Robert W. Merrick

Wellsville, NY - Robert W. Merrick, 83, a former resident of 395 S. Main Street passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at the Highland Park Healthcare Center. He was born November, 26, 1931 in Wellsville, the son of Phillip and Katherine (Hanchett) Merrick.

Bob was a 42 year employee of C. E. Air Preheater Company in Wellsville. He was a 50 year member of the Wellsville Moose Lodge 601 and a social member of the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post 702.

He is survived by three daughters, Laurie Gross and her husband Duane, Kathy Goodnoe, and Michelle Gooch, one son, Mitchell Merrick, seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Friends are invited to a graveside service on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 11:00 am at Woodlawn Cemetery, 276 S. Main Street in Wellsville with Rev. Carol Schweigart presiding. The family suggest memorials donations be made to the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Fred C. White

Wellsville, NY - Fred C. White, 57, of 3463 County Road 28, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at home, with his family at his side. He was born May 4, 1958 in Cuba. On July 22, 1979 in Perryton, Texas he married Alice M. Gaines who survives.

Fred was a 1977 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was employed by Wellsville Central School during his high school years and for the Town of Wellsville in the summer months. He moved to Perryton, TX in 1978 to work in the oil fields; and returned to Wellsville in 1985. He later worked for Air Preheater Company in Wellsville. He attended Yorks Corners Mennonite Church. He loved nature, animals, flowers, birds and making children laugh.

Surviving in addition to his wife Alice, is one daughter, Tiffany (Timothy) Brechbill of Rocky Mount, NC, two sons, Daniel (Heidi) White of Palo Alto, CA and Dustin (Julie Eldridge) White of Wellsville, three grandchildren, Timothy and Naomi Brechbill and Chase White, one brother, Leslie White of Wellsville, a sister, Linda Yaras of Austin, PA, as well as several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Freda (Goodwin) White Mulvey in 1987, one brother, Leon White Jr., and three sisters, Luella, Lucy, Lila White all in 1960.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, June 29th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville and on Tuesday, June 30th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Yorks Corners Mennonite Church. The funeral will follow visitation at 1:00 pm Tuesday at the Church. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Austin, PA. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or Penn-York Camp in Ulysses, PA. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.  

William P. “Bill” Davenport

Scio, NY - The Lord above was given the wonderful soul of William P. “Bill” Davenport on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. Bill passed at the University of Rochester medical Center with his family at his side. He was born July 13, 1939 in Belmont to the late Volney and Thelma (Stryker) Davenport. On October 1, 1966 in Hornell he married Susan Woodworth who survives.

 Bill was a 1958 graduate of Scio Central High School. He was employed for many years by the Burnes Dairy Farm in Hornell. He later moved his family to Texas to work for L.H. Builders as a carpenter. In 1991, with his wife and youngest daughter, he moved back to Scio. For several years he worked as a carpenter on several remodeling jobs, including, Rub-A-Dub Laundry, Hellenbac Apartments, Giant Food Mart and the Texas Hot Restaurant; he retired in 2000. Bill loved to hunt, fish and to be home with his family. He was a wonderful, loud, abrasive and wise cracking; yet caring person. When he loved something he did it with all his heart. Bill actively donated to charities each month. He will be fondly remembered by the wonderful people at Rite Aid, Steuben Trust and Highland Health Care Center.

Bill was close to all of his family; surviving in addition to his wife “SuzyQ”; is one son William P. (Cynthia) Davenport Jr. of Lockhart, Texas, two daughters, Andrea (Jay) O’Brien of New Memphis, Illinois and Julia Davenport of Scio, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter, one brother, Volney Davenport Sr., of Scio; three sisters, Thelma Sadler of Friendship, Marion Rounds of Scio and Waneta Barr of Scio, three, sister-in-laws, Brenda Fredereksen, Mary Kay Van Skiver and Kimberlee Fitzgerald, special long time friends, Kenneth Bohm and the Miles Francisco family, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a sister, Kathryn Davenport, two brothers, Henry and Frank Davenport, a sister-in-law, Mary Davenport, a brother in law Donald Van Skiver and his father and mother-in-law, Seymor and Julia Woodworth.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville, and on Thursday, July 2nd from 11:00am to 1:00 pm at the Crosstown Alliance Church, 450 Highland Avenue in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 1:00 pm in church with Rev. Jeremy Gorham presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont. Memorial donations can be made to Allegany ARC, The M.S. Foundation or the Crosstown Alliance Church. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Gary Michael Hunt

