Joyce A. Knox, 86

Wellsville, NY – Joyce A. Knox, 86, of Niles Hill Road, passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Strong Memorial Hospital. She was born on March 23, 1937, in Cleveland, OH the daughter of the late John Frank and Elizabeth Ethel (May) Schreier. On June 13, 1992, in Trinity Lutheran Church of Wellsville, she married David Knox, who survives. 

Joyce was raised in the Lakewood suburb of Cleveland. She attended Kent State University. She entered the work force as a telephone operator; however, she found her career as a secretary. She worked for several attorneys, but most notably she worked in the Pentagon as the secretary for Massachusetts Congressman Tip O’Neill, who would later go on to be the speaker of the house. After her time in Washington, she was the secretary for the Alfred University Ceramics Department. Outside of her career she was a member of the American Legion Honor Guard, with whom she would march in parades and work several funeral details, the Wellsville VFW, the Wellsville Moose and Elks Clubs, and Immaculate Conception Church. She loved animals and plants. 

In addition to her husband of 31 years, David, she is survived by: four children, Robert (Judi) Roberts of Hornell, Kendra (Tom) Hennessy of Wellsville, Kenny (Susan) Roberts of Greece, NY, and Cheryl (Terry) Bailey of Hilton, NY; six grandchildren, Allison (Terry Stephens) Roberts, Sarah Hennessy, Shea Hennessy, Codey Bailey, Caila Bailey, and Zach Harnischfeger; great-grandson, Beau Stephens; brother John Schreier Jr.; as well as nieces and nephew, Doug, Kelly Jean, and Liz Heffner. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by: a son, Tyler Roberts; a granddaughter, Samantha Hennessy; and her identical twin and brother-in-law Jeanne & Kelly Heffner. 

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. Her funeral will follow at 1 pm in the funeral home. Burial will be in .Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5440 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Nancy Blumenstalk Mingus, age 67

Lyndonville, NY - Nancy Blumenstalk Mingus, age 67, died in her home in Lyndonville, NY from bile duct cancer on September 19, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband of nearly 44 years,Michael Mingus, daughters Marissa and Paige, grandchildren Xavier Enrique Mendoza and Adalind Rose Aponte, sisters Linda Scheuer and Jan McDonald and several brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews. Nancy was born in Schenectady, NY and graduated from Schalmont HS ’74. She had a Bachelor’s degree in Math Education from SUNY Oneonta ’77, a Masters in Education from Alfred University ’82, a Masters in Historic Preservation from Goucher College ’01, and she was ABD in the American History doctoral program at SUNY Buffalo.

After several decades of working in corporate computing and training, Nancy started her own company, Mingus Associates, Inc. through which she designed and delivered courses and materials and taught thousands of students all over the world both in a variety of instructional settings and online. She also taught and administered programs at several colleges and universities including Alfred, Buffalo, Cornell, DeVry, Empire State, Pace, and Phoenix.

Nancy was a freelance writer and editor, authoring five books, more than forty articles in national publications, and video scripts and workbooks for computer courses. She also published on topics ranging from ballooning to the Erie Canal. She was a frequent contributor to the western NY magazine Buffalo Spree, for example, “Jeddo Mills,” published on Sept 10, 2021, and (“Preservation/ A Carpenter Gothic Rarity,” Nov. 30, 2020), where she described one of her own projects that combined her loves of historic preservation, antiquing and creative design. In 2005, Nancy purchased a home in Knowlesville, NY that was badly in need of preservation. The home became her corporate office and her key preservation project, as well as a location that allowed her to purchase and showcase her continually growing collection of antiques.

Nancy served on the Amherst Historic Preservation Commission for eight years and as its Chair for three. She was an experienced project manager, active in local and national project management organizations and frequently spoke at international training and computer conferences.

Nancy loved gardening, old buildings, antiquing, photography, gaming, writing, reading and watching mysteries, creative projects with family, and spending time with her grandkids. She valued her time with extended family and made sure we all gathered at various times during the year.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 3-4 PM on Saturday, October 7th at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St, Medina, NY 14103. A memorial service will be held beginning at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the Hospice of Orleans, 14080 Route 31 West, Albion, NY 14411.

Martha “Marty” Robarts, 91

Wellsville. NY - Martha “Marty” Robarts, 91, passed away on September 18th at Elderwood of Hornell, NY after a period of failing health.  

Martha was born on April 1, 1932 in Hornell to the late Margaret and Merlyn Sexsmith.  She attended St. Anne’s Academy (grades K-8) and graduated from Hornell High School.  Martha married her first husband Kenneth D. “Bud” Kemp in 1951 and they moved with their four children to Wellsville, NY in 1960.  For many years, Martha worked for two prominent Wellsville clothing stores: the former Davies and then for Cannon’s.  It was at Cannon’s where she met the love of her life, John Robarts.

