Friday, October 30, 2020

Terry L. Haxton Jr. 50

Sumter, SC - Terry L. Haxton Jr. 50, of 3050 Old Spring Road passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a brief illness. He was born April 6, 1970 in Wellsville, NY, the son of Terry L. and Alice I. (Griswold) Haxton Sr. On November 24, 2004 in Sumter he married Sue A. Sibert who survives.Terry was raised in Scio and was a 1988 graduate of Scio Central School. In 1989 he joined the U. S. Air Force and served with the 79th Maintenance Squadron as a Lead Production Superintendent until he was honorably discharged in 2013. He then moved to the United Arab Emirates and became a contractor for the Abu Dhabi Air Force for two years. He moved back to Sumter and enjoyed, hunting, fishing, woodworking and traveling the United States with his loving wife. He was a member of Aldersgate Methodist Church in Sumter. Terry's family would like to thank the 816 ICU Team at Strong Memorial Hospital for their loving care.

He is survived by his wife Sue; his children: Matthew Haxton, and Samantha (Nick) Haxton Frederick; his mother, Alice Haxton; siblings: Rebecca Haxton and Thaddeus Haxton; his grandmother, Ella Mae Haxton; his mother-in-law, Mary T. Sibert; a sister-in-law, Ronda Gosney and her family; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father Terry on October 4, 2020; his grandfather, Lawrence Haxton; and his beloved bonus dad, Sonny Huffman.  

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Aldersgate Methodist Church in Sumter, SC, with Rev. Marcus Johnson presiding. Please consider memorial donations to the Aldersgate Methodist Church, 211 Alice Drive Sumter, SC 29150. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Dolores Jean “Dolly” Winans, 84

Wellsville, NY - Dolores Jean “Dolly” Winans, 84, of 3800 Fords Brook Road passed away October 28, 2020. She was born January 31, 1936 in Wellsville the daughter of the late Cornelius J. “Neil” and Helen M. (Downing) Walsh. On October 5, 1954 in Wellsville she married Lloyd D. Winans who predeceased her on May 10, 2006.

Dolly was a graduate of the Immaculate Conception School and Wellsville High School. She was employed as an operator for New York Telephone and a key punch operator for Dresser-Rand Corporation in Wellsville. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Woman of the Moose Chapter # 601, Frank B. Church Post 2530 VFW Auxiliary, Wellsville Football Booster and the Wellsville PTA. She was an avid shopper and a wonderful aunt, friend, neighbor, and mother to many.  

She is survived by: two daughters, Margaret “Peggy” (Tony) Kuras of Derby, and Vaughnda Bone of Florida; five sons, Steven (Fran) Winans of Florida, Lloyd (Sherry) Winans Jr. of Andover, Patrick (Zulie) Winans of Florida, Alan Winans of Syracuse, and Neil (Diane) Winans of Wellsville; sixteen grandchildren, Zachary Bone, Mary Lou (Jason) Cline, Jason (Brittany) Winans, Angela Winans, Christopher (Nathalie) Winans, Matthew (Michelle) Winans, Stevie (John) Garcia, Kyle (Erika) Winans, Amber (Christan) Madison, Tyler (Lauren) Winans, Patrick (Lynda) Winans, Christine Winans, Natalia Winans, Bradly Winans, Josh Winans, and Austin Winans; twenty-one great-grandchildren (with one on the way); and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased, in addition to her parents and husband, by: a son, Michael Winans; and two brothers, Neil and Thomas Walsh.

For those who knew her, Mom was a BIG person always offering a helping hand (whether needed or not) and quick with her wit and laughter.  For decades, she was mom to all the kids in the neighborhood; triage nurse; teacher; cheerleader; snake and mouse handler; sports mom; taxi driver; peacekeeper; wooden spoon wielder; dad buffer; soft shoulder; hand holder; and occasionally life saver/changer.  At one time for two years she lived with and cared for 8 kids, 3 nieces and nephews and babysat 3 neighbor kids.  Every time you left the house Mom would give a hug followed by "Watch out for deer and call when you get home”.  

