Obituaries

  It is with deep sadness that the family of Daniel K. Scott (age 64) of Byron, announces his passing. He died peacefully on April 15, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving wife and two children.

Dan was born on December 16, 1956 in Batavia to parents Carl (Cathy) and Barbara Scott. He married his high school sweetheart, Kim (Hart) on October 20, 1979. They went on to create a beautiful family and homestead in Byron. 

Dan dedicated his entire life to caring for his family and worked tirelessly to leave the world better than he found it. Dan was actively involved with his church family at Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia. He enjoyed spending his time outdoors, taking walks with his wife and dog, Riley, hiking and canoeing in the Adirondacks, traveling out west, maintaining his garden and property, and being "papa" to his three beautiful granddaughters. 

His memory will be kept alive by his wife of 41 years, Kim (Hart) Scott, his children Katelyn (David) Lee and Jason (Brianna) Scott, as well as his granddaughters Madison Lee, Harper Lee, and Adalynn Scott. Dan will also be lovingly remembered by his siblings Jeffrey (Elizabeth) Scott, Steven Scott (Becky Green), Anne (Richard) Bird, and Karen (Brian) Laney, along with many adoring nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father-in-law Burton Hart, and will be remembered fondly by his mother-in-law Eleanor Hart, as well as his sister- and brother-in-laws Pamela (Charles) Gugel and Todd (Valerie) Hart. 

A private Celebration of Dan's life and legacy will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate as you are able to the International Mesothelioma Program who provided incredible support and treatment for Dan and his family throughout his illness. You may give in Dan's honor via www.giving.brighamandwomens.org/imp or by mailing a check to: Brigham and Women's Hospital Development Office, 116 Huntington Ave. 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02116 and designating to the International Mesothelioma Program. If you are unable to donate, please consider planting a tree or taking a nature walk in Dan's honor. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

Margaret V. Arndt, 90 of Buffalo, passed away at St. John’s Home in Rochester on Thursday, April 22, 2021. She was born on September 20, 1930 in Denver, CO to the late Wesley (Ethel Ahl) Randall. She is preceded in death by her husband Harold E. Arndt, children Corwin C. Valenti and Sharon Arndt, brothers Robert Ahl and Everette Smith.  

Mrs. Arndt worked for many years as a nurse at State Hospital in Buffalo. She was generous with her time and always willing to help. Mrs. Arndt was a devoted and loving grandmother.

She is survived by her children, Darwin L. Valenti of FL; John D. (Paula) Arndt of Corfu; Darlene M. Crowe of FL; Susan L. (Thomas) Martin of W. Henrietta; brothers, Alan (Diane) Brown of CA; Roger (Lettie) Brown of WA; Paul (Joyce) Randall of NY,  Patricia Spring of Alexander; Barbara (Jerry) of Rochester; 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, April 30, 2021 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC., 135 Main St., Attica, NY 14011. She will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica, immediately following calling hours.

The funeral home will be restricted to 50% of their normal capacity. Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association of Western New York at www.alz.org. 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.

  Louis J. (Louie) Leone, 87, passed away on April 21, 2021, at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 17, 1933, in Batavia, NY, and was a lifelong Batavia resident and 1951 Batavia High School graduate. He is predeceased by his mother Louise (Russo) Leone, father Antonio Leone, wife Vera (Bate) Leone, son Louis A. Leone, and son Francis Hemmerich.

Louis is survived by son David (Lisa) Leone; daughter Debbie Hemmerich-Olsowsky; son Vincent (Joanna) Leone; grandchildren Louis and Lauren Leone and Brandon, Alyssa and Noah Sanchez.

He was a long-time employee at the GTE Sylvania plant in Batavia and also had a distinguished military service career. He served four years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He then went on to serve in the Air Force Reserve at the 914^th Airlift Wing in Niagara Falls, NY, for an additional 33 years for a combined 37 years of military service. He retired in 1993 at the rank of master sergeant.

His biggest devotion was to his family; he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, achieving the rank of Fourth Degree Knight. He had a passion for gardening, always enjoying his summer vegetable gardens. He had a strong devotion to his faith and the Catholic Church. He could often be seen at Batavia Downs Casino and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

Visiting hours will be held 4­-7 p.m., with eulogies read at 6:45 p.m., Tuesday, April 27th at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co., Inc. 329-333 W. Main St., Batavia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 28th at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St., Batavia. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

The funeral home and church will be restricted to 50% of their normal capacity. Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St., Batavia. To leave messages of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Co., Inc. 329-333 W. Main St., Batavia.

  Carole Ann Chatt, 78 of Batavia and Sarasota, Florida, passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital. She was born on October 23, 1942 in Batavia, New York to the late Joseph and Jennie (Rizzo) Megliore. She is preceded in death by her sister, JoAnn Dombrowski who died in 1991.

