Ruth Ella Stisser,

Wellsville, NY - Ruth Ella Stisser, 96, a former resident of 152 Pine Street, passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell. She was born on September 15, 1921 in Wellsville, the daughter of Charles W. and Dora (Wesche) Ballerstein. On September 28, 1945 in Shinglehouse, PA she married Howard G. Stisser who predeceased her on May 19, 1998. 

Ruth was a 1940 graduate of Wellsville High School. She was employed at the Eclipse Plant in Elmira during WW II. She was a bookkeeper at Citizen’s National Bank in Wellsville from June of 1944 to September of 1945. In February of 1954, Howard and Ruth opened Stisser’s Wallpaper and Paint Store, later renamed Stisser’s Decorators Inc. and moved to 168 N. Main Street. From August of 1981 to December of 1984, Ruth managed Stisser’s Christian Witness Bookstore on E. Fassett Street in Wellsville. 

She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Wellsville for most of her life. She also attended the Full Gospel Church in Wellsville for a number of years. She enjoyed knitting, writing poetry and spending time with her family. 

She is survived by a daughter, Patricia (John) Prete of Hornell, two sons, Gerry L. Stisser of Wellsville, and Rev. Lee (Christine) Stisser of Tampa, FL, 12 Grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by four brothers, Herman, Erwin, George, and Carl Ballerstein, and four sisters, Louise Coleman, Amanda Jones, Clara Stisser and Helen Short. 

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 3, 2018 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be on Sunday, March 4th at 2:00 pm in the Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 N. Main Street in Wellsville, with her son, Rev. Lee Stisser presiding. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donation to the Trinity Lutheran Church. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.   

Marjorie G. Clark

Wellsville, NY - Marjorie G. Clark, age 90, of Merriam Heights, passed away peacefully, Thursday, February 22, 2018 at the Comfort House of Allegany County after a short illness. She was born on December 8, 1927 in Inavale to Bert and Pearl Keech Burrell.

Marjorie had worked at the Texas Hot, Elmhurst Dairy and for many years she drove a school bus for Scio Central School. She enjoyed telling of the many good memories and stories involving the students.

She is survived by her daughter, Judy Clark Donovan (Jim Potter) of Wellsville; a nephew, Jerry (Kathleen) Burrell of Mechanicville; her grandsons, Gregory (Laurie) Donovan and Patrick Donovan; her great grandchildren, Jacob, Olivia, and Nora.

She was predeceased by her longtime companion, Ralph “Bucky” Fanton and her grandson, Marc Donovan.

A private burial took place in Stannards Cemetery and in lieu of flowers please send memorial donations in her name to the Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 East State Street Wellsville, New York, 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Vivian Marie Shields

Wellsville, NY - Vivian Marie Shields, age 53, of the Wightman Road passed away on Monday, February 19, 2018 surrounded by her family and friends at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born in Wellsville on September 25, 1964 to Francis W. and Marge Guston Shields.

Vivian was a long time resident of Wellsville who had graduated from Portville Central High School in 1983. She had worked for the former Hills Department Store in Olean and then for the former Ames Department Store. She became a nurse’s aide and began working at Olean General Hospital then at Cuba Memorial Hospital and later for Highland Park Health Care Center in Wellsville. Vivian later returned to retail sales and worked for the Dollar General in Wellsville. She enjoyed dancing, roller skating, sewing, and crocheting. She had been a member of the Portville Fireman’s Auxiliary and had attended the Faith Bible Church. Vivian always said that her greatest accomplishment in life was her son, Andy.

Survivors include her son, Andy Barrett of Wellsville; her father, Francis W. “Baine” Shields of Portville; 3 brothers, Barry (Becky) Shields of Allegany, Ken (Laura) Shields of Alma, and Carey (Vickie) Shields of Obi; a sister, Bonnie (Mark) Lyman of Cuba; several nieces, nephews, and cousins including Sylvia LaChance who became a close friend and care giver.

She was predeceased by her mother, Marge Shields.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 12 noon to 2 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. The Funeral service will take place at the conclusion of calling hours at 2 pm with Pastor David Cook of the Obi Community Church presiding. Burial will be in Chestnut Hill Cemetery of Portville and memorials in Vivian’s name may be made to the Hart Comfort House at 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY. 14895. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Pauline M. Buchanan

Wellsville, NY - Pauline M. Buchanan, 92 of 1492A Bolivar Road passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following a brief illness. She was born on March 10, 1925 in Kenmore, Ohio, the daughter of Frank and Mable (Schaffer) Rollison. On August 12, 1967 in Wellsville she married Irving D. Buchanan who predeceased her on January 9, 2008.

Pauline was raised in Akron, Ohio and Wellsville and was a graduate of Wellsville High School. After graduation she returned to Akron and was employed as the lead telephone operator and supervisor for Western Union. After meeting Irv, she moved back to Wellsville in 1967, and became a receptionist for Doctor Comstock. She was a life member of TOPS, and a member of the Immaculate Conception Church. She enjoyed sewing, making crafts, and was a wonderful cook. 

She is survived by two sons, Daryl (Loretta) Smallwood of Chipley, FL, and Wayne (Kathy) Smallwood of Wellsville, five grandchildren, Tanya (Fred) Simmons, Mark Smallwood, Wendy Odum, Shari Smallwood and Shawna Azar, 13 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Monday, February 19, 2018, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will be on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. Burial will be Maple Grove Cemetery in Shinglehouse, PA. Please consider memorial donations to the former McEwen Hose Company # 4, % of the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Virginia M. “Ginny” Payne

Wellsville, NY - Virginia M. “Ginny” Payne, age 92, of 286 Scott Avenue passed away peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2108, at the Wellsville Manor Care Center after a long battle with dementia. She was born on January 31, 1926 in Wellsville, the daughter of German Immigrants, Henry and Rose Weihonig Liesegang. On May 8, 1946 she married Dale Robert Payne who predeceased her on March 8, 2000. They are now back together after 18 years apart.

