Michele A. Sibble

Wellsville, NY - Michele A. Sibble, 71, of 1716 Fulmer Valley Road passed away on Friday, April 28, 2017 at Jones Memorial Hospital with her family at her side. She was born November 7, 1945 in Buffalo. On July 31, 1965 in Wellsville she married Donald W. “Bill” Sibble who survives.

Michele attended Wellsville High School. She was formerly employed at the Fassett House, Texas Hot, Wellsville High School, and for many years at A & M Bowling in Wellsville. She was a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Andover. She enjoyed music and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Michele loved traveling with Bill, as he traveled for Air Preheater Company, with extended stays in Taiwan, Mexico and Florida. She loved the Ocean, especially watching the fishing boats come and go while they lived in Florida. She and Bill were regular customers and enjoyed visiting with the managers and clerks at A Plus in Wellsville.

Surviving in addition to her husband are three children, Chad (Mandy) Sibble of Wellsville, Brandie (Steve) Dickerson of Alma and Shane Sibble of Bolivar, eight grandchildren, Trae, Trent, Teegan, Logan and Lexi Sibble and Dakota, Sierra and Cheyene Dickerson, two brothers, Stanley (Lois) Cwiklinski of Chaffee, Quentin (Deb) Sexton and Melany Sexton both of Olean, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother, Irene (Bednark) Sexton, a brother, Joseph Cwiklinski, and a sister, Marta Kullgren.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow visitation at 4:00 pm in the funeral home with Pastor Richard Helms presiding. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery will be at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Ronald McDonald House in Buffalo or Rochester, where Michele’s family stayed on several occasions. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

David W. “Lefty” Caldwell

Belmont, NY - David W. “Lefty” Caldwell, age 81, of Maple Street passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 16, 1935 in Kane, PA. to Robert and Grace Clinger Caldwell.

Lefty was a lifelong resident of Belmont who had a zest for life and never forgot a name or a face. After High School he worked in the Borden Milk plant and later became a district distributor for the Buffalo Evening News Paper. Lefty retired in 2001 after 30 plus years as the Steward for the Hebert DeLong American Legion Post #808 in Belmont. He enjoyed bartending at the Legion as he loved being around people and was friends with everyone. In his younger days Lefty was a proud member of the Belmont Drum and Bugle Corps. He was a charter member of the Amity Rescue Squad, a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post # 808 where he held offices locally and in the state, and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Wellsville. He will be fondly remembered by his siblings as the one who was first to forgive or to apologize. 

Lefty is survived by his 4 brothers, Robert C. Caldwell Jr. of Wellsville, Bruce Caldwell of Belmont, Bryan (Barbara) Caldwell of Belmont, and Darrell (Mary) Caldwell of Ashland, KY.; 2 sisters, Barbara Tompkins of Wellsville, and Sally (Phil) Wesche of Belmont; several nieces and Nephews.

Lefty was predeceased by his parents Robert and Grace.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, April 26, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. The funeral service will take place at 11 am on Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Wellsville with Pastor Greg DeSalvator presiding. Burial will take place in Forest Hills Cemetery and memorials in in his name may be made to either the Amity Rescue Squad or the SPCA serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Arthur E. “Art” Gordon

Wellsville, NY - Arthur E. “Art” Gordon, age 92, of the Stannards Road passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Jones Memorial Hospital. He was born in Rochester on February 1, 1925 the son of Arthur and Carlotta Coogan Gordon. On July 17, 1947 at St. Joseph’s Church in Scio he married Margaret Irwin who predeceased him on July 11, 2004.

Art left High School to enlist in the U.S. Navy at age 17 during WWII. He was commissioned aboard the USS Cabot, an aircraft carrier, for 3 years. During the war, Art and the USS Cabot were stationed in the South Pacific. He and his ship mates served 405 straight days at sea and they received many honors and metals for their contribution during the war. His ship earned 9 battle stars and had been hit by 2 Japanese kamikaze Aircraft in one engagement. Famed World War II correspondent Ernie Pyle sailed with Cabot for 3 months where Art was able to share time with him. After the war Art was able to attend several Cabot reunions including one in New Orleans, LA., when the USS Cabot was returned to the United States from the country of Spain. Art retired from Air Preheater in 1985 as a Welding Supervisor and enjoyed traveling, hunting, and fishing. He loved to teach others his passion of fishing, hunting, and sports especially to his grandsons, Bryan and Connor. While Art was in high school he and his brothers helped build the family home in Stannards and played high school sports including football where he was elected captain. Art was honored as a graduate of the WHS Class of 2010, receiving his diploma from his fellow classmate and grandson Bryan. Art’s memberships include the Wellsville Elks Lodge #1495, the American Legion Post #702 of Wellsville, the Cabot CVL 28 Association, and the Immaculate Conception Church of Wellsville.

