Obituaries

Dolores G. Coughlin, 86, of Batavia passed away on September 15, 2021. She was born on August 3, 1935 in Batavia to the late Clark and Mildred (Langdon) Goodliff. In addition to her parents, Dolores is predeceased by her husband; Robert Coughlin; sisters Eunice Ames and Shirley Dusen.

Dolores loved reading, her cats and was a long time member of the Elba Historical Society.

She is survived by her surrogate daughters; Tina (James) Hammerling, Regina (Jon) Strobele, Rosie (Jerrod) Rowcliffe and Annie (Eric) Annunziata-Marin; along with several nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee County SPCA 3841 W. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. For more information 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.

Sandra J. Ellingham, 86, of Elba, passed away on October 3, 2021 at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Batavia.

Sandra was born July 18, 1935 in Batavia, the daughter of the late Lester and Edith (Lahah) Jannain.

Sandra loved her grandchildren and the time she spent with them.  She will be remembered for always thinking of others and putting their needs first, she truly took care of others.  Sandra enjoyed going to the casino and bus tours.  Her favorite places to visit were 1000 Islands and  Mackinac Island, she also made a trip to Denver.  She enjoyed doing puzzles and was a postal clerk in Elba.

Surviving are her children, Richard Ellingham of Elba, Susana (Michael) Quinn of Batavia, Amy (late Dan) Medoff of Arvada, CO and Patricia (Chris) Beckley of Salem, VA; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded by her husband, Robert Ellingham and her brother, Lester Jannain.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia, where services will be held at 5:00 p.m. also on Thursday.  She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kidney Foundation of Western New York, www.kfwny.org/support/donate-now.  

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Barbara Anne Colas Rager, 83, of Bergen, New York, passed away on September 23, 2021 after a fierce battle with pancreatic cancer. She is out of suffering and with her Lord and Savior.  

Barbie was born on February 17, 1938 to Rev. Raymond and Esther Colas in Monessen, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest of four. Her Siblings were Patricia, Ralph, and Raymond Eugene.

After graduating from high school, she went on to study music at Philadelphia College of Bible. She was a marvelous pianist.  She married Harold Rager on August 19, 1967. They had twins, Mark Adrian and David Jonathan Rager in 1969, who died shortly after birth. Their daughter, Heather, was born a few years later and grew up as an only child. Barbara taught in Christian schools for many years in elementary grades. It was her calling to serve many children and show them the love of Christ.  

She served in many churches, playing the piano and singing or teaching Sunday school.  We will miss her greatly! Barbara was predeceased by her dear parents and both brothers.

She is survived by her husband Harold, her sister Patty and Patty's husband Ray, her daughter Heather and Heather's husband Timothy, and six grandchildren.

There will be no visitation or services. Barbara will be laid to rest in WNY National Cemetery in Pembroke. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 or online at www.crossroadshouse.com. Once her daughter could no longer be her sole caregiver, they gave Barbara wonderful care and comfort during her last days. We know that we will see Barbie again, and await that glorious reunion, where death is no more, and Love abides through eternity.   

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

Oakfield - Virginia Sawyers, 95 of Oakfield passed away on Thursday, (September 30, 2021) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mrs. Sawyers was born September 11, 1926 in New River, Virginia a daughter of the late William and Eulalia (Rollins) Hutcheson.

She was a member of Assembly of God Church in Batavia and enjoyed reading, singing, word puzzles, tending to her garden, and the Bible.

Virginia is the wife of Walter Sawyers who passed away in 2007.

Surviving are her daughters, Bulah (late CJ) Williams of Oakfield, and Gail Sawyer of Gaithersburg, Maryland; a brother, Earle (late Carolyn) Hutcheson of Maryland; nieces and nephews, Gerald (Sandra) Hutcheson of Ohio, Karen (Glenn) Thistle of Virginia, Pam Hutcheson of Virginia, Andrea (Lester) Easley of Maryland, George (Rosalee) Sawyer of Batavia, and Victoria (George) Greenman of Batavia; a sister-in-law, Ann Hutcheson of Washington, DC. Several great-nieces and great-nephews and many cousins also survive.

She is preceded in death by her brothers, William (late Josephine), Donald, Richard (late Lucille), and Philip Hutcheson.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, (October 6th, 2021)  from 1 to 2 pm at Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 North Spruce Street in Batavia, where Virginia 's Funeral Service will be held immediately following visitation at 2:00 pm. Burial will be in Grand View Cemetery in Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home in Oakfield.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.

Alexander - John Michael “Mike” Laney, Age 68 of Alexander passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 1, 2021 at his home. He was born December 4th, 1952 in Batavia, NY, the first son of Joanne Baker Laney of Alexander and the late Loren John Laney. Mike graduated from Alexander Central School in 1970. He moved to Lakeland, FL in 1975, where he created a beautiful life with his wife, two daughters, and many loyal friends.  He was the proud owner of Mike’s Auto Repair for over 20 years. In 2016, Mike and his wife fully retired, returning to Alexander NY, where he enjoyed working in his garden, tinkering with projects, countless hours reading, and spending quality time with his family. After his wife’s passing in 2017, he found a loving and faithful companion in his dog, Molly.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Ann (Chapell) Laney in 2017. He is survived by his beloved mother, Joanne Baker Laney of Alexander; his daughters, Christine (Kevin) Salzlein of Alexander and Jennifer (Keith) Brooks of  FL; grandchildren, Myya Salzlein and Max Brooks; great-grandchild, Myles McMaster. He will also be dearly missed by his surviving siblings; Thomas Laney of CO, Patricia (Gary) Collins of CO, Stephen (Cindy) Laney of TX, Joseph (Jody) Laney of NY, Karen (James Scalise) Laney of CO, Susan (Joe) McPherson of NY, Matthew (Lori) Laney of NY and Rosanne (Russell) Radziej of MN and many nieces and nephews.

The Laney family will be present from 4-7pm on Friday October 8^th at the H.E. Turner & Co., Inc. Funeral Home at 403 East Main St, Batavia NY 14020. Please join Mike’s family to celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday October 9^th at 11 am at St. Joachim & Anne Parish 50 East Ave, Attica, NY 14011. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his memory are suggested to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or to a charity of the donor’s choosing. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Mike’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Rita C. Montgomery, 98, of Bergen, passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021 at the LeRoy Village Residential Health Care Facility.

Rita was born July 8, 1923 in Rochester, a daughter of the late Felix and Mildred (Bartholomay) Volkmar.

Rita was a loving mom, grandma and great-grandma and was also a beautiful knitter and crocheter.  Rita was a member of Ladies of Charity and  St. Brigid Church where she played the organ for 45 years.

Surviving are her children,  James (Carol) Montgomery of Bergen and Mary (Richard) Muscarella of Bergen; daughter-in-law, Martha Montgomery of Bergen; seven grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Norman J. Montgomery, Sr., son, Norman J. Montgomery, Jr., sister, Lucille Mannix and a brother, Milton Volkmar.

There are no prior calling hours.  Rita's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday at St. Brigid Church, 18 Gibson Street in Bergen.  She will be laid to rest in St. Brigid Cemetery,Bergen.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to LeRoy Village Residential Health Care Facility, 10 Munson Street, LeRoy, NY 14482.  

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Rita were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen (585) 494-1210.

Stafford ~ Mary Jo Ellingham, age 75, passed away early Saturday morning (October 2, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center.

    

 She was born July 25, 1946 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late John and Margaret Mary Burns Murphy.

     Mary Jo will be remembered as a very loving and caring person, who was dedicated to her family, her faith and her students.  Her career as a third grade teacher at the Paul Road School in the Gates Chili School District spanned over 30 years.  She enjoyed reading, gardening and travelling to Florida for the winters with her husband, John.

     She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, John F. Ellingham; her siblings, Patricia (James) McVeigh, William Murphy, Michael Murphy and Margie Murphy; sisters-in-law, Jean Kelly, Joan (Lloyd) Eldridge, Kathy Ellingham; brother-in-law, James (Mary Beth) Ellingham; nephews, John McVeigh, Scott McVeigh, Patrick Murphy, Brian Murphy, Josh Ellingham, Kenneth Ellingham, Kevin (Sarah) Kelly, Timothy Kelly, Marty Ryan and nieces, Crystal Ellingham, Becky Powers Ellingham, Rebecca (Cory) Lawlor, Chrissy (James) Gibbs and Kathy (Drew) Palalay.

    In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters-in-law, Linda Murphy and Joanne Murphy and brother-in-law, Jeffrey Ellingham.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday from 2 ~ 4 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Road (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Her Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter’s Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.  Interment will follow in St. Francis Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Good Days, P.O. Box 665, Mendon, N.Y. 14506  www.campgooddays.org

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mary Jo’s family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

Richard A. Reisdorf, 80, of North Java, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw. He was born September 29, 1940 in Buffalo, to the late Charles and Edith (Brock) Reisdorf. He is preceded in death by two sisters, Sally Kmicinski and Lisa Reisdorf.

Mr. Reisdorf owned and operated Reisdorf Bros., Inc feed mill in North Java, he began working there when he was 16. He was President of Arcade & Attica Railroad, active in North Java Fire Company, Holy Family Church, Wyoming County Community Hospital and served on many different committees in the community. Dick was an avid outdoorsman that loved to hunt and fish.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan (Forster) Reisdorf of North Java, children, Amy (Jeffrey) Bessey of Colden, Rebecca (James) Carter of North Java, Andrew Reisdorf of Warsaw, Patricia (Scott) Piorun of Bennington. Siblings, Christine Reisdorf of North Java, Charles (Bob) Reisdorf of Frederick, MD, Marty (Joanne) Reisdorf of Ft. Myers, FL, Lawrence (Lori) Reisdorf of Corfu, Elizabeth (Frank) Puddu, 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 from 3 to 7 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Holy Family Parish, 4316 NY-98, North Java, NY 14113. He will be laid to rest in Saint Nicholas Cemetery, North Java.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Java Fire Company, 4274 NY-98, North Java, NY 14113 or to Charlotte House, 4316 NY-98, North Java, NY 14113. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

  Marilyn Anna (nee Knapp) Decker, 94, entered into the presence of the Lord on Monday September 27 after a short illness.

Marilyn was born in Etna, NY on August 16, 1927. She was the daughter of Merle and Lillian Knapp. She graduated from East High School of Rochester in 1945 and worked 18 years for Kodak in data entry.

Marilyn was set up on a blind date by her best friend from high school with a former classmate of East High. Less than a year later, James Decker and Marilyn Knapp were married. People knew them as “Jim and Marilyn” and they were rarely separated. They truly enjoyed each other’s company and had a happy marriage that lasted almost 55 years.

Besides her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by siblings;  Elinore Johnson and Elmer Knapp.

She is survived by her son Paul (Dondra) Decker and four grandchildren: James (Natalie) Decker, Grace (Joseph) Santiso, Elizabeth Decker, and Joel Decker. She is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren: Xavier, Michelle, Josiah, Judah, and Jordan.

Marilyn was known for her beautiful soprano voice. She enjoyed singing in choirs and performing solos in church.

The family would like to express its gratitude to Niagara Hospice who made Marilyn’s last weeks at home manageable and comfortable.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, October 3, 2021 from 3:00 to 6:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.  A Celebration of her life will be held at 10:00AM on Monday, October 4^th at the Gilmartin Funeral Home. A private Graveside Service will be held at White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged to be made to the “Kingdom Come Fund” of The Chapel at CrossPoint, 500 CrossPoint Parkway, Getzville, NY 14068. For more information 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.

  Roger Ellis Ditzel, 95, of Corfu, NY died peacefully on Monday September 27, 2021 at the Batavia VA Medical Center, Spruce Lodge. He was born on January 11, 1926 in East Pembroke to the late Lawrence and Lottie Ditzel.  Roger is preceded in death by his wife; Shirley (Bohn). The couple was married on July 5, 1947.

Roger served his country honorably with the United States Army 41^st Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Armored Division “Hell on Wheels” during World War II.  For his service he received a: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct, American Campaign, European –African-Middle Eastern Campaign (3 stars), WWII Victory, Army of Occupation (Germany), Combat Infantryman Badge and Ruptured Duck Pin.

Roger’s interests included gardening, hunting, coin collecting, trap shooting, bowling and family genealogy. He was one of the founders of Boy Scout Troop 64 and served as a trustee for the East Pembroke Federation Church.

Surviving is his son; Larry (Sally) Ditzel of Batavia; his daughter Linda (Anthony) Distaffen of Cape Coral, FL; grandchildren Kimberly (Ty) Briggs of Flagstaff, AZ, Michael (fiancé Jenn McDermott) Ditzel of Darien, Rhonda McClurg of E. Bethany, Anthony (Stacey) McClurg of Oakfield, Aaron (Nicole) McClurg of Missoula, MT, Rebecca McClurg-Reimer (Matthew) of Magnolia, DE, Eve McClurg-Gardner (Brad) of Ft. Myers, FL; great-grandchildren McKenzie and Hailey Briggs of Flagstaff, Hunter and Holden Ditzel of Darien, Nadine McClurg of Batavia, Dana Cipra of Pavilion, Mason and Chelsea McClurg of Oakfield, Kehla and Karis McClurg of MT. and Trevor Reimer of DE.

Burial will be in the Western New York National Cemetery in Pembroke, NY. There will be no prior calling hours and family services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pembroke Veterans Outreach, Attn: Matt Moscato PO Box 308 Corfu, NY 14036. For more information 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.

East Pembroke - Sharon K.  Wetzel Armstrong, 73 of East Pembroke passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

She was born Wednesday, November 26th, 1947 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Kenneth Wetzel and Annamae Carpenter Wetzel.

A 1965 graduate of Batavia High School, Sharon worked for 30 years at the New York State School for the Blind and served for 27 years as the president of the CSEA, Local 200.

Surviving are her sons, Jamie (Michelle) Armstrong of Sarasota, Florida and Jason Armstrong; her sister, Judith Wetzel of East Pembroke; eight grandchildren, Jasmine Armstrong, Rachel Armstrong, Jason Armstrong, Jr., Joshua Armstrong, Anthony (AJ) Armstrong, Peyton Armstrong, Grayson Armstrong and Jase Armstrong; her great-granddaughter, Amelia Armstrong; her beloved dog, Romeo and nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her brothers, James Wetzel and Robert Wetzel.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, October 1st, 2021  from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm  at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. Her funeral services will immediately follow visitation at 5 p.m. Private burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery. To leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Matthew R. Henderson, 51 of Alexander, passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born January 18, 1970 in Cheektowaga, to Joanne Jones of Alexander and Richard Henderson of Akron.

Matt was the "go to guy" and was always there for everyone, even as he struggled with illness for the last five years. Matthew worked as a Master Carpenter, he loved to be busy and always used to say "give me somewhere to live, something to eat and something to do."

Along with his parents, he is survived by his daughters, Haley (Tyler) Jones of Chicago, Miranda Henderson of Blasdell, brothers, Todd Henderson of Fillmore and Christopher Jones of West Seneca.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held privately for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Corfu - Regina A.  Hovey, age 99 of Corfu,  passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mrs.  Hovey was born Sunday, October 9th, 1921 in Cheektowaga, a daughter of the late Anthony Slominski and Gladys Sulinski Slominski.

She was a member of St. Joseph's Church and was very proud of her volunteer work she did at the Batavia VA Medical Center.

She is the wife of Harwood M. Hovey who passed away on June 13, 2006.

She is survived by her children, Mark Hovey of Louisiana, Patricia Epple of Batavia, Kimberly Hovey of Corfu, Kathleen Jasinski of Batavia and Julie (Tom) Madden of Georgia; her sister, Irene Yurkovic of Florida; two grandchildren, Glen (Michelle) Judd and Brett Judd; two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews survive.

She is predeceased by her grandson Leonard A. "Jon" Jasinski, III who passed away on February 27, 2017 and her siblings; Anthony and Stanley Slominski, Pearl Tatko, Rita Boring, Wanda Tempio, Helen Best and Celia Ratulowski.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, October 1st, 2021 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia, where prayers will immediately follow visitation at 11:30 a.m. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 1st, 2021 from St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. She will be laid to rest in the family plot in Elmwood Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Pembroke Fire Department, P.O. Box 44, East Pembroke, New York 14056. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

*St. Joseph's Church requires all in attendance to wear facial coverings upon entering the church. Once seated you may remove your facial covering. Thank you for your consideration*

  Michael Maryniak, who inspired many people by overcoming the challenges of mental illness and achieving independent living, died September 26, 2021 after a brief illness. He was 59 and lived in Batavia.

As a teenager, Michael confronted a severe mental illness, but with the help of his family, the Buffalo Chapter of the Alliance for Mentally Ill, the Restoration Society and ACE Employment Services of Erie County, he not only overcame the disease but thrived. He was homing in on his 25^thanniversary as an employee of Fed Ex, where he earned numerous commendations for the diligence he brought to his job and where he was known as a helpful coworker. In his personal relationships, he shined and for years right up to the end was known for the greeting cards he sent to his brothers, sisters and numerous others with thoughtful little notes and humorous quips. There was not a birthday he ever forgot or a holiday he ignored as a chance to send dozens of those greetings.

Despite long odds, he achieved independent living, sharing an apartment with his longtime roommate Everett McClelland. When Everett’s life circumstances changed and he was no longer able to drive, Michael stepped up - taking him to doctor visits, church and other appointments willingly and cheerfully.

His achievements in independent living and employment made him a model success story. Though unschooled in public speaking, Michael frequently addressed ACE groups with inspirational presentations that were meant to help others dig deep within themselves for the strength and diligence to aim high and not allow themselves to be a hostage to their infirmities.

Michael was blessed with an engaging smile that reflected his own cheerful spirit, often in the face of daunting challenges. His off-beat sense of humor brought smiles to many and his hearty laugher at his siblings’ jokes was a genuine reward that made them feel like they had said the funniest thing ever.

He liked food festivals, especially the annual Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival and the Taste of Buffalo. When he wasn’t working or visiting family, Michael loved going to the movies, particularly action and comedy flicks, as well as playing the APBA Baseball game.And above all else, he was a loyal and devoted son to his parents when they were alive and to all his brothers and sisters.

Michael is survived by his sisters, Mikki (Doug) Baringer, Marge (Mike) Gaskey, Jennifer Ross and his twin, Marlene Adamski, as well as by brothers Paul (Teri), Tim (Anita) and Jim (Barb) as well as several nieces, nephews, a grandniece and a grandnephew. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Teresa (nee Pinkowski) Maryniak and his brother Peter.

Family and friends are invited to a 9:30AM Celebration of his Life on Saturday October 9, 2021 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co. Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Please email barbandjimmaryniak@gmail.com if you are planning on attending the service, thank you!

In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged to ACE Employment Services, 220 E. Main St., Batavia NY 14020 or at www.rsiwny.org. 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.