Obituaries

LEROY - Mary I. Ryan, 86, of LeRoy, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019, at LeRoy Village Green Residential Healthcare Facility in LeRoy.

Mary was born October 12, 1932, in Batavia, a daughter of the late Erwin and Genevieve (Mitchum) MacMaster.

She was a member of the 1st Baptist Church.

She is predeceased by her husband, Raymond R. Ryan who died on July 23, 1998.

Survivors include 3 sons, Thomas (JoAnn) Ryan of LeRoy, Robert Ryan (Deborah Tenney) of Batavia, Jack (Laurie Buchholz) Ryan of Rushford; 5 daughters, Carol (John) Nicometo and Sharon Ryan, both of Batavia, Barbara (Herman) Kappes of VA, Geraldine (Ronald) Panek of Wyoming and Debbie (Mike) Brown of Hilton; a sister-in-law, Lois J. MacMaster of FL; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, a niece and a nephew as well as a great-niece.

She was the sister of the late Edwin S. MacMaster and Lois Ann Kingdon and the aunt of the late Crystal MacMaster and Paul MacMaster.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary’s name to the NYS School For The Blind, 2A Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020.  Arrangements were entrusted to H.E. Turner & Co., Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, New York.   Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

  Diane M. Stepp, 71 of Batavia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in Rochester. She was born November 16, 1947 in Batavia; to the late Thomas M. (Audrey M. Warner) Lee. She is preceded in death by her husband Ronald Stepp, brothers, Thomas K. and Larry Lee.  

Diane was an incredible cook, baker and was always caring for others. She was a faithful woman and attended church regularly. Family was number one and her grandchildren were ahead of that.

She is survived by her loving children Joseph T. (Beth Ann) Bortle of Alabama, NY; Cheryl Kipp of Hamlin, NY; brother Gregory (Elsie) Lee of Batavia; granddaughters Katelyn, Maya, Violet along with several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Friday August 23, 2019 from 10:00AM-11:00AM at Northgate Free Methodist Church, 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Life will immediately follow visitation at the church. Diane will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14020 or www.crossroadshouse.com. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

JEANETTE M. FRYER ~ Age 78, of Batavia, died peacefully Saturday morning August 17, 2019 at Crossroads House. She was born in Batavia, NY on July 12, 1941, a daughter of the late Thomas and Catherine (Rosica) Marchese, also preceded in death by her daughter, Jeannie Godlove (2019) and brother, Thomas B. Marchese.

Mrs. Fryer was a member of Ascension Parish for many years, she enjoyed crocheting, golf, bowling and most importantly time spent with her family.

She is survived by her beloved daughters, Annette (James) Mazur of Batavia, Anna Marie “Mia” (Mike Corona) Mogavero of Batavia, Tammy Stevens of Batavia; brother, John (Cathy) Marchese of Albany; sister, MaryAnne Dugan of Batavia; 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; former husband, James T. Fryer; former son-in-law, Burt Stevens along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

As per Mrs. Fryer’s wishes there is no prior visitation and a Celebration of Life will be announced later. She will be entombed in the Monsignor Francis L. Schwartz Mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Cemetery and in lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Crossroads House PO Box 403 Batavia, New York 14021.

Please share your words of comfort with the family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF JEANETTE M. FRYER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.          
 

JAMES F. MEYER ~ Age 64, of Batavia, died Saturday August 17, 2019 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Jim was born February 25, 1955 in Bath, NY to the late Frederick and Gladys (Sick) Meyer also preceded in death by a sister, Judy Sexton.

Jim was a member and Road Captain of the 1776 Volunteer Riders and Sergeant Major with the 22^nd Virginia South Battalion of the Civil War Reenactors.

Surviving is his beloved wife of 38 years, Sheila (Wheaton) Meyer of Batavia; children, Shane Dann of Binghamton, Janette (Paul) Cipra of Batavia, Tanya Harmon of Batavia, Jessica (Joe) Hewitt of Batavia and Mike Davis of Mt. Morris; siblings, George (Georgia) Meyer of FL, Jane Ogas of Washington State; 5 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

James wish was for a Celebration of Life to be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers memorials in his memory are suggested to the family.

Please share words of comfort with the family at www.tomaszewskifh.com or for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF JAMES F. MEYER IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.

BATAVIA - Doris C. Ransom, 101, of Batavia, formerly of Oakfield, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2019, at Premier Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Doris was born on November 6, 1917, in Alabama, NY, a daughter of the late Edward B. and Edna H. (Shilling) Reed.