Mom was a compassionate, loving, gentle, generous, giving, patient, woman of faith. She was such a hard worker, and had a strength and toughness to handle every situation, always with a smile. She never complained, rather she pushed through even with her own health issues, until the very end. She was a loving wife, mother, friend, sister, aunt and grandmother. A woman you could always trust and count on. Her love was unconditional and uncompromising. She was a proud woman, but without an ounce of vanity. She was philosophical yet immensely practical. She was a free spirit, a problem solver, and a provider. She was an amazing woman, generous beyond belief. Though she came from modest times, she gave more to others, even strangers, than she ever did for herself. Many called her mom. She was always perpetually positive. She had joy, grace, and contentment that was contagious. "Always put yourself in someone else's shoes" she would say. It is remarkable that one woman had so many exceptional qualities, her fierce spirit, love of life, and love of others; qualities that will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren and others. She will be missed by many, and remembered by those who were lucky enough to have been blessed with her presence in their life. Special and unique were her ways, with family and others who needed her most on a daily basis. With a heart of an angel, Mom was the very best with a love we will never outgrow. Mom is more than a word; she is a gift from God. A feeling of warmth and love that neither time, nor distance, can diminish.. You will be deeply loved and missed mom. Your life will live on forever in the hearts of your family. Our mom is alive and thriving at home now, literally walking with Jesus. We hope the angels know what they have. You made it mom, until we all shall meet again. 

What the mind doesn’t remember, the heart never forgets.

To her family: "I'm Fine."  You got it right this time momma. This time you couldn't be more right…made perfect with our Lord.  Although it is so very difficult to imagine her gone from us, it is with joy to know that we will see her again. As always, we place this into God's loving hands until the time comes when He says we will be together. "Now it's time for you to get your everlasting beauty rest. You worked so hard for all of us, you deserve it. Mom, we love you.

To quote Billy Graham, “Someday you will read or hear that Dolly Winans is dead.  Don’t you believe a word of it.  She shall be more alive than she is now.  She will just have changed her address.  She will have gone into the presence of God.”  

"Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus, those who have fallen asleep in him." 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, November 2, 2020 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville (34 West State Street). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 10am in Wellsville, at Immaculate Conception Church (36 Maple Avenue) with Reverend Robert Agbo presiding. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The family suggest memorial donations to the Activity Department of Highland Park Care Center, 160 Seneca Street, Wellsville, NY 14895. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Thursday, October 22, 2020

Michael J. Kalamets, 79

Wellsville, NY - Michael J. Kalamets, 79, of Rauber Street passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a long battle with Alzheimers. He was born on October 4, 1941 in Grindstone, PA to the late Michael and Mary Anne (Martonick) Kalamets. On August 1, 1987 in Wellsville he married Barbara Shelley, who survives. 

Michael began his career as a pressman and worked for such papers as The Washington Post, The Buffalo Courier-Express, and the Buffalo News. He was an avid outdoors-man and very much enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #601. Though most of all, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. 

He is survived by: his wife, Barbara; two children, Melanie (Allen Jenkins) Kalamets, Craig (Patty) Kalamets; three stepchildren, Richard (Ricci) Burdick, William Burdick, and Nicole (Tom) Lee; ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; three brothers, Richard (Liz) Kalamets, Joe Kalamets, and George (Karen) Kalamets; and several nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, October 24, 2020, from 2-4pm & 7-8pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville (34 West State Street) with a funeral service to follow at 8:00pm. The service will be live streamed to the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorials in Michael's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association of WNY. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Rita G. Winterhalter, age 100

Houghton, NY - Rita G. Winterhalter, age 100, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at the Absolut Care of Houghton. She was born in Rushford on August 17, 1920 to the late Earl and Anna (Burke) Shaffer. She was married to John Johnson who predeceased her in 1960 and later to Fredrick Winterhalter who predeceased her in 1993.

Rita was a former resident of Belmont and Belfast. She and her husband Fred had owned and operated the Belfast Hotel for many years. She was a devout Catholic and member of the former St. Mary's  Church in Belmont.

Survivors include a daughter, Rita (Thomas) Higley; a son, Dale (Karen) Johnson; daughter-in-law, Jane Koener; son-in-law, Roy Benjamin, a step son, Bill Winterhalter; a step daughter, Sister Christine Winterhalter of the Sister's of St. Francis; 11 grandchildren, Lacie, Tonya, Kevin, Jill, Jenny, Randy, Luke, Angel, Michael, Joanna, and Kerri.

She was predeceased by a son, Ronald Johnson; 2 daughters, Kathleen Johnson and Carol Benjamin; a step son, Roger Winterhalter.