Survivors include 2 daughters, Margaret “Peg” (Gerald) Peet of Wellsville and Tracy (Robert) Insley of Wellsville; 2 grandsons, Bryan and Connor Insley of Wellsville; a brother Bill (Barb) Gordon of Wellsville; a sister, Mary Ellen Moll of Macedon; sister in law Audrey Irwin Hall of Florida, brother in law Gary (Lynne) Irwin of Webster and a sister in law Clara (Jules) Kordorsky of Rochester; several nieces and nephews including a special great nephew Jeff Gordon and nephew Jack Morrison.

Art was predeceased by his parents, his wife Margaret, his brother Jim Gordon, and his brother in law Larry Irwin.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, April 23, 2017, at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home from 4 to 7 pm. On Monday a prayer service will be held at 10:30 am in the Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 am in the immaculate Conception Church. Memorials in Art’s name may be made to the Immaculate Conception School or to the charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Regina Mae Conklin

Wellsville, NY - Regina Mae Conklin, age 76, of York’s Corners passed away on Thursday, April 20,

2107, at the Fiddlers Green Nursing Home in Springville. She was born on April 26, 1940 in the Town of Willing to Claude and Edna Butler. Regina was married to Raymond Wilson Jr. then in 1973 in Hornell she married Fred C. Conklin who predeceased her in 2013.

Regina was a loving wife, companion, and mother. She loved to crochet, knit, garden, watch the geese and ducks on her pond, and cooking for family events and cookouts. Regina loved country and blue grass music, attending many local band functions and her favorite local band was Reunion. She was a member of the Canaseraga Ambulance Squad, and the Fireman’s Auxiliary for both Canaseraga and Willing, and was a volunteer for the Salvation Army. In 1982 she had the pleasure of receiving a phone call from President Ronald Regan regarding the funding for new water lines in the Village of Canaseraga. Regina’s biggest accomplishment was when she became Mayor of the Village of Canaseraga in 1993.

Regina is survived by 3 sons, Kevin Wilson of Wellsville, Philip Conklin of Bradford, PA., and Mike Conklin of Peoria, AZ.; 2 daughters, Sarah (Joe) Farren of Jamestown , and Cathy (Marty) Linder of Scottsville; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; also special friends, James and Marcy Thacher, and Jaylyn and brothers; her first husband, Raymond Wilson Jr.

Regina was predeceased by her parents and stepmother, Elva Butler; a daughter, Patricia Murphy; 2 brothers, Richard Butler and Leonard Butler; infant sister, Marilyn Butler; and a grandson.

At Regina’s request there will be no calling hours and a private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in both Fred and Regina’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth H. McNinch

Belmont, NY - Elizabeth H. McNinch, age 98, of Belmont passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at the Wellsville Manor Hills. She was born on July 25, 1918 at home in Mapleton. On July 19, 1941 in Fleming she married Robert H. McNinch who survives.

Elizabeth graduated from Union Springs High School and later from Buffalo State College with a degree in Home Economics. Her first teaching job was in Belmont where she met her future husband. She also worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension, 4 H program, covering five counties in Western New York, later for the Department of Social Services, and returned part time to the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Elizabeth was a long time member of the Belmont Presbyterian Church/ United Church where she active in both the Presbyterian Guild and the United Methodist Women. Currently she is a member of the Andover Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder. Elizabeth was a former member of the Amity Rescue Squad in Belmont. She and her husband spent winters in Fort Meyers and later Lakeland Florida. Elizabeth attended 13 Elder Hostels from Key West, FL. To Vermont and spent a summer traveling the United States in a Motor Home.

Survivors include her husband, Robert; a daughter, Meredith (David) Chilson of Belmont; 2 granddaughters, Denise Chilson of Victor and Jennifer (Sean) McMahon of Penfield; 7 great grandchildren, Gates McMahon, Emma Elizabeth Chilson-Cline, Christopher Chilson-Cline, Aidan McMahon, Jacob Chilson-Cline, Faith McMahon and Maia McMahon; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; a sister Carolyn; and brother, Ralph who died near Savo Island during WWII.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, April 22, 2017, from 12 noon to 2 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. The funeral service will take place in the funeral home, following the calling hours, at 2 pm with Pastor Christian Mattison of the Andover Presbyterian Church presiding. Memorials may be made to charity of the donor’s choice and burial will take place in Forest Hills Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Harold J. “Jim” Hickey

Wellsville, NY - Harold J. “Jim” Hickey, age 84, of 168 Trapping Brook Road was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday April 9, 2017. He was born on January 30, 1933 in Wellsville to Harold and Evelyn Gleason Hickey. On January 27, 1957 in Wellsville Jim married the love of his life Anna “Kitty” Mayo who also went to meet her Savior on March 13, 2011. 

After Jim received Christ as his Lord and Savior he followed him the rest of life. For those who knew Jim, you would frequently find him sitting in his chair reading God’s word and loved to share with his family and friends. Jim also enjoyed mowing his lawn and when others needed help their lawn he would help mow that too.

Survivors include his 2 sisters, Patricia “Pat” Schriner of Lakewood, Co., and Darlene Chapman of Wellsville; 2 nephews, Stuart Schriner and his family of Lakewood, CO., and Joseph (Karen) Chapman and their sons, Vincent (Celeste) Hunter and Preston from Great Bend; 2 nieces, Michele Richard and family of Woodstock, GA., and Laurie Hickey of Wellsville.

