Colleen O'Connor Kailbourn

Wellsville, NY - Colleen O'Connor Kailbourn, age 82, of Sunnydale Avenue passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born in Wellsville on July 21. 1935, the second child of Lawrence and Marion Plain O'Connor. In 1978 she married Raymond Kailbourn who survives.

Colleen attended and graduated from the Immaculate Conception School in 1951, and finished her high school education at the Wellsville Central School graduating in 1953. Before graduating from high school she started her career at the New York Telephone Company as a Telephone Operator. Colleen later joined the Contel/GTE Telephone Company and retired as the Western Area Service Office Supervisor. She and Ray enjoyed many years of traveling in search of antiques. Once retired they opened Kailbourn Antiques of Angelica and Wellsville. She remained interested in antiques until the day she died. Colleen was dedicated to her Roman Catholic faith and was a life long member of the Immaculate Conception Church. She belonged to the Altar and Rosary Society, served many years on the Parish Council, was a member of the Lay Vicariate, and served on the Sanctuary Restoration Committee. Colleen also served on the Board of Directors for the Genesee Valley Habitat for Humanity for many years. She loved her family and friends and celebrated life. Everywhere she went she touched people's hearts. Her Irish smile and good nature will always be in our memory.

Survivors include her husband, Raymond; her son Paul W. (Karen)  Stevens; her step children, Linda (John)  Cook, Thomas (Roxie Schmidt)  Kailbourn, Mark (Dee)  Kailbourn, and Brent Kailbourn; 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; her sister in law Mary Margaret O'Connor; many dear good friends especially Loretta and Jim Cronin, Lois and Joe Spinelli, Pat Adderly Cotton, and John Weatherell.

She was predeceased by, her parents and her brother, Dr. George O'Connor.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, April 2, 2018, from 4 till 6 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. On Tuesday a Prayer service will be held 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. Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials in Colleen's name may be made to the Immaculate Conception School. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Margaret E. Bailey

Wellsville, NY - Margaret E. Bailey, formerly of East State Street, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 with her family by her side at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was born on January 23, 1929 in Wellsville to Gus and Elva Broadbent Weber. On March 10,1951 she married Charles M. Bailey who predeceased her in 1981.

Margaret was a lifelong resident of Wellsville, she was a stay-at-home mother and provided daycare to many children. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and was at her happiest when she was spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her seven children, Debbie (Roger)  Gee of Wellsville, Charles (Lisa)  Bailey Jr. of Avon, Timothy (Jodi)  Bailey of Wellsville, Kelvin Bailey of Pineville, N.C., Brent (Josie)  Bailey of Wellsville, Barry (Cindy)  Bailey of Wellsville, and Laurie (Michael)  Lang of Sidney; a sister, Sandy Hunt; 12 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her brother , Harry Weber; and 1 grandchild.

There will be no prior visitation and a private burial service will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery of Wellsville. Those wishing to make a donation in Margaret's memory can do so to the David A. Howe Library of Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

June E. Deschler,

Wellsville, NY - June E. Deschler, age 88, of Williams Avenue passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at Rochester General Hospital with family and friends at her side. She was born on October 12, 1929 in Hallsport to Floyd and Evelyn Doan Beckwith. On November 15, 1954 in Wellsville she married Richard Deschler who predeceased her on July 29, 2017.

June was a life long resident of the Wellsville Area who attended Wellsville Central Schools. She had worked at the former Bausch and Lomb Plant in Wellsville where they made eye glass frames. She later worked at the former Triangle Shoe Store in Wellsville, and last at the Park Plaza Liquor Store. In the early 1970's June was a bus chaperone for the former Blue Devil's Drum and Bugle Corps. She enjoyed spending winters in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where she could enjoy her family, the beach, fresh seafood, and shopping. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and the former Lady Elks both of Wellsville. June was full of life, a loving grandmother and great grandmother, and will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

Survivors include, a son, Donald Deschler of Wellsville; a daughter, Susan (Brian)  Robinson of Longs, South Carolina; 4 grandchildren, Christian, Aaron( Jennifer)  and Andrew Robinson, and Brieanna (Sam)  Sarcia; 4 great grandchildren, Lila, Landon, and Mason Robinson, and June Sarcia; a sister in-law, Frances Deschler of Wellsville.