She was a graduate of South Byron School, was a clerk for the former WT Grant Co., and enjoyed bowling.  She operated a sewing business from her home for many years.

She is survived by 6 nieces, Brenda Jackett, Linda Wilkins, Susan Reed, Joyce Pratt, Nancy Searls and Cornelia McCulley; 1 nephew, Rick Reed; several great nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews. 
Doris is predeceased by her siblings, Gladys Tash and Victor, Nelson, Emery and Elwin Reed and a nephew Tom Reed.  

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main St., Batavia where services will immediately follow at 1 p.m.   Burial will be in Morganville Cemetery in Stafford.  In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Volunteers for Animals, 3841 West Main St., Rd, Batavia, NY 14020.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Bernard G. Franks, 72 of Batavia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday August 17, 2019 at Rochester General Hospital. He was born September 24, 1946 in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Bernard J. Franks and Jean (Yarrington) Franks of Fairview, PA.

Bernard worked as a tool and die maker for 30 years and retired from R and J Precision in LeRoy. He was a Scoutmaster for 30 years, member of Oakfield-Alabama Lions Club and member of Oakfield United Methodist Church. Bernard was an avid outdoorsman and loved taking care of Marty and Marion’s property. He loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He was devoted to his family and was always there for all of them.

He is survived by his beloved wife Linda A. (Ward) Franks of Batavia; sons Matthew (Valerie) of Batavia; Mark (Terry) of Clarksville, TN; Michael (Katy) of Gasport; Martin (Michelle) of Batavia; Marion (Jessica) of Corfu; Mitchell (Michelle) of Little Valley, NY; siblings Linda (Larry) Platz of Fairview, PA; Jack Franks of Edinboro, PA; Audrey Sargent of Erie, PA; Patty Tirak of Conneaut, OH; 12 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

A 1:00 PM Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Marty and Michelle’s house in Batavia.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oakfield United Methodist Church, 2 South Main Street, Oakfield, NY 14125 or to the family to be distributed to various charities. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

BROCKPORT - Daniel K. Uecker, 32, of Brockport, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, (August 11, 2019), at his home.

Daniel was born March 25, 1987, in Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, the son of Jack and Bonnie (Laabs) Uecker, Jr. of Junction, Texas.

An avid outdoorsman, Daniel loved to hunt and fish.  He enjoyed traveling and mechanical work. 

Surviving along with his parents are his daughter, Grace Uecker; a brother, Timothy (Shasta) Uecker of Oklahoma; sisters, Tricia (Billy) Gray and Amanda (Hector Guardiola) Uecker both of Texas.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.

There will be no visitation. Daniel's family will hold a private celebration of his life at their convenience. Burial will be in Stafford Rural Cemetery, Stafford. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Daniel’s name to a charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

GARY M. SCARBOROUGH ~ Age 72, of Batavia, died peacefully Wednesday morning August 14, 2019 at his home under the care of his loving family and Hospice. He was born in Batavia, NY on January 6, 1947, a son of the late Marshall and Mae (Sonnenshine) Scarborough.  

Mr. Scarborough was an auto mechanic for many years and continued “tinkering” with cars long after. He was an avid hunter, trap shooter, enjoyed drag racing, gardening and his 3, four-legged companions.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Mary (Panepento) Scarborough of Batavia; children, Michael D. (Laura) Scarborough of Warsaw, Gregory P. (Judi) Scarborough of TX, Joel M. (Carmen) Scarborough of SD, Chad M. (Michelle) Norton of SC and Lora (Brent) Nataliziak of Attica along with 16 and 2 great-grandchildren.

The Scarborough family will be present from 9:30-11:30a.m. on Saturday August 17, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 followed by a 12noon Graveside Service at Grand View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. 127 North Street, New York 14020.

Please share your words of comfort with the family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF GARY M. SCARBOROUGH IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.    
 

BERGEN - Gordon Lee Seward, 84, of Bergen, passed away Tuesday, (August 13, 2019), on the Seward Farm in the same house he was born in, under the care of HomeCare & Hospice and his loving family.

Gordon was born August 1, 1935, in Bergen, a son of the late Wellington and Edith (Scroger) Seward.

He served in the National Guard and was the first of his family to attend college.  He earned a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture from Cornell University in 1961.  Gordon was a farmer his entire life on his own farm and in 1970 was chosen to be Genesee Co. Outstanding Young Farmer.  He was a member of Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church where he was a Deacon, an Elder, and taught Sunday School.  He was also a member of the National Rifle Association, the NFIB, Genesee Co. Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the Genesee Co. Farm Bureau where he was a past president.  He was a former member and past president of the EAIC and the Genesee County DHIC.