Wellsville, NY - Gary Michael Hunt, 65, of 75 Johnson Street passed away on Monday, June 22, 2015 at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. He was born May 3, 1950 in Wellsville the son of Ramond and Sylvia (Hurd) Hunt.

Gary drove a cab for ABC Cab Company in Wellsville for many years. He was an artist and has displayed his paintings at various locations in the Wellsville area. He was a former member of the Allegany Arts Association and was a loving caregiver to several friends and family over the years.  

He is survived by his mother of Wellsville, his step-mother, Linda Hunt (David) Boundy of Wellsville, two sisters, Kimberly (Dennis) Herr of Wellsville and Kathy Wittie of Andover, a step-sister, Darcy (Carson) Shutt of Galton, PA, four nieces & nephews, Brandon and Kristine Herr, Kyle (Stephanie) Wittie, and Kolton Wittie, a great niece, Kinsley Wittie, two step nephews, Ethan and Max Lanphere, and the children of Eva Willets; Brian, Laura, Cindy and Alice and their families. He was predeceased by his father, Ramond, a step-brother, Lars Lanphere, a brother-in-law, Karl “Knub” Wittie and his long time loving companion, Eva Willets.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, June 26, 2015 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow the visitation at 1:00 pm Friday in the funeral home with Rev. Ralph Eastlack presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to any charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Jeffrey A. “Pony” Petersen

Wellsville, NY - Jeffrey A. “Pony” Petersen, age 56, of 152 Pine Street passed away at home on Sunday June 21, 2015. He was born on August 23, 1958 in Hornell to Roger and Myrna Clark Petersen.

Jeff was a long time resident of Wellsville who graduated from Wellsville High School in 1976 and from Corning Community College. He had worked for St. Bonaventure University in Olean in the Bakery Department. Jeff enjoyed the out of doors, golfing, hunting with a gun or a bow, fishing and conservation issues. He enjoyed playing  all organized sports from his youth until playing baseball at Corning Community College. In his later years he enjoyed watching sports on television, especially NASCAR and the New York Yankees. Jeff was involved with fantasy sports and communicating with his friends via the internet. 

Jeff is survived by his mother and step father, Myrna and Dominick Petrelli of Wellsville; 2 brothers, Roger (Jill) Petersen of Wellsville and Andy Petrelli of Wellsville; As well as Jill’s 3 sons, Aaron, Dustin and Chris Hess.

Jeff was predeceased by his father Roger Petersen and all of his grandparents.

There will be no prior visitation and a memorial service will held at the convenience of the family. Memorials in Jeff’s name may be made to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave on line condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Daniel C. Witter

Selinsgrove, PA - Daniel C. Witter, 56, of 2643 Route 522 died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 13, 2015 while visiting family in North Carolina. He was born November 13, 1958 in Olean the son of Lester and Nancy (Cooley) Witter. On March 28, 1981 in Batavia, New York he married Joy Peabody who survives.