Carole was a longtime waitress at Batavia Downs and St. Nicholas Club in Batavia. She was also employed most recently as a waitress at the Sarasota Kennel Club in Sarasota Florida. She was a past President of the St. Jerome Guild. Carole enjoyed sitting by the pool or on the beach, was an avid reader of Danielle Steele and other romance novels, loved to shop and would seek out anything in her favorite color purple. She had a bigger than life personality and was known as Nana to those that adored her most. She was loved by all who knew her and will be truly missed by her family and many, many cherished friends.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Ned F. Chatt, a son, Ned F. (Julie) Chatt, Jr., daughter Jill Ann (Timothy) Warner, both from Rochester, NY, grandchildren Kaitlyn (Sean) Chatt McFarlane of Winston Salem, NC, Cameron Chatt, Victoria Warner and Leyna Warner. She was also the great-grandmother to Marlene (Marley) McFarlane. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Rebecca (Stephen) Chatt Swanson, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A 12:00pm noon Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday April 28, 2021 at Resurrection Parish 303 E. Main St. in Batavia.  She will be laid to rest in the Western New York National Cemetery, Corfu. The church will be restricted to 50% of its normal capacity. Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Notre Dame High School Foundation, 73 Union Street, Batavia, NY 14020. To leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or for more information call (585) 343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020.

William R. Dombrowski, 86 of Batavia, passed away Wednesday (April 21, 2021) at Strong Memorial Hospital.

He was born September 27, 1934 in Batavia, a son of the late William T. and Julia Wojtacha Dombrowski.

William was a former member of Sacred Heart Parish and served his country honorably with the United States Air Force from 1954-1958. He was employed as a truck driver with P.I.E. Trucking Co. in Rochester prior to his retirement.

He was the beloved husband of 58 years to Barbara Tomaszewski Dombrowski of Batavia.   Surviving along with his wife are sons, David (Amanda) Dombrowski of Hamburg and Thomas (Gigi) Dombrowski of Batavia. Daughter, Kristy (Darryl) Kruczkowski of Lancaster. Grandchildren, Maressa (Josh) Earl, Samantha Dombrowski, Dane Dombrowski, James Kruczkowski and Katie Kruczkowski. Great-Grandchildren, Collin and Lila Earl. Sister, Barbara Barlow of Batavia and Brother, Robert Dombrowski of Batavia. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share in his Mass of Christian Burial on Monday (April 26^th), 11:00am at Resurrection Parish, 303 East Main St., 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.

 

 

George R. Everhart, 69, of Batavia passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday April 21, 2021. He was born on September 7, 1951 in Akron, OH to the late Richard and Miriam (Pennell) Everhart. In addition to his parents, George is predeceased by his beloved wife; Susan (Moffatt) Everhart; sister Elaine Conte

He is survived by his daughters; Deborah Snow of Le Roy and Sarah (Justin) Beard of Hamburg; sisters Sandra Barabas, Carmen O’Leslie; grandchildren Erin and Anthony Snow; very close family friend; Stacey Ziminski, along with several nieces and nephews.

George was a Pharmacist for many years at Rite Aid in Le Roy. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Susan. He loved and had a passion for music and playing the guitar and enjoyed collecting antiques. George was a devote Christian who was very generous and giving, he would help anyone when he could.

There will be no prior calling hours and Services will be private for the family. George will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mental Health Services of Genesee County 5130 E. Main St. Rd. #2 Batavia, NY 14020. To leave messages 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.

Bergen - Richard C. Redinger, 68 of Bergen passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, (April 20, 2021) at his home.

Mr. Redinger was born January 19, 1953 in Batavia, a son of the late Richard A. and Eleanor (Henry) Redinger.

Richard was a simple man who enjoyed cooking and spending time with his family. An avid outdoorsman, he liked to hunt and work in his garden. He had a wonderful sense of humor and laugh. Mr. Redinger greatly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are his children, Brenda (John Buettner) Redinger and Kevin Redinger; grandchildren, DeeAnna (fiance Steve Breitenborn) Redinger, and Madison Warney; a great-granddaughter, Ava Jane Breitenborn; sisters, Darlene (Jeff) Lemcke, Dawn (late Chet) Cratsley, Donna (Ken) Shady, and Diane (Pete) Whyman. The mother of his children, Robin Redinger Sword and many nieces and nephews also survive.

He is preceded in death by a sister, Carol Austin.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, (April 25th, 2021)  from 1 to 4 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Street in Bergen. Burial in North Byron Cemetery will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021 or online at www.crossroadshouse.com.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Batavia - Robert L.  Sheehan,  age 74, of Batavia, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

He was born May 6, 1946 in Batavia, a son of the late Kenneth Sheehan and Rosalin McBee Sheehan.