Friends are invited to call on Thursday, March 22, from 6 till 8 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. A Prayer Service will be held on Friday, March 23 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. Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery and memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Immaculate Conception School of Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com

Bertha Rose Button

Galeton, PA - Bertha Rose Button, 59, of 645 West Branch Road passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018 in Galeton. She was born on April 10, 1958 in Potter Brook, PA the daughter of the late Wilbur and Velma (Rice) Button.

Bertha is survived by her companion, Jimmy Taylor of Galeton, a daughter, Kim Lenord of Bolivar, a son, Lawrence Lee (Velva) Button of Galeton, six grandchildren, Michael, Destiny, Gabriel, Riley, Adam, and Angel, four sisters, Susan (George) Benson of Almond, NY, Marie (Larry) Green of Fulton, NY, Judy (Chuck) Heap of Petersburg, TN, and Janet (Greg) Jackson of Shinglehouse, PA, three brothers, Leon (Pat) Button of Bolivar, Robert Button of Wellsboro, PA, and Stanley (Sue) Button of Richburg, two sisters-in-law, Sue Button and Carol Button, both of Olean, as well as several nieces and Nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by her husband, Archie Button, and two brothers, Wilbur “Maynard” Button, and Eugene Button. She enjoyed Gardening, family gatherings, collecting dolls, and watching westerns on TV. 

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Friday, March 23, 2018 at 1:00 pm at the Gospel Fellowship Church, on Hood Road in Belmont, NY Please consider memorial donations to The American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Richard C. Thurber

Wellsville, NY - Richard C. Thurber, 82, of 3265 First Street, passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania following a brief illness.  He was born on May 19, 1935 in Brighton, NY.  On November 20, 1955 he married Beverly A. Griswold who predeceased him on September 28, 2001.

Richard was raised in North Rose, NY and later moved to Newark, NY where he lived until 1980.  He moved to Central Florida and eventually resided in Umatilla where he lived for   many years until moving to Wellsville, NY in 2017 to live with family.   He was employed by several packaging companies including Duffy-Motts in Williamson, NY; Mobil Chemical in Macedon, NY; and Astro Packaging in Orlando, FL.  He was a faithful member of the Community Wesleyan Church of Leesburg, FL.

He is survived by three children, Patricia (Robin) George of Wellsville, Richard C. (Jessie) Thurber Jr. of Belton, SC, and William (Nancy) Thurber of Leesburg, FL, seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, one sister, Roberta Heltne of Beaverton, OR, as well as several nieces & nephews.  He was predeceased by his mother, Elberta Thurber Cleveland, and a sister, Lucille Boyce.

Interment will be in Lakeside Memorial Gardens in Eustis FL. Please consider memorial donations to the Community Wesleyan Church of Leesburg, FL or the Allegany County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NY).  To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfunerlahome.com.  

Peter William Presutti

Belmont, NY - Peter William Presutti, 94, a former long time resident of 6 McNinch Lane, passed away on Monday, March 12, 2018 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. He was born Sept 18, 1923 in Belmont, the son of the late Frank and Nancy (DeFiore) Presutti. On June 18, 1949 at St Mary’s Church in Belmont NY, he married Rosamonde Clark who survives.

Peter has resided in Duke Center, PA for the past five years. He was a 1941 graduate of Belmont High School; and attended Buffalo State Teachers College. He began employment at Worthington Corporation in Wellsville (now Dresser Rand) as an apprentice in machine shop and assembly floor. Peter served three years in the Army Air force during World War II, in the European Theater of Operation, also known as the Second European War. He returned to Worthington after his discharge to work in the engineering department and retired in 1985, after 39 years of service. He was a communicant of St Mary’s Church and was involved with the records and maintenance of St Mary’s Cemetery. 

Peter was a loving husband and father and is survived in addition to his wife, Rosamonde, by his son, Peter of Duke Center, PA, two daughters, Judith (John) Barrett of Duke Center,PA and Joanie Frost of Lake Tahoe, NV, five grandchildren Elisabeth “Betsy” Presutti and her husband Christ, Nick Presutti, Dominick Presutti, Braden Barrett and Star Finch and her husband Mike, a great grandson Braxton, as well as several beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in addition to his parents by a son, William M. Presutti, a granddaughter, Quinn Davis, who was his pride and joy, five sisters Julie Congelli, Jenieve Creighton, Lenora Vancante, and Yolanda and Elvira Presutti and his six brothers Louis, Charles, Leonard, Amedeo, Joseph, and an infant brother.