Dan was a 22 year veteran of the United States Army serving with the military police. Dan enjoyed all things sports.  A day on the golf course would put a smile on his face and he looked forward to his annual hunting trip with family. Dan spent many a summer at Delta Lake Bible Conference Center where he met the love of his life, Joy.  During his time there he volunteered for anything and everything he could from maintenance to camp counseling.  Among his many joys, he took the most pride in spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving in addition to his wife Joy, are four sons, Brennen (Ashley) Witter of Selinsgrove, PA, Brett (Melissa) Witter of Selinsgrove, PA, Brice (Kristen) Witter of Hope Mills, NC, Brady (Madison) Witter of PA, two daughters, Breanna and Britni Witter of Selinsgrove, PA, eight grandchildren, Mackenzie, Collin, Cassidy, Autumn, Bethany, Liam, Hailey, and Emerie, his mother and stepfather, Nancy Witter and Robert Dana of Wellsville, four brothers, Earl (Joanne) Witter of Wellsville, Dave Witter of Wellsville, Timothy Witter of Wellsville, Mike (Penny) Witter of Hope Mills, NC, two sisters, Judy (John) Lehman of Ashland, Ohio and Donna (Ray) Lawrence of Fayetteville, NC as well as several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Lester Witter on December 14, 2002.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, June 20, 2015, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 1:00 pm in the funeral home with Rev. Stephen Clark presiding. A graveside service with military honors will follow at Stannards Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Delta Lake Bible Conference Center, 6420 Pillmore Drive, Rome, NY 13440. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Keith Vincent Ehrman-Deming

Batavia, NY - Keith Vincent Ehrman-Deming, 5, of 21 Wood Street passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester from complications of Cystic Fibrosis. He was born July 30, 2009 in Olean, the son of Jeffrey Deming and Sarah Ehrman.

In addition to his parents, Keith is survived by two sisters, Meridith Field and Hailey Sawdey, one brother, James Sawdey,  maternal grandmother, Mary Ehrman of Batavia, paternal grandmother, Penny Shaffer of Genesee, PA, paternal grandfather, Dean Michael of Belfast several aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, James Ehrman.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville, NY. The funeral will follow visitation at 4:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Richard Helms presiding. Memorial donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.   

Janice S. Vossler

Wellsville, NY - Janice S. Vossler, 83, of 2724 Miller Road, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center with her loving family at her side. She was born June 15, 1931 in Buffalo, the daughter of the late Norman A. and Pauline (Malte) Schultz. On April 19, 1954 in Wellsville she married Donald W. Vossler who predeceased her on March 4, 2011.

Janice was a 1949 graduate of Bennett High School in Buffalo and a 1952 graduate of Buffalo State Teachers College. She was employed as a teacher and substitute teacher at Wellsville Central School for many years. Strong in her faith, she was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsville, where she served as a Sunday School teacher and was a member of the choir, Couples Club and the Senior Citizens. She was also a former member of the American Association of University Women. An avid singer, with a love of classical music, she also loved to read and passed her love of reading on to her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by two sons, Daniel (Rose Mary) Vossler of Wellsville and Timothy (Tonya) Vossler of Perry, GA, two daughters, Deborah (Bill) Susie of Severn, MD and Mary (Chris) Minges of West Henrietta. She adored her five loving grandchildren, Justin and Kayla Vossler, Jenna and Ryan Minges and Anna Susie. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Lawrence (Margery) Vossler of Wellsville and a sister-in-law, Marilyn (Jack) Palmer of Avon Park, FL, as well as several nieces & nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents and husband, by a son, Steven in 1991.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, June 20, 2015, from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 N. Main Street in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow visitation at 3:00 pm in church with Rev. Robert Morris presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church or the Activities Department of Wellsville Manor Care Center. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Dawn “Joan” Elliott

Wellsville, NY - Dawn “Joan” Elliott, 87, of 13 Meadowbrook Court passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at home following a brief illness. She was born on December 23, 1927 in Shinglehouse, PA, the daughter of the late Reuben and Doris (Yeager) Elliott.

Dawn was raised in Bolivar and was a graduate of Bolivar High School. She began her 35 year career with AT&T right out of high school as a switchboard operator in Wellsville. She retired in 1984 as a Supervisor of Operators in Buffalo. During the Blizzard of 77, she remained in the office for several days to help provide service to the many customers in need. After retirement she devoted herself to the care of her loving family.

She was a former active member of the Pioneers of Telecommunication, the Bolivar United Methodist Church, the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Twig and the Monday Club. Dawn was a member and supporter of many organizations dedicated to community enrichment. She was grateful to her beloved family and her many loving caregivers for the wonderful care she received over the years and especially over the last few months.

