Obituaries

Batavia- Carol A. Skye, age 80 of Batavia, passed away Friday, July 23rd, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Cheektowaga, December 11th, 1940, daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Moodie Schueler.

A resident of Batavia for over 30 years, Carol worked for Job Development of Genesee County in Batavia from where she retired. Carol was a one of a kind woman and an acquired taste. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting, and reading romance novels. Carol loved making jewelry and afghans, showing them while attending many Native American exhibitions and expos throughout the northeast United States with her husband. She had a real love for frogs, acquiring a very large collection of frog-related memorabilia over the years.

Carol was predeceased by a son, Joseph Schlum.

Survivors include her loving husband of 40 years, Ronald W. Skye whom she married July 3rd, 1981; a daughter, Heather Summers of Cheektowaga; a son, Michael Stone of Alden; grandchildren, Christina (Jeremiah) Blanchard-Beard of Perry, Cassidy Smart of Cheektowaga, Steven (Brandi) Royse of Warsaw, Misty Scutt of Attica, Jade Stone, Mason Stone, several additional grandchildren as well as great grandchildren along with her sister, Nancy Mendola of Buffalo.

There are no prior visiting hours. A public celebration of life will be held 2pm to 8pm Sunday, August 8th, 2021 at the Akron Falls Park. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Carol’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.  

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Jeffrey K. Stoddard, 66 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday (July 22, 2021) at his residence.

He was born March 14, 1955 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Charles and Doris Garwood Stoddard.

Jeff served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1973-1977.

Survivors include his siblings, Marcia Draper of Batavia, Charles Stoddard Jr. of Lockport, David (Lori) Stoddard of Salt Lake City, Utah, Timothy Stoddard of Batavia and Cheryl (Ken) Baker of Buffalo.

Family and friends are invited to a graveside service with military honors on Thursday (July 29^th), 12pm at the Mumford Rural Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Batavia - Karen Solovey, 60 of Batavia passed away on Sunday, (June 27, 2021) at her home in Batavia.

Ms. Solovey was born July 7, 1960 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Nicholas Solovey and Florence (Panchenko) Solovey.

She was a member of Living Waters Apostolic Ministries in Batavia.

Karen is survived by her brother, Peter (Barbara) Solovey of Pendleton; a niece, Sheryl Allen; three nephews, David, James and Robert Solovey; and several great-nieces and nephews. A good friend to many.

There will be no visitation. Family and Friends are invited to attend Karen's memorial service on Tuesday (July 27, 2021) at 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 306 East Main Street in Batavia. Burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

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

Batavia - Donald Clyde VanBuren, 65 of Batavia, passed away on Wednesday, (July 21, 2021) at Premier Genesee Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Batavia.

Mr. VanBuren was born May 29, 1956 in Lockport, a son of Donald Nelson VanBuren of Batavia and the late Norma Jean (Lowe) VanBuren.

Don was a member of the former Eagles Club in Batavia. A social person with a good sense of humor, he never met a stranger.

Donald is the husband of the late Barbara VanBuren; and brother of the late Martha Dougal, and Ruby Will.

Surviving are his son, Robert (Kelly) Nicholson of Rochester; mother of his children, Dawn Hessenthaler of Rushville; children, DJ (Kelly) VanBuren of Fort Drum, Deborah Cooley of Canandaigua, Sally VanBuren of Phelps, and Tiffany VanBuren of Clifton Springs; step-children, Vicky Price, Shawn Powers, Kathy Kramer, and Danielle (Frank) Derenzo all of Batavia brothers, Eric VanBuren of Medina, Robert (Becky) VanBuren of Batavia, Ralph Hewson of Arcadia, Florida; sisters, Mary Rice of Maryland, and Mildred Villa of Batavia; a brother-in-law, Thomas Dougal of Fairmont, West Virginia. 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Honoring his wishes, there will be no services. Burial will be in Reed Cemetery in Oakfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a local charity of the donor's choice.

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

Donna M. Wickins of Attica, entered into eternal peace on July 21, 2021, knowing she had the love of her family and our Lord with her. Donna was born April 3, 1939 to Paul and Emma Trauscht. She was predeceased by her brother David Trauscht and her son-in-law Rodney MacLane.

Donna "NaNa" cherished life. She always put family, friends and community first. Giving made her the happiest. She was a long time cafeteria lady, putting the "kiddos" first. Donna was an original member in the woman's auxiliary in Attica. She was very active in the early years of AYA (Attica Youth Athletics) and was always the loudest fan in the stands. Cookies were everywhere when she was Girl Scout Leader. Donna volunteered at the Attica Food Pantry, which was an extension of her need to always ask "can I make you something to eat". Donna ended her life the way she lived it, her last gift was to donate her earthly body to U.B.'s Anatomical Gift Program.