There will be no prior services and a private graveside service will held in St. Patrick's Cemetery of  Belfast. Memorial donation in Rita's name may be made to the Belfast Rescue Squad. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 


Monday, October 19, 2020

Norman C. Mesler, 93

Wellsville, NY - Norman C. Mesler of the Bolivar Road passed away on Sunday October 18, 2020 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center. He was born in Alma on July 16, 1927 to the late John and Frances Pinney Mesler Jr. He was married to the former Mary Lou Bush who predeceased him on July 31. 2014.

Norman attended grade school in Alma and later attended Wellsville Central High School. He was employed in the local oil and gas fields and played baseball for the Alma Comets in the early 1950's. It was said that no one could hit a baseball further than Norman! He later became a self employed contractor and had his shop in the former Shawmut Train Depot in Bolivar; and  also owned and operated the Mesler Quaker State in Bolivar. Norman was an avid shooter who was a member of many local Rod and Gun Clubs, he enjoyed riding snowmobiles, was a life member of the Bolivar Fire Department and a member of the Oil Producers Association.

He is survived by 4 sons, Timothy Mesler of White Plains, Michael (Kathy) Mesler of Bolivar, John ( Kevin Morse) Mesler of Little Genesee, and Christopher Mesler of North Carolina; 4 daughters, Mary Ellen Mesler of Olean, Martha (Stephen) Shannon of Bolivar, Maureen (Robert) Brewer of Bolivar, and Mindy (Jamie) Herman of Wellsville; a daughter in law, Rosemary Mesler of Bolivar; several grand children, great grand children, and great great grand children; a sister, Shirley Green of Wellsville; a brother, Gary (Diane) Chandler of Casper WY; several nieces and nephews.

Norman was predeceased by his parents; 2 sons, Martin and Daniel Mesler; 3 grand sons, Chad Brewer, Jason Mesler and Joseph Herman; a brother in law, Boyd Green; a sister Patricia Reed , and a nephew Jeff Green.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, October 21, from 6-8 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral  Home in Wellsville. A private family service will be held in the Funeral Home on Thursday at 11:00am, which will be available to the public via live stream on the J.W. Embser Sons Facebook page. Burial will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery and memorials in Norman's name can be made to the Bolivar Fire Department. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 

Friday, October 16, 2020

Gabriele “Gaby” G. Coburn, 80

Wellsville, NY - Gabriele “Gaby” G. Coburn, age 80, passed away at home on October 16, 2020, surrounded by her family after battling pancreatic cancer. She was born on March 24, 1940 in Schnaitheim-Heidenheim, Germany to Johannes and Franziska (Neubauer) Liebert.  

In her teenage years, Gabriele was a Photo Lab Technician.  She moved to the United States in 1960 after meeting her husband Gene, while he was in the Army and stationed in Germany.  Prior to moving to Wellsville in 1986, Gabriele and her family lived in Glenwood, Illinois.  She was an avid tennis and racquetball player and worked at Olympian Court Club in Olympia Fields, IL.  Gabriele and her husband also loved to travel and spend time with family and friends. 

Survivors include two daughters Elizabeth and Cynthia, sisters Else in Germany and Charlotte in Missouri, sisters-in-law Louise in Florida and Willette in Alabama, also many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years and both of her parents.

Friends are invited to call on Monday, October 19, 2020 from 5 pm until 7 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville, 34 West State Street.  Any donations can be made locally to support the ASPCA of Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.


Darleene A. Keesler, 78

Belmont, NY - Darleene A. Keesler, 78, of Rt. 19 North, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2020. She was born on June 6, 1942 in Cuba to the late Paul and Vivian (Whittaker) Spencer. On November 27, 1963 in Black Creek, NY she married Ralph Keesler, who survives. 

She graduated in 1960 from Cuba Central, however, she was a long time resident of the Belmont area. After she and Ralph were married, she was a dedicated farmer's wife, and devoted mother. Once her children had all grown, she worked for Tracie’s in Wellsville, and later for Nicholson's Pharmacy in Belmont. She was a very active member of the United Methodist church in Belmont, so much so that she was even on the board of trustees. Darleene loved being around the farm, mowing the lawn, and tending to her flower garden. Most of all, she loved her family, being a caregiver, and making everyone happy. Her family, and her church, were her life. 