She was predeceased in addition to her parents by, a sister, Joyce Elliott, brothers, Wayne and Gerald Elliott, a sister-in-law, Lois Elliott and a nephew, David Elliott. She is survived by David’s wife Kathleen Elliott of Hyde Park, three nephews, Mark (Linda) Elliott and Greg (Lori) Elliott both of Wellsville, and Jon (Cheryl) Elliott of Scio, two nieces, Susan (Albert) Meyer of Painesville, Ohio and Pamela (Robert) Stevenson of Olean, several great nieces & nephews and her faithful canine companion, “Shadow”. 

Friends are invited to call on Monday, (June 15, 2015) from 11:00 am 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 Rev. Ralph Eastlack presiding. Burial will be Maple Lawn Cemetery in Bolivar. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the SPCA Serving Allegany County or the Hart Comfort House. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Adele T. Stoll

Wellsville, NY - Adele T. Stoll, age 87, of the Bolivar Road passed away on Friday June 5, 2015 at the Manor Hills in Wellsville. Adele was born on April 12, 1928 in Philadelphia PA. to Sam and Julia Sweeney Turn. On August 22, 1953 in Glenside, PA. she married John William Stoll MD who predeceased her.

Adele was a long time resident of the Dansville and Nunda Area who had been a secretary for the former Craig Colony in Sonyea. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and served her community as a member of the Nicholas H. Noyes Hospital Auxiliary, Cub Scout Den Mother and a 4 –H Leader.

Survivors include her daughter, Linnea (Freddie) Rassman of Belmont; her 2 sons, William (Elizabeth) Stoll of St. Louis, MO. and Matthew (Silvana) Stoll of Boise, ID.; 6 grandchildren, Dylan Rassman, Alyssa (Seth) Frndak, Juliana Stoll, Samuel Stoll, Emma Stoll and Eleanor Stoll; a sister, Thelma Leonhard; a brother, Samuel John Turn.                              

Adele was predeceased by 2 brothers, Leonard and Donald Turn. 

Adele’s request was that there will be no prior visitation or service. Memorials in Adele’s name may be made to the Manor Hills Activities Center at 4192 B Bolivar Road, Wellsville, New York, 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Norma Mae Thompson

Wellsville, NY - Norma Mae Thompson, age 96, of South Brooklyn Avenue passed away on Thursday June 4, 2015 at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on April 25, 1919 in Wellsville to Edward and Carrie Foster Wightman. On June 13, 1941 at the Christian Temple Church she married Harold G. Thompson who predeceased her on February 1, 2005 after 63 years of marriage.

Norma started school in the Proctor District’s 2 room school house. She then graduated from Wellsville Central High School in 1936. Norma worked at the former Cretekos Brothers Confectionary for 8 years and later became a licensed real estate sales person working for Winters Real Estate for 10 years. Norma was a Notary Public, a Den Mother, honorary life member of the Wellsville PTA, past member of the Wellsville Woman’s Bowling Association as well as several other bowling leagues, Wellsville Grand Squares Dance Club and the Penn-NY Promenaders Camping and Dancing Club. Norma was also a member of the Christian Temple Church of Wellsville who enjoyed following the Detroit Tigers, the New York Giants, and the Buffalo Sabers.

Survivors include 2 sons, Douglas (Sue) Thompson of Portville and Robert (Priscilla) Thompson of Wellsville; 4 grandchildren, Daniel (Amy) Thompson of Little Rock, AR., Nicole Ackerman of Little Rock AR., Kelly (Jay) Smith of Wellsville and John (Hanah) Thompson of Wellsville; 7 great grandchildren, Matthew Thompson, Lindsey Buchholz, Kira Ackerman, Haeden Smith, Maddex Smith, Madison Thompson and Christopher Thompson; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Norma was predeceased by her parents; her husband; 2 sisters, Hazel and Mildred Wightman; 6 brothers, Richard, Allen, Frederick, Walter, Robert and Earl Wightman.                                          

 At Norma’s request there will be no prior visitation or public funeral. The family will have a burial service in Woodlawn Cemetery at their convenience and memorials may be made to the Allegany County SPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.