Donna is survived by a brother Michael (Judy) Trauscht, daughters Vicki MacLane, Debra (David) Best, a son James (Tina) Wickins; grandchildren Sean (Kate) MacLane, Kyle Best, Isabella Wickins, Elijah Wickins and her very special great-grandchildren Caleb and Camille MacLane, nephews Scott (Giovanna) Trauscht and Rick (Sharon) Trauscht.

The family will hold a private service at a later date. Please consider donating to a local food pantry.

Memorials may be made to the Attica Rescue Squad, 11 Water St, Attica, New York, 14011. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

David Lee Viehdeffer, 55 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on July 17, 2021 at his residence.

He was born December 19, 1965 in Batavia, NY, a son of the late Glenn Wade Viehdeffer Sr. and Laura Petry Viehdeffer.

David was an avid fisherman, enjoyed animals and nature and was a proud Buffalo Bills fan.

Survivors include his child, Christine Viehdeffer of Byron. Siblings, Glenn Wade (Dawn) Viehdeffer Jr., Cynthia (Scott) Fritag of Florida, Kevin Viehdeffer of Batavia, Sharon (Tom Seitz) Viehdeffer of Batavia and Rebecca Bender of Alexander and his many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Kathy Viehdeffer.

Friends and family are cordially invited to share memories on Monday (July 26^th) from 5-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY.

Memorial contributions may be made to the NYS Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Patricia Ann Campbell, 75 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday (July 16, 2021) at Unity Hospital.

She was born May 15, 1946 in Buffalo, NY, a daughter of the late Robert and Mildred Garlocke Cragg.

Survivors include her husband, Richard L. Campbell of Batavia. Son, Robert Campbell of Batavia. Also survived by a brother and sister.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Saturday (July 24^th) from 3-6pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Eleanor “Ellie” Goodman Rider, 100, went to her Eternal Home on Thursday, July 22, 2021 after a brief hospital stay. Ellie was born January 26, 1921 in Alexander, where she was a lifelong resident until moving to Batavia for her last few years. She was the daughter of the late Loren C. and Thelma Goodman. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Charles W. “Bill” Rider and her sister Evelyn Mosbruger.

Eleanor was a well-known hairdresser until well into her 80’s. She also enjoyed various crafts-including painting, flower arranging, jewelry making and numerous other hobbies. Ellie was a lifelong member of the Alexander United Methodist Church, where she was active in the choir, Golden Reapers, and various other activities.

She leaves behind 3 daughters, Sally Barie, Susan (Lynn) Hartrick, and Jean (James) Grinnell. She has 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, July 31, 2021 from 1 to 2 PM where a service will immediately follow at 2:00 PM at the Alexander United Methodist Church, 10540 Main St., Alexander, NY 14005.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Manor House Senior Living Residence for providing a warm and compassionate environment for her last years.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Scholarship Fund of the Alexander United Methodist Church or to the Hospice provider of your choice. To leave a message of condolence visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011.

Earl Ellsworth Sands, of Hamlet, N.C., passed away on July 14, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 64. Earl was born on July 6, 1957, the son of Joan Taylor, of Albion, NY, and the late Frank Taylor.

Earl was a lifelong resident of Western New York and retired from U.S. Chrome (Batavia) in 2015 before moving to North Carolina.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing LLC), and spending time with family and friends.

Earl is survived by his wife of 47 years, Beverly, his children, Jacob (Shirley) Sands of Rockingham, N.C., Jason (Sarah) Sands of Syracuse, NY, Jessica Sands of West Virginia, several siblings and grandchildren. Private services held for Earl in Hamlet, N.C.

Walter E. Zajaczkowski “Rabbit”, 97 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday (July 20, 2021) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born in East Bethany, NY on June 28, 1924, a son of the late Theofil and Agnes Skotnicka Zajaczkowski.

Walter was formerly employed by Eaton Corp. and General Railroad Signal prior to his retirement. He was a member of Ascension Parish and the Polish Falcons. Walter enjoyed fixing items and really enjoyed going to the casino, the occasional scratch off ticket and frequenting the Pok-A-Dot Restaurant.

He was predeceased by his wives, Betty Zajaczkowski (1963) and Ann Zajaczkowski (2005). Son, Michael Zajaczkowski (2010) and his siblings, John, Sylvester, Alexander, Stanley, Casimer, Matthew Zajaczkowski, Helen Dunn and Sophie Palaszynski.

Survivors include his sons, John (Carol) Zajaczkowski of Batavia and Timothy (Mary) Zajaczkowski of Stafford. Daughter, Susan (Wayne Watts) Chichelli of Bradenton, FL. Also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call on Sunday (July25th) from 4-7pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA. His Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, 10am at Ascension Parish, South Swan Street, Batavia. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

 

 

Albion - Earl W. "Butch" Willis, 58 of Albion passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, (July 18, 2021) while camping at Godfrey's Pond in Stafford, New York.