    

Family and friends are welcomed to attend a memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life and his love for Jesus on Friday April 21, 2017 at 1 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. Pastor Robert Cook will preside the service burial will take place in Forest Hills Cemetery. Jim was a dog lover so memorials in his name may be made to the Allegany County SPCA. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Patricia A. “Patty” Burr

Wellsville, NY - Patricia A. “Patty” Burr, 73, of 340 South Main Street passed away on Sunday, April 9, 2017, at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on May 21, 1943 in Fillmore to Gerald and Katherine Jerman Burr. 

Patty grew up on Air Top Farm in Houghton and graduated from Fillmore Central High School in 1962. She had been employed at Motorola in Arcade and later she worked for Allegany ARC PWI. Patty loved to read magazines and had a deep love for flowers and gardening. She lived with her care givers, Joyce Burns and family, for 25 years and was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church. With the help of Joan Gardner, Betty Searle, and later Beverly Sanchez she faithfully attended Saturday night Mass.

Survivors include 2 sisters, Sheila (Fred) Clause of Tyler, TX., and Martha (Mike) McElheny of the Villages, FL.; 2 nieces, Catherine Clause of Austin, TX., and Melinda (Amir) Jamil of Westmont, IL.; a nephew, Mark (Kelly) Clause of Fort Worth, TX.; 3 great nieces and 2 great nephews; her care giver, Joyce Burns of Wellsville. Patty was predeceased by her parents and a sister, Barbara.

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at the conclusion of the calling hour. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery in Fillmore and in lieu of flowers contributions in Patty’s name may be made to the Resident Council at Wellsville Manor Care Center. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Evelyn M. Voorhees

Wellsville, NY - Evelyn M. Voorhees, 88, formerly of 3254 First Street died on March 29, 2017 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following a long illness. She was born on October 7, 1928 in Rexville, the daughter of the late John and Blanche (Waterman) Meehan. On October 2, 1948 in Hornell she married Robert J. Voorhees Sr. who predeceased her on July 21, 1996. 

“Evie” was a graduate of Hornell High School. She was employed for over 20 at the Style Shop in Wellsville. She was one of the first Eucharistic Ministers commissioned in 1971 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville and was a daily communicant for many years. She was a member of several church organizations including, ACCWA, Altar and Rosary Society, Fun Fair Committee, Prayer Network, Lord’s Housekeepers, Bishop’s Committee and was a Mercy Associates Funeral Dinner volunteer. She was a charter member and past president of the Wellsville Grand Squares and the Penn-NY Promenades. She was also a charter member of the Father Brown $1.00-a-Month Club, formed to support Father Bill Brown, who has been a missionary in Peru for over 50 years.       

Affectional known as “Mema” by her family she is survived by a son, Robert J. (Linda) Voorhees Jr. of Wellsville, two beloved granddaughters, Wendy (William) Williams and Jaimie Voorhees both of Trumansburg, 10 great-grandchildren, Anthony Barnhart, Cassidy Schroeder-Voorhees, Devon Barnhart, Gabe, Liam, Owen, Ian, Luke, Zia, and Han Williams, a sister, Dorothy Meehan of Hornell and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by a daughter, Michele Voorhees, a granddaughter, Tricia Marie Voorhees and two brothers, Francis and Gerald Meehan. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Church in Rexville. The prayers of committal and burial will follow the Mass at 1:00 pm in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Wellsville. Please consider memorial donations to the Father Brown Mission Club, PO Box 464, Wellsville, NY 14895 or the SPCA Serving Allegany County, PO Box 381, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit embserfuneralhome.com.

Mary B. Burgess

Elm Valley, NY - Mary B. Burgess, 79, of 3596 County Road 12, died on Thursday March 30, 2017, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following a brief illness. She was born on October 16, 1937 in Ulysses, PA, the daughter of Eddie and Maude (Patterson) Butler. On October 13, 1961 in Wellsville she married John A. Burgess who survives.

Mary was raised in Ulysses and was a graduate of Northern Potter High School.

She was employed as the office manager for Forrest Allen Insurance Company in Wellsville and later was a bookkeeper for Chapman’s Furniture in Genesee, PA. Mary and John owned and operated the Quaker State Gas Station in Genesee from 1977 to 1989.   

                                                                                                                                                        In 1989 the family moved to Florida, where Mary played a vital role in raising her grandchildren. She also volunteered at the Spruce Creek Elementary School in Port Orange, Florida. She and John returned to Elm Valley in 2000 and have been very involved in the lives of their great grandchildren. She enjoyed knitting, sewing, birdwatching and raising exotic birds. 

Surviving in addition to her husband is a son, Andy Burgess of San Francisco, CA and a daughter, Patty Empson of Elm Valley, two grandchildren, Natasha (Jarod) Ott and Jennifer (Jacob) Kurk and two great grandchildren, Jacob J. Kurk Jr. and Destiny R. Empson.

A private memorial service is being planned for a later date. Please consider memorial donations to the Andover Volunteer Ambulance Squad. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.