Peter was known for his famous chicken barbecue’s and had a passion for gardening, especially growing tomatoes and garlic which he shared with his friends and family. Peter also had a propensity for “fixing” everything and anything which he was often asked for assistance and more than happy to help.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 16, 2018 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 17 Schuyler Street in Belmont. On Saturday, March 17, 2018, there will be a prayer at the funeral at 10:30 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at Holy Family Church in Belmont. Burial, with military honors will be in St Mary’s cemetery in Belmont.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the Hart Comfort Home in Wellsville, NY or Holy Family Catholic Church in Belmont, NY. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Nancy L. Haberer

Wellsville, NY - Nancy L. Haberer, 66, of 95 O'Connor Street passed away after a battle with cancer on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center with her family at her side. She was born on March 24, 1951 in Wellsville, the daughter of the late John and Mildred (Herke) Potter.

Nancy was raised in Scio and was a 1969 graduate of Scio High School. She was employed as a home health aide for many years; most recently for Jan and Ben's Home Care Inc. of Wellsville.

She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed Sudoku, bingo, solitaire, scratch off tickets, and latch hood.

She is survived by three sons, Shawn Haberer, Scott Haberer, and his companion Brandy Gaylord, and Mark Haberer, and his companion Sara Johnson, all of Wellsville, and one daughter, Christine Haberer, and her companion, Tom Tompkins of Bolivar, seven grandchildren, several step grandchildren, one brother, Gary (Shelia) Potter of Arcade, and one sister, Shelia (Bob) Linnecke of Scio, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by a brother, Donald Potter and a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Haberer.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. The funeral will follow visitation at 3:00 pm in the funeralhome with Rev. Carl Kemp presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hills Cemetery in Belmont. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Sandra “Sandy” E. Sweet

Wellsville, NY - Sandra “Sandy” E. Sweet, age 77, of 32 Chestnut Street passed away on Friday March 10, 2018, at the Hart Comfort House of Allegany County. She was born on June 7, 1940 in Manhattan, New York and was the daughter of Ernest and Helen Hornburg Stewart. On May 9, 1970 in Wellsville she married Oliver C. Sweet Jr. who predeceased her on January 12, 2104.

Sandra was a life long resident of Wellsville. She was a secretary at Alfred University until she became a stay at home mom to raise her children. She was a member of the Cross Town Alliance Church of Wellsville who enjoyed senior bus trips, senior luncheons, reading, word games, reading the Bible, and socializing with people. Sandra liked to play the piano and had substituted at several local churches and last played at the Hart House a week before she passed away. After her children had grown she worked for the Green Thumb/ Traveling Teachers and later worked at McDonalds on the Bolivar Road. She loved her family and above all the Lord.

Survivors include a daughter, Ellen Sweet of Wellsville; 2 sons, Charles “Chuck” (Marilou)  Sweet of Olean and Edward “Eddie” Sweet of Belmont; one grandchild on the way; her step mother, Betty Stewart of Williamsport, PA.; 2 step sisters, Denise and Diane; several nieces , nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Friends are welcome to call on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 11 am till 1 pm at the Crosstown Alliance Church in Wellsville. Her funeral service will be held at the conclusion of the calling at 1 pm with Pastor Jeremy Gorham and Campus Pastor Jon Schink presiding. Burial will take place in Stannards Cemetery and memorials maybe made to the Cross Town Alliance Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy Marie Willhoite

Wellsville, NY - Dorothy Marie Willhoite, 85, of Wellsville, NY, passed away on March 9, 2018, with her children at her side.

Dorothy was born in Miami County, KS, on October 18, 1932, to Fannie Leona (Alley) and Kenneth Anson Trewett.  She grew up on the family farm, where she learned the importance of hard work and common sense. Dorothy attended grade school at the Washington School in Miami County and high school in Drexel, MO. She was the salutatorian of the Drexel High School Class of 1950 and predicted by her classmates to be “the first woman President of the United States.” She attended college at the Ursuline Academy in Paola, KS.

