville she married Russell Dennis who survives.

Jessica was a former resident of Bolivar who graduated from Bolivar - Richburg Central School in June of 1998. While in school she was a member of the band and marching band playing the clarinet and also ran cross country. In addition, Jessica graduated from BOCES in Belmont from the Medical Assisting Program in June of 1998. Jessica later attended JCC in Olean and worked for Tops Markets from 2000 to 2010. She enjoyed gardening, music, the outdoors, being with family and friends and assisting the Willing Fire Department as an auxiliary member.

Surviving besides her husband: her father, Richard Humphreys of St. Petersburg, FL.; her mother Terry Prentice Hall of Bolivar; maternal grandfather, Vernon Prentice of Georgia; 2 sons, Gabe L. Dennis at home and Wade L. Dennis of Friendship; 2 sisters, Kristy Humphreys-Lananger, Kimberly E. Hall and a brother, Henry R.D. Hall all of Bolivar; several nieces and nephews; 3 aunts and several cousins; special friends, Pamela and Tony Burdick of Bolivar, Beth and Johnny Common of Allentown and Dianne Murray of Bolivar.

Jessica was predeceased by her maternal grandmother Lois Prentice.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, August 19, 2011, from 12 noon to 2 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville at which time the service will take place with Rev. Merritt Burdick presiding. Burial will take place in Stannards Cemetery and memorials may be given to the Willing Firemen's Auxiliary. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Mary C. Panada Rickicki

Wellsville, NY - Mary C. Panada Rickicki, 88, of 4192B Bolivar Road died on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. She was born November 28, 1922 in Bradford, PA the daughter of the late Nicholas and Rosa Grandinetti.

Mary had resided at Manor Hills in Wellsville for many years; where she enjoyed happy hour, coffee socials, bingo, coloring, watching TV and spending time with her many friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Maurice Panada Sr., her son, Maurice Panada Jr. and four brothers, Joseph, Frederick, Frank and Lewis Grandinetti.

Friends are invited to a prayer service on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 11:00 am at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville, with Rev. Sean DiMaria presiding. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Allegany, NY. Memorials suggestions include the Activities Fund at Manor Hills, 4192B Bolivar Road, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Francis L. Sawyer


Wellsville, NY - Francis L. Sawyer, 91, of 1984 Dutch Hill Road died on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center with his family at his side. He was born December 24, 1919 in the Town of Willing the son of Lee and Myrtle (Keagle) Sawyer. On June 27, 1942 in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville, he married Helena O'Hara who predeceased him on December 17, 2008.

Fran was a graduate of Wellsville High School and was elected to the Wellsville Sports Hall of Fame for his many accomplishments in athletics. He served with the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1945 in the Pacific Theater of Operation. He was employed at Worthington Corporation and Air Preheater Company in Wellsville, retiring in 1981. He was involved in the reality business for many years and founded "Sawyer Reality" in 1977. He was a life member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge # 1495, a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville; where he served as an usher and the Holy Name Society.

He is survived by a daughter-in-law, Sandy Sawyer and a grandson, Patrick Sawyer both of Wellsville, a sister-in-law, Phyllis Sawyer of Whitesville as well as several nieces & nephews.
He was predeceased by his son, James Sawyer and a brother, Robert Sawyer.

A Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Rev. Sean DiMaria as Celebrant. There will be no prior visitation. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Immaculate Conception Church or the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Earsol Mae Mattison

Wellsville, NY - Earsol Mae Mattison 4192 B Bolivar Road passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at the Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on June 17, 1927 in Wellsville to Homer and Anna Norton Barnes. She was retired from the State of Alaska and later returned to Wellsville. She is survived by a son Joseph Mattison of Wellsville. As per Earsol's request no services will be held. Arrangements are under the direction of the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.