John and Martha were married in August 1978 and spent 33 happy years together.  One event that they especially treasured was a surprise 25th wedding anniversary party on Keuka Lake in which family came from across the country to celebrate with them.  Memories of their two trips to Bermuda were very special to them.

Martha’s greatest joy was her children and her family. She and John loved to travel together to visit family. Nothing meant more to her than Thanksgivings in New Hampshire, or summer parties at Loon Lake, or Christmas Dinner on Elm Street in Hornell – as long as the family was there.  In more recent years, she took great pride in watching her grandchildren grow up, attend college, and start successful careers.  “Nana” will forever hold a special place in all of their hearts.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband John in December 2011. Martha was also pre-deceased by her son Daniel in 2020, her sister Mary Hill in 2006, her brother-in-law Stanly Hill in 2018, her brother George Sexsmith in 2022, her daughter-in-law Karen Kemp in 2011, and son-in-law Damon Lawrence in 2013.

Martha is survived by her 3 children: Elizabeth (Kemp) Lawrence, Catherine (Kemp) Weinman and her husband Christopher, Kenneth J. Kemp and his wife Mary, and sister-in law Bonnie Sexsmith. 

 

She is also survived by her grandchildren:  Sadie Dexter, Brandon Lawrence, Abby Lawrence, Matthew (Jenna) Kemp, Jehna Kemp, Tim Kemp, Bill Kemp, great grandchildren Jack Kemp and Ryann Shields, as well as her step grandchildren Mark Babbage, Matt Babbage, Sam Babbage, Ellen Lewis and Jennifer Murphy.  

She will be greatly missed by her stepchildren Ross Robarts and his wife Brenda, Barbara Ceglia, and her step grandchildren Chelsea (and family), Josh, Zachary, Sarah, and Jacob.

Martha had many nieces and nephews that will greatly miss “Aunt Marty’s” lively presence at family gatherings.  She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who always put the needs of those she loved before her own. Martha was known for her kindness and sense of humor. She was always smiling and quick to laugh. 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Elderwood, Hornell for their kindness and compassion.  Martha truly loved the care and special connections that were made during her stay there.

Friends are invited to call Friday September 22nd from 5-7pm at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Church Saturday September 23rd at 11am with burial to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit  www.embserfuneralhome.com.

William D. Boyle, 75

Wellsville, NY – William D. Boyle, 75, of Seneca Street, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023, at Hart Comfort House with his family by his side. He was born on November 8, 1947, in Brooklyn, the son of the late John Francis Jr. and Anne Mary (Sloane) Boyle. He married Maureen Boyle, who predeceased him on January 9, 2022. 

Bill was born and raised in Brooklyn, graduating from John Dewy High School in 1965. Upon graduating he enlisted with the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of Sargent and was stationed for several years in Germany, serving in both Vietnam and Persian Gulf Wars. Outside of his military career, Bill found a second career as a Car Salesman for Paul Brown Kia of Olean, for whom he worked for over 15 years, retiring in 2018. Beyond his employment, he enjoyed carpentry, mowing his lawn, and watching westerns. He excelled at technology, was a military enthusiast, and was a collector of guns and knives. His favorite snack was Coca-Cola and Oreos, and he loved salt, so much so, he died with the Saltshaker right next to him. 

He is survived by: two sons, Shawn Boyle of West Virginia, and Shpend Betsa of Rochester; six grandchildren, Lule Betsa, Diell Betsa, and Jet Betsa, Catherine Lindgren, John (Trisha) Tangen, and Melissa Scala; four great-grandchildren, Alexander, Carter, Ava, and Olivia Tangen. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by: a son, John Scala; a daughter, Colleen Scala; and his beloved dog Mickey Boyle, the only one he ever had. 

Friends are invited to a graveside service at Bath National Cemetery onWednesday, September 20, 2023 at 1pm. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA serving Allegany County, 5044 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave onlincondolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Ruth Irene Osgood, 92

Wellsville, NY – Ruth Irene Osgood, 92, of Wellsville, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, September 10, 2023, in her home. She was born on May 30, 1931, in Wellsville, the daughter of Francis and Marion (Allen) Anderson. On March 29, 1986, she married the love of her life, Lenny Osgood, who predeceased her on April 20, 2020. 

Ruth’s greatest loves were (first and foremost) her family, collecting jewelry, and watching her favorite TV programs. 

She is survived by: two daughters, Linda (Jay Greene) Bierman of Pennsylvania, and Connie Graham of Tennessee; son, Dennis (Robin) Graham of Wellsville, with whom she has lived since 2020; as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband she was predeceased by: grandson Chad Graham, great-granddaughter Chelsea Bierman, and great-grandson Joshua Bierman.