She is survived, in addition to her husband Ralph, by: a son, Darin Keesler of New York City; two daughters, Kelly (Todd) Bruhnsen of Webster, and Marcie (Jeff) Goater of Sudbury, MA; five grandchildren, Matthew, Sarah, Emma, Henry, and Jack; a sister, Judy (Neil) Sundal of Franklinville; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Darleene was predeceased by her brother Robert Spencer. 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 to J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Belmont, 17 Schuyler Street, for calling hours from 11:00 am until 12 noon, with a memorial service to follow with Rev. John Francisco presiding. Memorial donations may be considered for the Amity Rescue Squad, and the Alzheimer's Association of WNY. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. To virtually attend, the service will be live streamed to the J.W. Embser Sons Facebook page at the above time listed. 


Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Terry L. Haxton, 67

Boliver, NY - Terry L. Haxton, 67, of Phillips Hill Road, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2020 at Highland Park in Wellsville. He was born on June 15, 1953 in Wellsville the son of Lawrence and Ella Mae (Smith) Haxton. On July 12, 1969 in Wellsville he married Alice I. Griswold who survives. 

Terry was raised in Wellsville, and attended Wellsville High School. He was a dedicated employee of the Town of Scio, Highway Department for 34 years. Outside of work, he enjoyed working on cars, was an avid hunter and fisherman, and was a member of Knights Creek Church. 

He is survived by: his wife Alice; three children, Terry (Sue) Haxton, Rebecca Haxton, and Thaddeus (Kim) Haxton; seven grandchildren, Matthew Haxton, Samantha (Nick) Frederick, Brett (Samantha) Burgess, Judith Haxton, Tristan Haxton, Tristen Abbott, and Caden Haxton; and two great-grandchildren, Tony and Arya Burgess; his mother, Ella Mae; four brothers, Lawerence Haxton Jr., Timothy Haxton, Ralph Haxton, and Ron Weeks; two sisters, Alysia Gardner and Donna Gapa. He was predeceased by his father, Lawrence, and three sisters, Claudia, Gracie, and Marsha.

Friends are invited to a memorial service on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 1:00 pm at the Knights Creek Church in Scio, with Reverend Carl Kemp presiding. A reception will follow at the Knights Creek Church. Please consider memorial donations to Knights Creek Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com. 


Saturday, October 3, 2020

Furn M. Smock, 84

 Wellsville, NY - Furn M. Smock, 84, passed away on October 1, 2020 in Mt. Morris, NY. She was born on October 1, 1936 in Corry, PA to the late Burton and Alice (Rauscher) Smock. 

Furn was raised in Wellsville, and graduated from Wellsville High School in the early 1950s. After graduating, Furn went on to have a very successful career in banking. Initially she worked at the First Trust company of Allegany County in their Trust Department. By the mid-1960s though, Furn left First Trust to advance her career and become the first female trust examiner for The Comptroller of the Currency (Department of the Treasury) in the second Federal Reserve District in New York City. By the close of 1969, Furn returned to Wellsville to lead First Trust's Commercial Loan Credit Department and was named Assistant Vice President of the bank. In 1974 she advanced yet again within the bank and became Executive Assistant to the President of the Bank. In 1981 she moved to Rochester, NY to yet again advance her career and held the title of Executive Assistant to the President of Security Trust Co. of Rochester and Security New York State Corporation (a multi-bank holding company in Upstate New York). Similar to her Rochester move, in 1987, Furn moved to Buffalo, NY as Executive Assistant to the President of Norstar Bank (formerly Liberty Bank & Trust Co.). Finally, in 1992 she moved to Albany, NY as Executive Assistant to Chairman and CEO of Fleet Bank of New York (predecessor to Bank of America). Fleet bank of New York had branches located statewide from Long Island to Buffalo – with principle offices in New York City, Kingston, Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo. Furn retired from her wondrous career in 1998; throughout her time in the banking industry she was recognized several times for exceptional service to the institutions that employed her. Outside of her vocation, Furn loved animals – especially her dogs, with Pomeranians being her favorite.  

Furn was predeceased, in addition to her parents, by her Aunt and Uncle – Bessie and Vern Kelly. 

She is survived by: two brothers, Thomas (Cindi) Smock of Pittsburgh, PA and Robert (Nancy) Kelly of Geneseo; one sister Ruth Neely of Falmouth, ME; several nieces and nephews; several cousins; and special friends, Bea Weber of Albany and Erland “Erkie” (Pauline) Kailbourne of Mendon. 

Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at 1 pm in the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY,. Please consider memorial donations to the ASPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences please visit, www.embserfuneralhome.com.