Gordon and his wife, Delores (Keefer) Seward were married on August 11, 1956 and were blessed to have just celebrated their 63rd Anniversary. 

Along with his wife, Gordon is survived by his daughters, Christine (David) Wright and Amy (Rick) Stacy, both of Bergen; grandchildren, Daniel (Kristen) Stacy of Chili, David (Krysta) Stacy, Michelle (Jacob) Buckland-Seward, Bethany Salvia, Ryan (Rachel) Stacy all of Bergen, Janae (Austin) Genna of Churchville; brothers, Myron (late Ethel) Seward of Basom, Elton (Jean) Seward of Batavia; sister-in-law, Marian Seward of Byron.  9 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews also survive.

Mr. Seward is predeceased by a daughter, Nancy Lee Seward and a brother, Norman Seward.

Friends may call from 3:00 - 7:00 PM on Saturday at the Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 38 South Lake Avenue in Bergen; where Gordon's Funeral Service will be held Sunday at 2:00 PM with Rev. Brandt Hammack officiating. Burial will be in Stone Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gordon's memory may be made to Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church as well as Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

San Benito, TX - Ruth Virginia Hillabush Benz Crowley, 81, of San Benito, TX and formerly of the Batavia area passed away at her home in San Benito on Wednesday (August 8, 2019). 

Ruth was born February 4, 1938, in Batavia, a daughter of the late David Reuben and the late Gladys Maud (Sprague) Hillabush.

She worked at GTE Sylvania, Byron-Bergen Central School, and finally at Elba Central School where she was a secretary.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Georg Bruns, of Minnesotta; sons, Scott (John) Benz of Honeoye Falls, Michael (Debbie) Benz of Mechanicsburg, Illinios, Wayne (Sandra) Benz of Elba, and David (Rayne) Benz of Clifton Springs; step-children, Janet D'ambra of Caledonia, Nick Crowley of Rochester, Bonnie (Patric) Welch of Greenwood, Indiana, and David Crowley; grandchildren, Amanda, Jessica, Cory, Zander, Haven Benz; Devin and Aiden Welch, Denise, Tony, Roxann, and Michaela D'ambra; siblings, Paul (Ann) Hillabush of St. Johnsville, George (Anita) Hillabush of Byron; sister-in-law, Doris Hillabush of Elba; half-siblings, David (Debbie) Hillabush of Florida, Jeanne (Raymond) Shutt of Florida, Betty (William) Harmon of Belfast; step-sisters, Carol (Gerald) Struck of Orchard Park, and Jessie (Roy) Button of Perry.

Ms. Crowley is predeceased by her first husband, Dion Benz, along with several siblings, half-siblings, and step-siblings.

Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM on Friday at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday at the Funeral Home with Rev. James R. Renfrew officiating. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ruth’s name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105; Fun N Sun Angels, c/o Carolyn Crist, 1400 Zillock Road, San Benito, Texas 78586; Fun N Sun Faithful Singers, c/o Terry Turpinseed, 1400 Zillock Road, San Benito, Texas 78586 or Byron Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 206, Byron, New York 14422-0206. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Matthew E. Good, 30, of Batavia passed away on Sunday August 11, 2019 in Buffalo. He was born in Batavia on December 7, 1988 to Gerald and Diane (Stewart) Good Jr. He is predeceased by his brother; Dustin Good; and Grandfather Albert Stewart.

Matt graduated from Attica High School and Genesee Community College. He loved the hippy lifestyle. Matt enjoyed skateboarding and music, especially the Grateful Dead and was a self-taught guitarist. He worked as an Auto Body Technician in Buffalo.

In addition to his parents, Matt is survived by his grandparents; Gerald and Charlene Good of Batavia and Anita Stewart of Delphi, NY; his siblings Chad (Tara) Good of FL., Shane (Jaime) Good of West Seneca and Logan (Leah) Good of Batavia.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday August 16, 2019 from 4:00-7:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. A 10:00AM Graveside Service will be held on Saturday August 17^th at Forest Hill Cemetery in Attica where Matt will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

ELEANOR D. MASON ~ Age 96, of LeRoy, formerly of Elba died peacefully Monday August 12, 2019 at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home. She was born in Batavia, NY on July 28, 1923, a daughter of the late Clarence H. and Jessie May (Pfann) Driggs, also preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur Alan Mason (1967); son, David Allen Mason (2013); siblings, Roy and George Driggs and Florence Roth.