Dorothy married the love of her life, Wilber Wayne Willhoite, on July 8, 1951. They farmed near Drexel before their family moved to Kansas City, MO, in 1965. Dorothy was a homemaker and stay-at-home mother while her children were young, but began working outside the home in 1969. Shortly thereafter, she started her career with Lynn Insurance Group (Universal Underwriters). She earned her Certified Property Casualty Underwriter credential and retired from Universal Underwriters in 1989 as a Regional Underwriting Manager. Dorothy and Wilber moved from Kansas City to Drexel in 1990, and in 2000 they moved to Wellsville to be near family. They enjoyed their retirement together and traveling to visit family and friends and to attend Wilber’s military reun

ions.

Dorothy was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wellsville where she had been active in the women’s Bible study group, jail ministry, and choir.  She loved people and helping others.  She enjoyed reading, solving puzzles, quilting, gardening, and baking.. She was a brilliant, intelligent woman who could accomplish anything that she decided to do.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved Wilber, who died on December 11, 2008, and by her brother, Kenneth Trewett. She is survived by three children, Rose Anna (Leonard) Ladage of Wellsville, NY, Patricia Lynn (Richard) Sooter of North Richland Hills, TX, and Terry Wayne (Linda) Willhoite of Keller, TX; three grandchildren, Kenneth Wayne (Yuriko) Sooter, Joshua William (Kelly) Sooter, and Angela Marie Willhoite; five great-grandchildren, Joshua “Tiger,” Reese, Madison, Connor, and Kyron; two sisters, Frances (John) McLaughlin and Evelyn Burton; and numerous other relatives and friends.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff at Manor Hills Assisted Living for their loving care for Dorothy.

A memorial service will be held at the J. W. Embser Funeral Home in Wellsville on Monday, March 12, at 5 p.m., with visitation from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  The funeral will be March 16 at the Mullinax Funeral Chapel in Drexel, MO.  Burial will follow in the Sharon Cemetery near Drexel.

To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Joyce Frances Gaylord

Belmont, NY - Joyce Frances Gaylord, age 91, of 9 South Street, passed away on Friday March 2, 2018 in her home. She was born on December 31, 1926 in Buffalo to Charles and Freda Richardson Gaylord.

Joyce was along time resident of Belmont who began her secretarial career in 1945 at the Allegany County Clerks Office. She later worked at the Sinclair Refinery, Citizens Bank, James Sekaras's Law Office, Allegany Bituminous, and retired as the secretary to the Dean of Nursing at Alfred University in 1980. Joyce was a quiet person who kept to herself , she loved reading, birds, flowers, and her dog Susie.

Joyce is survived by a niece, Marjorie (Richard)  Perkins of Andover; 2 nephews, Dale (Harriet)  Gaylord of Andover, and Craig (Norma)  Gaylord of Andover; several great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Richard (Florence)  Gaylord, and a nephew, Bruce Charles Gaylord.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, March 9, 2018 from 10 to 11 am in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont. The funeral will take place at the conclusion of the calling at 11 am in the funeral home. Memorials in her name may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Burial will take place in North Collins Cemetery, North Collins New York. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Valentina E. Gardner

Wellsville, NY - Valentina E. Gardner, age 96, a former long time resident of Grand Island passed away at home on Breckenridge Avenue on Monday, March 5, 2018. She was born on January 30, 1922 in Harbin Manchuria, China to Evan and Vera Georgieva Scholokoff.

Valentina went to a school in Japan that was run by both English and French Nuns. She met her future husband, Henry Gardner, who was in the U. S. Army and landed in Yokohama, Japan where they married on November 24, 1946. Upon returning to the United States they settled in Grand Island and together they owned the Island Disposal Service. When they sold the business Henry became a heavy equipment operator for the Town of Grand Island and Valentina went to work for Kenmore Mercy Hospital. When they retired they moved to Wellsville. Valentina was a member of the VFW Post #2530 Ladies Auxiliary, American Legion Post #702 Ladies Auxiliary, and T.O.P.S. # 39 all of Wellsville. Valentina loved to fish and to paint.

She is survived by a son, John (Dorothy)  Gardner of Grand Island; 2 daughters, Suzanna (Fred)  Hoefler of Lawrenceville, GA., and Vera Gardner of Ulysses, PA.; 5 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren

She was predeceased by her parents and her husband of 64 years.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, March 12, 2018, from 12 noon to 2 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville. A service will be held at 2 pm in the funeral home following visitation with burial in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Memorials in Valentina's name may be made to the VFW Post #2530 Auxiliary, or to the American Legion Post #702 Auxiliary, or to the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Robert H. “Bob” McCracken

Wellsville, NY - Robert H. “Bob” McCracken, 81, of 4192B Bolivar Road passed away on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at Manor Hills with his family at his side. He was born August 28, 1936 in Wellsville, the son of the late Kenneth and Elizabeth (Sprong) McCracken Sr. On July 5, 1958 in Wellsville he married Deanna Day who predeceased him in 2006.  

