Ruth Louise Hackett Mulvey

Wellsville, NY - Ruth Louise Hackett Mulvey of Moonlight Drive passed away on Thursday, August 30, 2012, at the Highland Park Health Care Center in Wellsville. She was born on July 4, 1915 in Hickox, PA. to Orrin and Maude(Dildine) Hackett. On July 25, 1938 she married Robert "Bob" S. Mulvey who predeceased her on May 22, 1981.

Ruth attended school in Genesee, PA. and had spent a year living in Brazil with her aunt and uncle. She worked for the Bausch and Lomb Company in Wellsville and along with her husband Bob they owned and operated Bob's Motel in Coudersport, PA. She was a member of the Hicox Church where she enjoyed teaching Sunday school. Ruth also enjoyed sewing and her granddaughter Jennifer.

Ruth is survive by a daughter, Jo A. Hlavaty of Wellsville; a granddaughter, Jennifer (Sean) McNally of Alexandria, VA.; a great grandson Patrick McNally; 2 sisters, Margorie (Therold) Furman of Brookville, PA. and Mayfred Russell of Coudersport, PA.; several nieces and nephews.

Ruth was predeceased by her son in law George; 5 brothers, Robert, Carlos, Harry, Gerald and Clair.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, August 31, 2012, at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville from 7-9 and on Saturday, September 1, from 12 noon to 2 pm at which time a funeral service will be held. Pastor Deborah Wilkins will preside and burial will take place in the Genesee Cemetery in Genesee, PA. Memorials in Ruth's name may be given to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps or to the David A. Howe Library or the charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

John W. Pratt Jr.

Wellsville, NY - John W. Pratt Jr., 55, of 5098 Niles Hill Road died on Saturday, August 25, 2012 at home, surrounded by his family. He was born January 25, 1957 in Chandler, AZ at Williams AFB the son of John W. and Joan (Cameron) Pratt Sr. On September 8, 2007 in Andover he married Jan Newland who survives. 

John was a 1976 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was formerly employed at Loblaws in Wellsville and Pratt Oil Company Fords Brook Road Wellsville, NY. He began his career with Harris Supply Company of Wellsville in 1986 and continued with I.D. Booth Company until his recent illness. He was a member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge # 1495. 

John had an amazing love of family and life. He also had an enthusiastic love for all things RV; which he shared with everyone and anyone who would listen. He was at his finest in his captain's chair, driving the big rig on a trip with his wife and family, wherever the road took them. An avid sports fan, John loved to watch his Yankees and Sabres, and played slow-pitch softball himself for years. He later loved being able to coach both Cinderella softball for 7-11 year old girls, and then slow-pitch softball; where he coached the Better Days team for several years, winning numerous championships. His love of sports came from his love of life; which he brought to everyone he came into contact with. Forever the loving, compassionate man, he brought joy to everyone who was lucky enough to know him and be a part of his life.

Surviving in addition to his wife, is his mother, Joan (Pratt) Giddings of Franklin, TN, three children, Jennifer (Tim) Doyle and Renee (Ryan) Potter both of Wellsville and 2nd LT. Ryan Pratt, U. S. Army Reserves of Franklin, TN, three step-children, Patrick (Lynda) Winans of Cuba, Christine Winans of Olean and Staff Sergeant Daniel Colf USAF of Aviano, Italy, five grandsons (Ty Potter, Ethan Potter, Carson Potter, Mark Paige and Jensen Winans), one brother, Jerry (Adelaide) Pratt of Franklin, TN, two sisters, Sharon (Mike) Johnson of Fort Walton, FL and Brenda (Bob) Sobeck of Wellsville , as well as several nieces & nephews and his ex-wife Diana Green Pratt. He was predeceased by his father John W. Pratt Sr. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 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 Wednesday at 11:00 am at the First Congregational Church, 289 N. Main Street in Wellsville with Rev. Ralph Eastlack presiding. Memorial donations can be made to Homecare & Hospice as well as the American Cancer Society. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

William L. "Bill" Deming Sr.

Andover, NY - William L. "Bill" Deming Sr., 73, of 3683 Shovel Hollow Road died on Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at home following a short illness. He was born September 21, 1938 in Kinzua, PA the son of the late Charles and Beulah (Wilkins) Deming. In 1959 he married Loretta Versch who predeceased him in 1994, and in 1996 he married Velma Broughton who predeceased him in 2000. 