Mr. Willis was born February 15, 1963 in Medina, a son of Lucille (Bigsby) Willis of Batavia and the late Ray Willis.

Butch attended Alabama-Basom United Methodist Church and was a member of Godfrey's Pond. He served the country honorably and was proud to have been a US Marine. He enjoyed most things outdoors including camping, fishing, and hunting. He was an avid Buffalo Bills fan and enjoyed country music.

Surviving along with his mother are his children, Jacob (Katie) Willis of Milltown, New Jersey, and Melanie (fiance Dan Perez) Willis of North Brunswick, New Jersey; a sister, Renee (Donald) Long of Batavia. 

A memorial celebration of Butch's life will be held on Wednesday (July 21, 2021) at 8:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse of Godfrey's Pond, Griswold Road in Stafford. Family and Friends are welcome and encouraged to bring a bag of chips and dip to pass. Butch will be laid to rest in a private ceremony in Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu with military honors. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements were entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home in Batavia. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Bonnie Marie Graff, 63 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, (July 19, 2021) in Darien.

Mrs. Graff was born June 28, 1958 in Batavia, a daughter of Barbara (Finch) Danser of Batavia and the late Donald Danser.

Bonnie enjoyed helping people and worked for a time as a Home Health Aide. She liked to spend time with her family and loved animals.

Along with her mother, Bonnie is survived by her husband, Harold Graff, Jr. of Batavia; children, Jennifer (fiance Duane Mather) Graff of Batavia, Peter (Elizabeth) Graff of Batavia, Matthew Graff of Rochester, and Kaila (finace Matthew Draper) Tidd of Batavia; brothers, David (Kimberly) Danser of Pavilion, and Steven (Sara) Danser of North Carolina. 13 grandchildren also survive.

She is preceded in death by a brother, Larry Danser.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where Bonnie's Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation. Burial will be in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery in Akron.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Volunteers of Animals, PO Box 1621, Batavia, New York 14021 or a charity of the donor's choice.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Mae Louise Dusen, 91, of Batavia, NY, passed away at Premier Genesee on Thursday, January 21, 2021 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born on October 19, 1929 in Batavia to Charles and Carrie (Ross) Radley.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald, and her son, Richard. She was also predeceased by a sister, Angele (Peter) Weber, two brothers, Leonard (Anne) and Robert Radley, two sisters-in-law, Hazel (Tony) Mancuso and Viola (Edward) Martin, two brothers-in-law, Lloyd (Lois) and Earl (Genevieve) Dusen and a sister-in-law, Shirley Dusen.

Mae is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jim and Cathy Dusen and by two grandchildren, Lara (Jason) McKee, and Brad (Michael Bleyle) Dusen. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Danica and Colton McKee, as well as three sisters, Rose (late Irving) Warner, Fran (late Robert) Lawrence and Florence (late Howard) Taft, along with a sister-in-law, Jeanette Radley, and a brother-in-law, Robert Dusen, plus many nieces and nephews.

Mae was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who will be missed by all who knew her. She spent the last several years of her life at Premiere Genesee Nursing Home where staff always remarked on her sweet personality and cheerful demeanor.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday July 24, 2021 from 10:00-11:00AM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020 where an 11:00AM Funeral Service will follow at the Funeral Home. Mae will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY. (www.alz.org). 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.

William R. Geitner, 73, of Varysburg, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia. He was born in Warsaw, on August 5, 1947 to the late Ronald (Gertrude Rupp) Geitner. He is preceded in death by a daughter Carlyn Geitner.      

Bill was a United States Navy Veteran. He retired as a Corrections Officer after 26 years and worked as a Teacher’s Aide for 15 years in the Attica School System. Bill was a member of West Star Masonic Lodge 413 in Varysburg, Attica Rod & Gun and Varysburg Fire Department. He was an avid trap shooter, outdoorsman that loved to hunt, fish, golf and garden. He was Rock Hound at heart. Bill took pride in community projects and was the creator of Junkyard Reunion in Varysburg. His favorite thing to do was vacation in Canada.     

Mr. Geitner is survived by his beloved wife Lorrie (Hathaway) Geitner of Varysburg, children, William T. (Jacqueline) Geitner of Blacksburg, SC; Jill (Mathew Pentycofe) Geitner of Hamlin; John (Eris) Geitner of Alden; 6 grandchildren Tyler (Hailey), Justin, Courtney (Chris), August, Carlyn and Cory; 3 great-grandchildren Brantley, Gracie and Delilah, with two on the way; brothers and sisters-in-law, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to invite everyone to join them on Sunday, July 25, 2021 for the Junkyard Reunion from 11AM to 2PM at Vincent Almeter Memorial Park in Varysburg.

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, August 14, 2021 from 1 to 4 PM where a service will immediately follow at 4:00 at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Varysburg Fire Department, PO Box 638, Varysburg, NY 14167. 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, NY 14011.