Bob was a 1954 graduate of Wellsville High School. He was employed at the Ice House in Wellsville for one year prior to joining the U.S. Army, where he served from 1956 to 1957. Following his active duty he served with the Army Reserves for another six years. He later worked for Chapman-Burrous in Genesee, PA and Harriger’s Atlantic Service Station in Wellsville. He was a 35 years employee of C. E. Air Preheater Company in Wellsville; retiring in 1995. During those years he was a part time Deputy for the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department for 33 years, a Patrolman for the Town of Willing for 17 years, and was an Instructor for the New York State Division of Fire Prevention and Control. 

He was a 64 year member of the Genesee Hose Company No.5; where he served as President, and Captain. He served as the Fire Chief of the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department in 1980 and 1981. He was a life member of the Allegany County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, the Southwestern Association of Volunteer Fireman, a member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge #1495, the Wellsville Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and the Trinity Lutheran Church. 

He is survived by two daughters, Kelly (Mark) Brennan of Lancaster and Robin (Richard) Spychalski of Albion, three grandchildren, Kevin, and Amanda Brennan and Jessica (Connor) Abraham, one sister, Carole (Stephen) Wells of Wellsville, his companion for the past 10 years, Sina Hallett. and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Edward and Kenneth McCracken Jr.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc. in Wellsville. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 3:00 pm in the funeral home with Rev. William Wilson presiding. Interment with military honors will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the Genesee Hose Company No. 5, Home Care and Hospice, or the Trinity Lutheran Church. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Bruce R. Schoenthal

Wellsville, NY - Bruce R. Schoenthal, 79, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, January 20, 2018. He was born February 27, 1938. He is survived by his wife Andrea Schoenthal, a son, Philip A Schoenthal, a daughter, Dawn M. Schoenthal, her husband, Steven B. Foehner, a sister-in-law, Johna Lozinsky, and his faithful kitty, “Companion” Please consider a memorial donation to your local SPCA, in remembrance of Bruce.

Bruce Smalley

Belmont, NY - Bruce Smalley passed away on February 23rd at the Wellsville Manor after a long illness.  Bruce is survived by, Sally, his loving wife of 67 years,  4 children:  Fred (Julie) of Levan, UT; Bob (Laurie) of Houghton, NY; Percillah (Mark) Woodard of Brockport, NY; Carol (Bill) Tompkins of Belmont, NY, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. 

Bruce was born in the Belgian Congo to his missionary parents, Ray and Ruth Smalley.  He served his country as a US Navy Corpsman and earned a BS Degree in Animal Husbandry at Michigan State University, where he met the love of his life, Sarah Ann Schaal.  Bruce and Sally married in 1951 and then attended the Hartford Seminary Foundation and the University of Arkansas to prepare for missionary service in the art and science of dry land farming.  

 Bruce and Sally served for 10 years in Southern Rhodesia/Zimbabwe Africa. While there Bruce helped introduce multiple programs to promote agricultural systems to improve the lives of the people they served.

They returned to the United States with their four children in 1963.  Bruce was hired by Cornell University as a 4H agent serving Erie County, NY, where he was initially tasked to develop the 4H Pilot Program in intercity Buffalo.

In 1972, Bruce and Sally relocated their family to Allegany County.  Here, Bruce served as the Cooperative Extension 4H Agent until his retirement in 1989. 

As an active member of the United Methodist Church in Belmont, Bruce was a dedicated servant of his Lord and Savior.   He was a loving family man with boundless interests.  He was an active leader, member or participant in the Belmont Rotary, Allegany County Bird Club, Compeer Program, Allegany County Fair Board and Youth Council Board.  Bruce was an avid outdoorsman, amateur ornithologist, woodworker and photographer.

Please join us to celebrate Bruce’s life with this family and friends at the United Methodist Church in Belmont on Saturday, March 10th at 11AM, with a reception to follow. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com