Bill was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force serving from 1955 to 1961.  He was employed as a welder with Air Preheater Company and Worthington Corporation in Wellsville, he was an inspector for Mark West Pipeline and later was self employed, installing several snowmaking systems and pipelines at many area ski slopes.

He was a member of the National Rifle Association, the Frank B. Church VFW Post 2530, the Wellsville Moose Lodge # 601 and the Scio, Wellsville and Andover Rod & Gun Clubs. Bill lived life to the fullest; and enjoyed fishing, hunting, trap shooting, boating, Kayaking and stock car racing.

He is survived by three children, Christine (Roger) Drumm of Andover, William (Beate) Deming Jr. and Charles Deming both of Wellsville, four grandchildren, Jay Deming, William Deming III, Jessica Deming and Brandon Drumm, one great grandson, Ashten Carter Cook, three step children from his first marriage, Frances (Kathy) Cornelius, Ronald Cornelius and Louann (Dorothy Clarkson) Wilson, seven step children from his second marriage, George Yankanich, Joe Yankanich, Mary Pryor, Kathy Hudson, Joanna Montanaro, Patty Ammon and Andy Yankanich, 13 step grandchildren by his first marriage, 19 step grandchildren by his second marriage, two brothers, Ted (Ronald Hendrick) Deming of Florida and Daniel (Kathleen) Deming of Andover and North Carolina and one sister, Suzanne (Gerald) Slack of Florida as well as several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Michael and Robert Deming.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, August 24, 2012 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 1:00 pm in the Funeral Home with Rev. G. Cole Gruberth presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Andover Rescue Squad or Home Care & Hospice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth O'connor Harris

Wellsville, NY - Elizabeth O'connor Harris passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at Hart Comfort House in Wellsville, NY where she had resided for several days.

She was born in Wellsville on July 18, 1925 to the late Gertrude Burr O'connor and John H. O'connor. On june 16, 1948 Elizabeth married Daniel Christiana Harris in Wellsville where they chose to raise their family becoming integral members of the community.

Elizabeth is survived by her four children Daniel (Ann) c. Harris Jr., Kevin (Jeanne) O'connor Harris, Patty Ann (John) Kuzma and Mary Lois [Dan) Denner, eleven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a very close extended family including Joe and Florence Ann  Felsen and family, Kitty Cretekos and family and many more too numerous to mention.

She was predeceased by her husband, brother John O'Connor and his wife Lois and nephew Michael O'Connor.

After graduating from immaculate conception school, Wellsville High School and Alfred University Elizabeth was active in Beta Sigma Phi in which she stayed involved until recently. She also taught English in the Wellsville school system and is still fondly remembered by former students.

Liz shared a lifelong passion for golf with her family and friends, playing daily for many summers and for bridge which she played several days a week with her friends.

She was a very active communicant in Immaculate Conception parish volunteering im many different capacities throughout her life.

Most of all, Elizabeth enjoyed all things involving her family. She was a very recognizable figure at any sporting event, and there were many, involving her children and grandchildren.

While using her porch as a bus stop the children of the neighborhood enjoyed her protection and the treats she provided daily.

Her home was always the hub of activity for her family and friends but her specialty was holidays made especially memorable by her extensive preparation and enthusiastic participation.

Elizabeth will be very sadly missed but very joyously remembered.

Friends are invited to call on sunday, august 19, 2012 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. In Wellsville. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with Rev. Thomas Roman as celebrant. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.

 Memorials donated in her name to Hart Comfort House or Jones Memorial Hospital, both in Wellsville, will be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers. To leave online condolences, please visit www.Embserfuneralhome.Com.

Nancy J. Emerson

Wellsville, NY - Nancy J. Emerson, 85, of 494-1 Route 19 South died August 16, 2012 at home surrounded by her family. She was born May 8, 1927 in Hornell the daughter of the late Howard and Marion (Peck) Pascoe. On January 5, 1947 in Hornell she married George Emerson who went to be with the Lord on March 9, 2011.