He worked for over 20 years for Community Action of Orleans & Genesee where he still has many close friends. In his youth, he was proud to be one of the youngest to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout locally. He loved watching the New York Yankees play baseball.  A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he will be remembered for his knack of telling great stories.

Robert is the husband of Bonnie J. Small Sheehan. They were married on July 12, 1969. He is also survived by his children; Kenneth Sheehan of Batavia and Colleen (Sean) Bryar  of Castleton; his grandson; Haven Sheehan-Hutchinson; his brothers; Gary Sheehan and Francis Sheehan, both of Fort Myers, Florida and Michael Sheehan of Tennessee; his sister; Bridget (Lee) Berkowicz of Fort Myers, Florida; his best friend, Bill Preston; his four legged feline Princess and nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his sister, Pat Donnelly.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home of Batavia.

Churchville - Jack G.  Hulburt, 83 of Churchville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 18, 2021 with his family by his side.

Mr. Hulburt was born Monday, March 21st, 1938 in Batavia, New York a son of the late Frank Hulburt and Agnes Gillam Hulburt.

Prior to working as a firefighter for Eastman Kodak in Rochester, Jack was a firefighter for the City of Batavia for six years. Following his 27 year career with Kodak, he drove bus for the Byron-Bergen High School and Churchville-Chili school districts and Leonard Bus Company.  A member of the inaugural graduating class from Notre Dame High School in Batavia and a member of the NDHS Hall of Fame, Jack was an outstanding athlete playing golf while at Notre Dame and played second base for All-Catholic in Buffalo. In 1956, while Jack was overseas and stationed in North Africa, he played many sports for his squadron. He was chosen to represent a team from North Africa to play in the elite All Navy Eastern Basketball Tournament, based out of Norfolk, Virginia.

Jack's family wishes to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to all the nurses and caregivers who provided him wonderful care allowed him to stay in his home; his niece, Kathy-Hamera-Kanellis for checking in on Jack, running his errands and helping with his grocery shopping and to his cleaning lady who ran his errands and was a caregiver and friend to Jack.

Surviving are his daughter, Vicki Hulburt of Stafford; three granddaughters; Cali Gibson, Sarah Hulburt-Emerson and Elizabeth (Chase) Hulburt-Emerson; five great-grandchildren; William and Kira Gibson, Leo and Isaiah Emerson and Elliott Hughes; two sisters; JoAnn Hale of Batavia and Jane Hamera of North Chili along with nieces and nephews.  

He is predeceased by his daughter, Kelly Hulburt who passed away on July 20, 2017 and his siblings, Frank Hulburt, Jr. and Mary Tiede.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services, with military honors, will be held at the convenience of the family at Grandview Cemetery, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Jack’s name to Notre Dame High School, 73 Union Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jack’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia.

Oakfield

- Heaven gained a beautiful angel when Ruth Marie Myers went home to God Wednesday, April 20, 2021 with loving family by her side.

Ruth led a full and interesting life based on family, faith and community.  She was born in Naples, New York to the late John Jacob and Vinnie Amanda Rectenwald.  She graduated Valedictorian of her class at age 16 from Naples High School and earned her first teaching degree in music education at SUC Fredonia, with Suma Cum Laude honors.  Her first teaching job was in music at Elba Central School at 20 years old.  It was in Elba that she met the love of her life, Alan H. Myers.  They married in 1949 and took up residency in Oakfield, where they purchased the farmhouse they made home for the past 70 years and where they raised 4 children.  Ruth and Alan shared 65 beautiful years of mutual love and devotion and taught their children to be kind and good people.  

Ruth earned her second teaching degree in elementary childhood education and her Master’s degree in education at SUC Brockport.  She took her second teaching job in the Oakfield Alabama Central, School District where she established her career as a 30+ year beloved kindergarten teacher.  Giving children the best possible start to their education became her professional passion.  She loved every child she taught, and her students never forgot her.  “I had your mother in kindergarten!”  We were honored to hear this for years.  Ruth retired from teaching in 1989 and her students still ask about her.

Ruth served her community in many ways.  She played organ and sang for St. Patrick’s Parish.  She loved her church and she felt honored to provide beautiful music for 50 years.  

Ruth believed in international diversity and friendship.  She was president of the Oakfield chapter of AFS which encouraged student foreign exchanges.  It was because of her that we hosted a Chilean student, Gladys Sanhueza-Lago, for a year.  Gladys became Ruth’s 5th child and our sibling.  We have our mom to thank for working hard to expand our world view.  