A private service will be held at the family’s convenience. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County, 5044 NY-19, Belmont, NY 14813. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

H. Irene Fullam, 100

Wellsville, NY – H. Irene Fullam, 100, formerly of Dyke Street, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 7, 2023. She was born February 24, 1923, in Marshfield, VT, the daughter of A.I. and Helen (Phelps) Ennis.

She worked alongside her husband, Rex Fullam Jr., in their businesses for over 20 years, she then operated Nana’s Childcare Service for two generations of Wellsville families. 

She is survived by: four sons, Rex (Donna) Fullam III, Roger (Crystal) Fullam, Randall (Anna) Fullam, and Robin (Madelene) Fullam; two daughters, Roxanne (Henry) Jedraszczak, and Rena (Greg) Coryell; brother, Leland Ennis; closest friend, Candi Clark; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Rex, son Robert, and grandson Michael. 

Following Irene’s wishes there will be private family services. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Alicia Eve Cornell, 46

Wellsville, NY – Alicia Eve Cornell, 46, of South Brooklyn Avenue, died on Friday, September 1, 2023, in Hagerstown, MD. She was born in Wellsville on December 28, 1976, the daughter of Billy and Janet (Geffers) Cornell. 

Alicia was a 1995 graduate of Andover Central School. She found her career at Dresser Rand/Siemen’s Energy, where she worked for the last 24 years. Outside of her employment, she was a member of the American Legion. She enjoyed motorcycle and side by side rides, sitting on the porch, swimming with her favorite friends, kayaking, and hanging with “Sally” in the garage. She was an avid Bills fan, loved the annual Wellsville Balloon Rally, sunflowers, flamingos, owls, her grand-dogs, and anything to do with pickles. Family and friends were very important to her, and she was very excited for her first grandchild, due in December. Her favorite saying was “Love you Big” 

She is survived by: her fiancé, Kevin Dye; sons, Austin (Megan Bailey) Dye and Briar Dye; daughter, Ashleigh (Brett Ritter) Miller; parents, Billy (Cathy Allen) Cornell and Janet (William) Lynch; three sisters, Candace (Rick) Updyke, Maggie (Brady Cumpston) Cornell, and Jessica (Paul) Wieszczyk; six nieces and nephews, Blake (Sydney Dennison) Updyke, Evan Updyke, Maisie Cornell, Reagan Myers, Danielle Meyers, and Tanner Dye; mother-in-law, Pamela Dye; as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was predeceased by: her step-mother Roberta Cornell, maternal and paternal grandparents, and father-in-law Mason Dye. 

Friends are invited to a reception on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 3 pm at the Wellsville American Legion Post 702, 23 Jefferson Street, to share stories and a meal. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to: Wreaths Across America, 4 Point Street, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623; or to the Wellsville American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wesley S. Merrick, 55

Wellsville, NY – Wesley S. Merrick, 55, of Fords Brook Road, died on Friday, September 1, 2023. He was born on May 28, 1968, in Wellsville, the son of Deborah and William Merrick. On September 17, 2010, he married Carrie (Smith) Merrick, who survives.

Wes was a 1987 graduate of Andover Central School. He was an exceptional electrician throughout the surrounding communities and started his own business, Merrick Electric, which he successfully operated for the last 15 years, for the last 12 years his son Zac has been his apprentice. Outside of work he was an amazing artist, guitar player (and occasional singer),loved his Harley, an avid gun enthusiast, and dog dad of three. Spending time with the ‘WeekendWarriors’ his wife Carrie, Kevin and Alicia Dye, Barb and Don Dodge, Sam and Jed Sawyer,Amy Lehman and Gary Cline . He was known for his quick wit, joke telling, love of music, dancing, and skits. He had several nicknames, such as, Western, Wesley Snipes, Uncle Wet, Westopher and Papa Odie. Most of all, he was an amazing, selfless, and devoted husband, father, papa, son, brother, and friend.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by: six children, Zachary Merrick of Andover, Alexis(Logan Vossler) Merrick of Wellsville, Jordan (Brody McDonald) Cross of Wellsville, Nicolas (Jaci) Cross of Alfred, Ethan Brant and Ean Brant, both of Wellsville; 6 grandchildren, Havyn, Waylon, Gage, Paislee, Aaron, and Sawyer; his parents, Deborah (Gary) Willis of Andover andWilliam (Deb Hunt) Merrick of Wellsville; sister, Jaime (Dave) Gleason of Wellsville; ; as well as several cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and life-long friends. He was predeceased by:paternal grandparents, Ruth and Lee Merrick; maternal grandparents, Robert and Ann Scott;Aunts Carol Schweigart and Bobby Cornell; and brother-in-law, Jeremy Smith.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life for Wes and Alicia on Saturday, September 9, 2023,at 1 pm at Wes’s Shop. Please bring your fun stories and memories to share. In addition to flowers, contributions can be sent to The Merrick Family. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.