Virginia was a stay at home mother and wife. She enjoyed crocheting, cross word puzzles, and many fond memories of playing bingo at the fire hall in Genesee, Pennsylvania. Her favorite times were spent with family, friends, and being with her beloved pets. A “red carpet” awaited Ginny at the Pearly Gates after raising her five boys! She was a woman of faith and an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church where she was a member of the Alter and Rosary Society, Legion of Mary, and served as a Eucharistic Minister.

She is survived by her 98 year old sister, Arlouine Straussner of Wellsville; 3 sons, Dale “Skip” (Barb) of Largo, FL.; David “Babe” Payne of Wellsville; Doug (Holly) Payne of Brockport; a daughter in law, Andrea Payne of Wellsville; 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

She was predeceased in death by her parents, her husband, 2 sons, Daniel in 1995 and Gary in 2017, her grandson David in 1996, and her brother, Walter Liesegang.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 15, 2018 from 4 till 7 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A prayer service will be held on Friday in the funeral home at 10:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church. Memorials in Ginny’s name may be made to either the Immaculate Conception Church or to the SPCA. Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery and to leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Virginia Payne

Wellsville, NY - Virginia Payne, age 91, formerly of Scott Avenue passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018 in the Wellsville Manor Care Center. Friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 15, 2018, from 4 to 7 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11 am in the Immaculate Conception Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Kevin C. Wilson

Wellsville, NY - Kevin C. Wilson, age 52, of 147 Scott Avenue passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester after a brief illness. He was born in Wellsville on April 27, 1965 to Raymond and Regina (Butler) Wilson.

Kevin was a resident of Wellsville who graduated from the Belmont Christian Academy in 1984. He had worked in food service for many years and was a dedicated and loved team member at the Wellsville Burger King since 2008. He loved to keep everyone informed by using Facebook as much as possible. He enjoyed local history and would take many rides through the countryside to visit historical sites.

Survivors include his father, Raymond Wilson of North Hornell; a brother, Michael Conklin of Arizona; a step brother; 2 step sisters; several nieces and nephews; and a great number of caring and devoted friends.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, his mother Regina Conklin, his step father, Fred Conklin; his sister, Patricia Wilson Murphy.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, February 12, 2018, at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville from 1 pm to 2pm at which time a funeral service will be held. Pastor Ken Chroniger of the Alfred Station 7th Day Baptist Church will preside and burial will be in the Hornell Rural Cemetery. Memorials in Kevin’s name may be to the charity of donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Lena Lucille Cole Hackett

Wellsville, NY - Lena Lucille Cole Hackett, age 83, of 152 Pine Street went to be with Her Savior on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Buffalo General Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Wellsville on July 1, 1934 to Peter and Lena Johnson Cole. In July of 1986 in Wellsville she married Therald (Bud) Hackett who survives.

Lena was a lifelong resident of Wellsville who enjoyed eating at the Modern Diner, Monday Night Music at the VFW, crocheting, especially slippers at Christmas, knitting, and baking cookies for her grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Lena especially enjoyed spending time with her family, her pets, and curling up with her kitten Milo.

She is survived by a son, A. Michael (Shelley) Childs of California and their children, Michael, Mitch, and Jake all of New York City; a daughter, Karla (Alan) Hills of Wellsville and their children, Cory of Friendship, Tiffany of Wellsville, and Valerie of Houghton; several nieces and nephews.

Lena was predeceased by her parents; her 3 sisters, Alice A. VanDruff, Phyllis R. Cole, and Ernestine E. Cole; 2 brothers, Irwin W. Cole, and Walter P. Cole Sr.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 10, 2018 from 11 am until 1 pm at the Grace United Church, 289 North Main Street, Wellsville. The funeral service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1pm with Pastor Dave Potts presiding. Burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery and memorials in her name may be made to the SPCA serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Charles E. Babcock

Lawrenceville, Georgia - Charles E. Babcock, 85, passed away on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 in Lawrenceville following brief illness. He was born on March 30, 1932 in Wellsville, the son of the late C. Gerald and Mildred (Rogers) Babcock. He was first married on June 27, 1959 in New York Mills, NY to Patricia Mielnick who predeceased him. On June 19, 1976 he married Marilyn Sofranko who predeceased him in 2011.

Charles resided in Wellsville until 1944 when his family moved to Belmont. He was a 1950 graduate of Belmont High School. He served with the U. S. Army, and graduated from Alfred State College in 1956. He began his career as an electrical engineer with Unisys in Utica, NY, until the company moved him to Bristol, TN and later to Philadelphia. At one point in his career he was involved with the computerization of Cuba Cheese in Cuba, NY. After retirement he resided Atlanta, GA and Louisiana. 

He is survived by a daughter, Kelly Babcock of Lawrenceville GA, two step daughters, Paula McKinney and Carolyn Sofranko, one brother, Daniel Babcock, two sisters, Francelia Hamlin, and Barbara Dunn, three sisters-in-law, Sally O’Donoghue, Becky Babcock and Francis Babcock, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by three brothers, Richard, James and David Babcock and two brothers-in-law, Edgar Hamlin and Charles Dunn. 

A private funeral will in Georgia. Please consider memorial donations to your favorite veterans’ organization. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.