Nancy was a 1946 graduate of Hornell High School. As a teenager, Nancy was employed at J.J. Newberry's in Hornell and later at Alco Cutlery in Olean. She was an entrepreneur with her husband at George's Bar and Grill in Shongo for over 21 years. However, her first priority in life was being a homemaker and mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In later years, she worked at K-Mart and Short's Grocery in Stannards, retiring in 1994. She was a longtime member of the former Shongo United Methodist Church and the Woman's Society. She enjoyed time spent with family and many good friends throughout the years. Nancy always had a strong faith that endured to the end of her life. 

She is survived by six children, John (Linda) Emerson of Bloomington, IN; Sally (Robert) Dougherty of Wellsville; Cindy (Richard) Jadwin of Wellsville;  Steve (Cathy) Emerson of Shongo, Larry (Belinda) Emerson of Shongo; and Lori (Dan) Wood of Genesee, PA.  Nancy has 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild expected to arrive in September. She is also survived by five sisters; Helen Weyand of Hornell, Carol Pascoe of Hornell, Marta (Ralph) Gardner of Wilson, Linda Barnes of Savanna, and Alice (Earl) DeRienzo of Rochester, as well as 20 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers, James Henry Pascoe and Howard W. Pascoe, five sisters, Mary Waight, Frances Stratton, Marcia Gentile, Betsy Joseph, and Angela Pascoe and a infant grandson, Jeffery Michael Scoville.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, August 19, 2012 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 Monday at 2:00 pm in the funeral Home with Rev. Stan Scoville presiding. Burial will be in Genesee Cemetery. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, can be made to the Hart Comfort House, American Cancer Society or Homecare & Hospice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Francis Edward "Ed" Roeske

Wellsville, NY - Francis Edward "Ed" Roeske of Stevens Street passed away on Friday, August 3, 2012, at the Hart Comfort House following a brief illness. He was born on May 4, 1927 in Wellsville to Arthur and Bessie Paulman Roeske. On August 18, 1973 in Wellsville he married Barbara Burrows who survives.

Ed was a lifelong resident of Wellsville who served as a Merchant Marine during WWII. After the war for a time he owned and operated a service station in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Ed then worked for Air Preheater in Wellsville from where he retired from after 35 years. He also was a school bus driver for Wellsville Central Schools and after his retirement he became a limo driver for Steve Goodridge. Ed was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church who enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards and being outdoors hunting and cutting fire wood. His family was everything to him and he will be remembered as hard working wonderful caring man. 

Surviving besides his wife: 3 sons, Lance Roeske of Mazola, MT.: Matt Burkett Roeske of Danbury CT. and Terry (Tina) Dickerson of Bolivar; 5 daughters, Cassie (Bill) Stodart of Gettysburg, PA., Jenny (Stanley) Grant of Florida, Tracy Gerken of Woodland. CA, Amy Nelson of Montrose, CO. and Pamela (Charlie Cooper) Cook of Poughkeepsie; 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; a brother, John (Kay) Roeske of Zephyrhills, FL and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son Doug Dickerson and a grandson Jeffrey Cook; 3 brothers, Arthur "Barnie" Roeske, Dick Roeske and Dave Roeske; 4 sisters, Ginny Cowles, Betty Buckley, Joyce Leon and Jean Evans.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, August 8 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Ed's funeral service with be held on Thursday at 2 pm in the funeral home with Kathie Timpano Certified Lay Speaker presiding. Burial will take place in the Hallsport Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Hart Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY.  14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Alice May Wilcox

Wellsville, NY - Alice May Wilcox of 152 Pine Street passed away on Friday, August 3, 2012, at the Highland Park Rehabilitation Nursing Center in Wellsville. She was born on March 8, 1923 in Gold, PA. to Arch and Rose Jeffers Button. On September 8, 1941 in Stannards she married Carl A. Wilcox who predeceased her in 1993.

Alice was a long time resident of Bolivar who moved to Wellsville in 2002. She worked for Acme Electric in Cuba and will be remembered as a hard worker who could get alone with anyone and for her sense of humor.

She is survived by a daughter, Shirley (John) Dixon of Wellsville; 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by 2 sisters, Esther M. Gardner and Mabel Williams; 8 brothers, Andy, Willie, Wilber, Alfred, Anderson, Clifford, Leon and Harvey Button.

Friends are invited to call on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Her funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 2 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Dick Helms presiding. Burial will be in Knights Creek Cemetery and memorials may be made to the donor's choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome .com