Obituaries

Cheryl Lynn Gates, 56, of Batavia passed away on Friday October 7, 2016 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.   Born in Bristol, Pennsylvania, on February 7, 1960, Cheryl was the third daughter of Ira MacDonald Gates and Irene Hogg Gates. She is survived by her father; sisters Susan J. Blanchard (Tom) of Lockport, NY, and Evalyn I. Gates (Eric Pelander) of Cleveland; nieces Kate Kleismit (Jeff) of Lockport, Anna Blanchard of Pittsburgh, PA, and Kendall Pelander of Denver, CO; nephews Greg Pelander (Shawna) of Portland, OR, and Jordan Pelander (Nicole) of Denver, CO; great-nephews Nathan Kleismit, Rowan Pelander and Cael Pelander, and great-niece Madeline Pelander.

It is impossible to picture Cheryl without a beautiful and contagious smile on her face.  As a young child she was always the first one awake in the morning - singing, dancing, and giggling as she snuck into her big sister’s room to jump on her bed.  She had a wonderful mischievous streak, which she never lost, and her love of animals began before she could talk, when she snuggled her first puppy in her arms.

Throughout her life she was a caring and generous friend.  She was always there if someone needed support and love; and the one to instigate fun or adventure. Her wit and ability to inject silliness when needed will be long remembered by all of her friends and family. 

She was fearless in trying new ventures – whether heading across the country to live in a new city, hopping onto a surfboard or galloping across mountain trails on a horse. She loved California living and had many adventures with her friends there, driving a bright red pick-up truck to the beach, to the mountains or up into wine country.  She and a friend took 3^rd place in the novice category for wine-tasting in 1986 at the Greenwood Ridge Vineyards.

She returned to Batavia in 1987 when she suddenly became ill with what was eventually diagnosed as ME/CFIDS.  As she struggled with the challenges of ME/CFIDS in the following years, she also fought to help others, encouraging and supporting many friends, old and new. She was a dedicated advocate for research into the causes and treatments of this illness. 

She was also deeply devoted to her pets and committed to caring for all animals.  In addition to the many cats and kittens she rescued, a young ferret and an injured crow were nursed back to health under her care. She will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends – human and other.

Services will be held this Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street, Batavia N.Y. The family will receive family and friends at the church at 1:30 p.m in the church parlor; services will begin in the Sanctuary at 2:30 p.m. and there will be a dinner and party as Cheryl requested immediately following the service at 4:00 pm at Bohn’s Restaurant, 5256 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Cheryl may be made to Volunteers for Animals, 3841 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020, http://www.vol4animals.org; or Solve ME/CFS Initiative, 5455 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 806, Los Angeles, CA 90036, http://solvecfs.org/donate/

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Cheryl's memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Bonnie was a graduate of Perry High School. She worked for the former Champion Products in Perry working as a photoart lab operator. She retired from Champion in 1996 after 15 years of service. Bonnie enjoyed working on cross stitch, reading, watching movies and loved her pet cats Mr. Wickers and Pretty Girl.

She is survived by 2 daughters: Deborah (Daryl) Johnston and Erin Collings both of Perry, 1 son: Scott Collings of Florida, Perry, 8 grandchildren: Kenneth (Nicole) Johnston, Justin (Johnna) Johnston, Joshua Collings, Kara (Nathan Serfass) Collings, Taylor Collings, Jakob Kiehle, Lucas and Chloe Sears and 5 great grandchildren: Kolten, Ava, Jaxon and Jameson Johnston and Jonah Kiehle.

Friends may call from 11am-1 pm on Monday October 10th at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main St in Perry where services will follow at 1pm. She will be laid to rest in Leicester Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Perry Emergency Ambulance P.O. Box 288 Perry, New York 14530 or to the donors choice. For more information please call 585-237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Age 76, of Batavia, NY, died Saturday October 1, 2016 at the Batavia Health Care Center. She was born January 3, 1940 in Bath, NY  a daughter of the late Kenneth P. and Lillian (Rutherford) Margeson also preceded in death by a sister, Dolores Margeson. 

Mrs. Margeson was an LPN for over 20 years at Kenmore Mercy Hospital. 

Surviving is her son, Mace (Peggy Scofield) Daumen of TX; brothers, Joseph (Jane) Margeson of Tonawanda and Louis (Bonnie) Margeson of Bath; dear cousin, Ernie Mullen and family of Buffalo and Washington, DC along with several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be held privately by the family with burial in Nondaga Cemetery in Bath, NY and memorials in her memory are suggested to Crossroads House 11 Liberty Street Batavia, New York 14020. 

Please share your memories of Sandra with her family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

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

LeRoy ~ Reid W. Ackley, age 87, of Bernd Road, passed away on Tuesday evening (October 4, 2016) at home surrounded by his loving family.

     Reid will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, who had a great sense of humor and enjoyed visiting with family and friends.  He served with the U.S. Army and worked for New York State Department of Transportation.

     He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Ruby Shepard Ackley; his daughters, Diane (Douglas) Janes of Pavilion and Linda Ackley (John Woods) of Batavia; 5 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Sharon Mattice of Stafford, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.  He was predeceased by his brother, Irving Ackley Jr.; grandson, Fran Doyle and brother-in-law, Roger Mattice.

     Per Reid's request, there will be no visitation or services.  Interment in Machpelah Cemetery will be private.

     Memorials are suggested to the New York State Veterans Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, N.Y. 14020.

     Your memories and condolences may be shared with Mr. Ackley's family at www.falconefuneralhome.com.

     Mr. Ackley and his family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. in LeRoy.  585-768-2400

Batavia - Waylen Washburn, Sr., 73, of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, (October 4, 2016) at United Memorial Medical Center, in Batavia.

Mr. Washburn was born September 23, 1943 in Washington Court House, OH, a son of the late Charles V. and Katherine I. (Follis) Washburn.

He is the husband of Phyllis Ann (Teetor) Washburn, of Batavia.  The two were married May 17, 1975.

Surviving along with his wife are his children, Jennifer (Brian Howland) Downard of Pavilion, Waylen (Shawna Elko) Washburn, Jr. of Gasport, Ryan (Dawn Kenyon) Washburn of LeRoy, Aaron (Elysia) Washburn of Byron, Daniel Washburn of Batavia, Charles (Antonette) Washburn of Cleveland, OH; grandchildren, Steven (April) Downard of Washington Court House, OH, Richard Downard II of Washington Court House, OH, Jonathan Downard of Pavilion, Trinity Madison of Byron, Virginia Washburn of Byron, October Washburn of Byron, Cheyenne Elko of Gasport, Brianna Elko of Gasport, Ashley Washburn; great-grandchildren, Jasper Downard, Bently Downard, Paxton Downard; a brothers, Delbert (Joyce) Washburn of Russells Point, OH and Elmer (Roberta) Washburn of Beaver, OH; and a sister, Wanda (late James) Crum of Columbus, OH.  Also survived by several nieces, nephews and his five beloved cats.

Friends may call on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.  Waylen’s Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, (October 8, 2016) at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Batavia Branch, 601 North Street, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.  Burial will be in Machpelah Cemetery, LeRoy.  Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Virginia L. "Ginny" Stenson, age 66, of Perry, passed away on Monday October 3, 2016 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. Ginny was born in Warsaw, New York on March 13, 1950 a daughter of the late Virgil and Marjorie (Duncan) Metcalf.

Ginny was a graduate of Perry High School. She worked for the former Champion Products in Perry and was an administrative assistant at Letchworth State Park. She was a member of Perry VFW where she was involved in the Auxiliary. She was former member of the Silver Lake Sportsman's Club and Perry Vets Club. She enjoyed gardening, reading, spending time with family and friends, especially with her children.

She is survived by her husband Charles Stenson whom she married on October 5, 1974; a son Steven (Sarah) Stenson of Attica; 2 daughters Eileen (Christopher) Radigan of Pittford , Valorie (Chad) Bowers of Wayland; a sister Louise Denney of Mobile, Al; a brother Frank Metcalf of Silver Springs; 7 grandchildren, Emilee and Michael Stenson, Heather, Ivan and Zoey Bowers, Logan and Natalie Radigan, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday October 6, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Sheila A. DeGraff, age 75, of Perry passed away on Monday October 3, 2016 at Eastside Nursing Home in Warsaw where she had been residing. Sheila was born in Warsaw, New York on September 5, 1941 a daughter of the late Vechel and Mary (Preston) McKinney. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Bernard DeGraff who passed away in 2000.

Sheila worked for the former Champion Products in Perry working in the sewing department and as a press operator. She retired from Champion in 1996 after 22 years of service. She returned to work after retirement working for Paragon Silk Screening and Embroidery in Perry. She was a member of the Coleman Memorial Free Methodist Church in Perry where she was active in many church functions including the Care to Knit program donating handmade items to those in need, operation Christmas Child a program that donates items to children in other countries during the Holiday season. Sheila enjoyed gardening, growing indoor plants, painting, doing ceramics, crocheting, sewing and doing many other various crafts.

She is survived by a daughter; Rebecca DeGraff of Perry; 2 sons Paul (Lois) DeGraff of Florida, Bernard DeGraff of Perry; a brother Chuck (Karen) McKinney of Concord, NC; a granddaughter Crystal (Daniel Selby) DeGraff of Perry along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 1-2 pm on Saturday October 8, 2016 at the Coleman Memorial Free Methodist Church 7 Church St. in Perry, NY 14530 where Funeral Services will follow at 2:00PM. She will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Coleman Memorial Free Methodist Church 7 Church St. Perry, New York 14530. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Age 68, of Batavia, died peacefully Sunday afternoon October 2, 2016 at home while being cared for by her family. She was born December 27, 1947 in Batavia, NY, a daughter of the late, Carl and Dorothy (Hundredmark) Wozniak also preceded in death by her sister, Judy Wozniak, father & mother-in-law, Ignace (Frances) Matla and brother-in-law, Doug Matla.   

Mrs. Matla was a graduate of the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing where she obtained her LPN, a longtime employee of the former Genesee Memorial Hospital (UMMC) where she later obtained her associates degree as a Registered Nurse at Genesee Community College and was the first to initiate the nursing scholarship for the hospital. Her love, compassion and devotion to nursing spanned some 40 years in which she touched the hearts and souls of many. Esther was stern, but always fair, she was devoted to her family and loved them unconditionally, at home it was three square meals a day for anyone that would walk through the door that was always open. She took great pride in her home, beds were always made and carpets vacuumed twice a day everyday and a two week vacation every year included cleaning of the curtains. She will be remembered for some of her "famous quotes", many not print worthy, but those who heard them will forever smile when they think of them. 

Surviving is her beloved husband with whom she shared 49 wonderful years with on September 23, 2016, Wayne Matla of Oakfield, son, Anthony Matla of Oakfield and his children, Ayva and Eyon; daughter, Nicole (Carlos) Samol of Batavia and children, Taylor and Alena Burr; sister, Sonja Twardowski of Buffalo; sisters-in-law, Diane Matla, and Mary Jo Matla both of Oakfield, brother-in-law, Greg (Ann) Matla of Rochester, daughter-in-law, Stacey McClurg of Oakfield along with nieces, nephews and cousins.  

The Matla family will be present from 6-8PM on Friday October 7 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020 where funeral services will be held at 8:00PM. Memorials in her memory are suggested to the family. 

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

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

Age 74, of Batavia, died peacefully Thursday September 29, 2016 at Crossroads House, his daughters at his side. He was born May 12, 1942 in Ransomville, NY a son of Mary (Cassenti) Primus of Tracy Ave. in Batavia. 

John was the founder of Tri-County Glass in 1972 and did glasswork for many years after it transferred ownership. He loved to travel with his daughters as they were growing up, tending to flower beds for his family and in later years trips to many casinos. 

Surviving along with his mother are his daughters, Nicole and Rene (Nick) all of Byron; four grandchildren, Marissa Brennan, Cortney (Travis Knowlton) Greene, Jonathan Smith and Dylan Cook, great-grandson, Jacob Knowlton along with many cousins and friends. 

John's generosity throughout his life led him to participate in furthering medical research with the donor program of Science Care. His family will be present to share fond memories of Butch with family and friends from 12-1PM on Sunday October 9 at the MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020 where a Celebration of his Life will follow at 1:00PM with a reception being held at the Batavia Country Club after  services. Burial will be held privately and memorials in his memory can be made to the family to distribute to charities of their choice. 

Please share your memories of Butch with his family at http://www.tomaszewskifh.com and for more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500. 

THE FAMILY OF JOHN M. "BUTCH" PRIMUS IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK.

Elizabeth lived in Fort Eustis, VA while her husband Joseph was in the Army. When they moved back to Batavia, she worked for many years at St. Joseph’s School in the cafeteria and was also the food service manager at the Genesee County Nursing Home. She was a lifelong member at Resurrection Parish in Batavia.

She is survived by her children; Sr. Joanne Suranni CSSF of Buffalo; Catherine (Russell) Frantz of FL, Tanya (Carl) Monti of Buffalo and Joseph (Carolyn) Suranni of FL; two grandchildren Anthony and Victoria Suranni.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday October 6, 2016 from 4:00-8:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Prayers will be recited on Friday October 7^th at 9:00AM at the Funeral Home prior to a 9:30AM Mass of Christian Burial at Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph’s) 303 E. Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. She will be entombed in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia. 

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. 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.

Mr. Robert J. Foss, Jr., of Medina, passed away suddenly while surrounded by his family at Strong Memorial Hospital on October 1, 2016. 
Bob was born in Medina, May 25, 1961, a son of Catherine (Ames) Foss and the late Robert J. Foss, Sr. A graduate of Medina High School, class of 1979, Bob loved life. He enjoyed making others laugh and had never ending amounts of love for his two children. Bob was a former Pro-Bowler, and bowling was his second love. When he was growing up, his grandparents had little wooden pins and that is what started his love for bowling. At the age of fifteen, he won the NYS Bowling Championship in 1976. He was a contestant on the TV show, “Beat the Champ” in 1985. He won numerous awards including the GRUSBC Masters in 2012 at Oakfield and the GRUSBC Memorial Scratch Eliminator in 2013 at Bennington. Bob finished 2nd in a PBA regional. 
Survivors include his two loving children, Curtis Foss and Cassidy (Matthew) Oliver; his mother, Catherine Foss; brothers and sisters, Jim (Jody) Foss, Kenny (Cheryl) Foss, Dicki (Pam) Foss, and Jenn (Brian Smith) Foss; several nieces, especially Brianna whom he had a special love for, nephews; great nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Chloe. Besides his father, he was predeceased by his sister, Karen (Foss) Luthart and maternal grandparents, Dorothy and Archie Ames. 
Friends may call on Thursday (7-9) and Friday (11-1) at the First Baptist Church, 203 West Center Street, Medina. The Rev. Michael Stephenson will officiate at his Celebration of Life Service on Friday at 1PM at the church. Interment will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, West Shelby. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Bob’s family would be appreciated. Arrangements are being handled by the Cooper Funeral Home, Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com 

Evelyn moved to Perry in 1941. She worked for the former Perry Knitting Mill and Duracraft. She opened the former Custom Cake Shop in Perry in 1961 making customized cakes, breads, cookies and many other treats for all occasions. As well as running her bakery she also catered for special events. She was a caregiver caring for her late mother-in-law and husband in their last years of life. She was a member of St. Isidore's Catholic Parish in Perry, the Perry Kiwanis Club where she was a past secretary. She enjoyed painting, knitting, crocheting, sewing, baking, cooking, watching old movies, listening to music, especially theater music and spending time with family and friends. She supported St. Jude's for 50 years and St. Isidore's.

She is survived by 2 daughters; Dianne A. (Harold) Pickett of Webster, Star P. Ault of Briarwood, NY, 3 sons Robert J. (Carmel) Ault of Las Vegas, NV, Mark R. (Elizabeth) Ault of Logan, UT, Kirk O. (Rhonda) Ault of Glendale, AZ; a sister Gloria Piacenti of Lancaster; a brother Norbert (Arlene) Langa of Strykersville; 5 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9pm on Wednesday October 5^th, 2016 at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. Prayers at the Funeral Home on Thursday October 6th at 10:15AM that will precede an 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Isidore's Catholic Parish (St. Joseph's Church) in Perry.  She will be laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Perry.

Memorials may be made to the Perry Emergency Ambulance P.O. Box 288 Perry, NY 14530; Home Care and Hospice 405 North Main St. Warsaw, NY 14569; Perry Fire Department P.O. Box 243 Perry, New York 14530 or to the Wyoming County Office for the Aging 8 Perry Ave. Warsaw, New York 14569. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Batavia - Peter L. Arras, 77, retired Principal at Jackson School, died Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Crossroads House.

Mr. Arras was born September 1, 1939 in Batavia, the son of the late Millard and Phyllis (Dabrowski) Arras.

He graduated from Batavia High School and also was a graduate of SUNY Brockport where he served on the Board of Trustees.  A longtime member of the 1^st Presbyterian Church of Batavia he formerly was a Deacon and a member of the Board of

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Simpson) Arras, having recently celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary on July 9^th.

Survivors include one son; John P. (Maria) Arras of Higham Ferrers, England; two daughters: Elizabeth A. Peinkofer of Honeoye Falls and Deborah (Gregory) Bump of Mt. Morris. He was the grandfather of  Grant & Tessa Peinkofer, Katherine, Lorenzo &  Ilenia Arras and  Sarah &  Charles Bump.  Also surviving is a brother in law and sister in law, Robert (Judy) Simpson of Pennsylvania.  He was the brother of the late Nancy Kieran.

Friends may call on Friday from 3pm to 7pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia.  Services will be Saturday, 11am at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., Batavia.  There will be a reception in the Church Hall immediately following the services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 or the First Presbyterian Church, 300 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Morristown.  

Please leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Peter’s memory at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.