Eleanor was a longtime member of the Elba Presbyterian Church and the Elba Grange. She was a teacher for Pembroke/Corfu Schools, member of Delta Kappa Gamma and the retired Teachers Association. Eleanor loved to shop, crochet and was always most proud of her family

She is survived by her beloved children, Sue Ann Ames of Elba, Linda Jean (Ronald) Webster of VA; daughter-in-law, Heidi Mason of Penfield; cherished grandchildren, Jenny Mason, Wendy Mason, Katie (Jason) Dardinier, Holly (David) Kluge, Deborah (Leo) Starowitz, Rebecca Ann Ames, Jeffrey C. Ames, Peter (Paige) Webster and Heather (Jason) Moore;14 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

The Mason family will be present from 6-8p.m. on Wednesday August 14, 2019 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where Funeral Services will be held 11a.m. Thursday Aug. 15. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba, NY and in lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY 2805 Wehrle Drive Buffalo, New York 14221.

Please share your words of comfort with the family at www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.

THE FAMILY OF ELEANOR D. MASON IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.          
 

  Paul W. Cerefin, 92, of Batavia passed away on Sunday August 11, 2019 at the United Memorial Medical Center. He was born on February 2, 1927 in Hamburg, NY to the late Thaddeus and Loretta (Koch) Cerefin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years; Marlene (Rowcliffe) Cerefin; children Douglas (Cathy) Cerefin, David Cerefin, Steven Cerefin and Georgette Hale; brother Donald (Delores) Cerefin; grandchildren Matthew Cerefin, Jennifer (Andrew) Lang, Brandon Cerefin, Emily Cerefin, Tessa Cerefin, Daniel Rimmer and Stephanie Rimmer.

Paul graduated from Batavia High School in 1944. He was a United States Navy veteran during WWII. Paul retired after 35 years as an employee of Niagara Mohawk and was a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol. He was very involved at Godfrey’s Pond, a lifetime member, past president and board member and also belonged to the Genesee County Fish & Game. He loved bowling, camping, woodworking and was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister and usher.

There will be no prior calling hours. A 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday August 14, 2019 at Resurrection Parish 18 Ellicott St. Batavia, New York 14020.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Godfrey’s Pond PO Box 217 Batavia, NY 14021. For more information please call 585-343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

  

Mary Lou Wolfley, 81, of Alexander, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2019 surrounded by her family at the Crossroads House in Batavia. She was born on December 22, 1937 in Batavia, NY to the late Homer Philo and the late Marjorie Marie (Dumbleton) Wolfley. Mary Lou was preceded in death by her brother, Eugene M. Wolfley of Alexander, sister, Dorothy M. Wolfley Stewart and her brother-in-law, James R. Stewart, both of Linesville, PA.

Mary Lou was a former Physical Education Teacher at the Attica Central School from 1962- 1992. Mary enjoyed time spent with her family; traveling to Florida during the winter months, woodworking, driving her PUCH scooter, and GEM car, and playing cards at any gathering. She enjoyed the many cards sent lately to her by former students, friends and family members in the past couple of months.

Mary is survived by her brother, Willard G. Wolfley and his wife, Sandra (Meyers) Wolfley, siter, Wanda Wolfley, sister-in-law, Doris M. (Hodge) Wolfley, all of Alexander, NY; 15 nieces and nephews and their spouses; and several great nieces and nephews.

It was Mary’s wish that there be no prior visitation. A Graveside Service will be held at the convenience of the family. Following the service, there will be a gathering of friends and family.

Please consider a Memorial in honor of Mary Lou’s memory to the Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information please call (585) 591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

 

Krista E. Hartman, of Rome, died on August 9, 2019. Krista lived for 62 years and 8 months. She found delight in the world of books, as a cataloguer at Mohawk Valley Community College for 20 years, and before that as a librarian at Utica Public Library and Flower Memorial Library, Watertown. Krista was also a volunteer at Jervis Public Library in Rome. Krista saw to it that people were exposed to the wealth of local literature as well as specialized books. Earlier in her life, Krista was well known for sharing the magic of books with children. A nature lover, Krista had a particularly warm spot in her heart for cats. Known for their fastidious tastes, cats liked Krista too.

Krista is predeceased by her parents, Duane and Teresa Hartman. She is survived by her brother Greg, her sister Lisa and her half -brothers Carl and Eric. Calling hours will be at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George Street, Rome, on Wednesday, August 14th from 2- 4:00 p.m., with a celebration of her life following at 4:00 p.m.. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery, Batavia NY on Thursday, August 15th at 11:00 a.m. You may light a candle, send a message of sympathy, and read the obituary at www.nunnandharper.com.