Ruth was a past president of the Hiram G. Luhman Oakfield-Alabama American Legion Post # 626 Ladies’ Auxiliary as well as a long-time member of Daughters of the American Revolution.  Ruth respected our military and served in these capacities in order to actively support our troops.
Finally, Ruth was a 50-year member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, an organization of professional women educators who support community needs, provide scholarships for aspiring teachers, and mentor newly ordained educators.  

Upon her retirement Ruth traveled extensively with her family and friends, touring Norway to attend her grandson’s wedding, Costa Rica to learn salsa, Ireland, England and Scotland to experience her roots, and Italy to visit the Vatican and eat pasta.  She loved it all.  When not traveling she welcomed her many grandchildren to spend time with “grandma and grandpa” at the family homestead where she baked cookies, read stories, kissed booboos and bandaged scrapes.  She always had a grandchild on her lap.

Ruth is survived by three daughters and their families, Patricia Smith (Carrie, Juliana, Ronald (Sunniva), Jean Seeber and spouse Edward (Jeffrey (Zarah), Kayla, Michael), Bonnie Madden (Ruth, Kathryn (Kelsey), Daniel), her daughter-in-law Bertha Myers (Carl (Patty), Michael (Elizabeth), her former son-in-law Ronald Smith, and her great grandchildren Henrik, Heidi, Celina, Audrey, Adam, Barry, Tyler, and Xander.  She is also survived by her nieces Judy Rectenwald Davis (Ken), Susan Standish Horne (Richard), her nephews John Rectenwald (Elise), Michael Rectenwald (Kim), and Russell Standish (Lynn), as well as great nieces and nephews.

Ruth Marie Myers was predeceased by her husband Alan H. Myers, her son Stephen A. Myers, her granddaughter Nicole S. Myers, her siblings and their spouses Edward Rectenwald (Evelyn), and Kathryn Standish (Henry), and her nephew Thomas Standish.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield.  Ruth’s Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday (April 24, 2021) at 10 a.m. at St. Padre Pio Parish - St. Cecelia’s Worship Site, 56 Maple Avenue in Oakfield.  Burial will be in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers Memorial Donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, both the funeral home and church will be limited to 50% capacity.  Face coverings and social distancing are mandatory.  There will be no gathering after the funeral, however a celebration of life will be held at a future date.  

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

Scott A. Larkin, 66 of Batavia, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday (April 18, 2021) at his residence.

He was born August 18, 1954 in Clarendon, NY, a son of the late Edward and Marion Larkin.

Scott enjoyed hunting and antiquing. He will be missed by all who knew him and his quirky sense of humor.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene Laesser Larkin of Batavia. Daughter, Linda (Jeff) Larkin Loos of Attica. Also survived by grandsons, Kevin and Steven Larkin.

He was the father of the late Lisa Larkin.

Funeral services will be private at the convenience of 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.

 

 

Sharon A. Eastman, 76, of Batavia, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021 at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw.

Sharon was born October 23, 1944 in Batavia, a daughter of the late John and Verline (Swartz) Collard.

She was a sewing machine operator at the former P.W. Minor & Sons Shoe Factory in Batavia.

Surviving are her children, Terry (Paula Pietrzykowski) Eastman of Batavia and Melissa (Gene) Batson of Kansas City, MO; a sister, Beverly Reda of South Carolina; a granddaughter, Amanda Coyle; great-grandchildren, Mikaylyn Smith and Brayden Wilson and several nieces and nephews.

Sharon is the wife of the late William Eastman and a sister of the late Jacqueline Collard and John Collard.

Sharon's services will be held privately by her family and she will be laid to rest in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UR Medicine Comprehensive Stroke Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624 or online at www.urmc.rochester.edu/stroke-center.aspx.  

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

Arrangements for Sharon were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

Lynne Philipps (a.k.a. Lynne Harris) passed away on April 2, 2021, in Ft. Myers, FL. She was born in 1952 in Batavia, NY, the oldest daughter of Norman and Rosemary Philipps. Lynne lived in Albion, NY, and then moved to Cape Coral, FL. A graduate of Albion High School, she continued her education at Monroe Community College (AAS in dental hygiene) and SUNY Brockport (BS Ed. in health education, MA in public administration). 
Her career included positions with the Onondaga Health Department, the Orleans Correctional Facility, Planned Parenthood, and Orleans Mental Health, the latter two as director and deputy director. Lynne was also a lifetime member of Girls Scouts of America, serving as the executive director of the Thousand Islands Girl Scout Council. 
Lynne served on many boards, committees and community service groups during her career, including the high school Music Boosters; Rotary, where she served as secretary and president-elect; and the League of Women’s Voters, as president. Her “legacy project,” as she called it, was her dedicated work on the planning and development board for the building of the Hoag Library. She also enjoyed working with the community as a dental hygienist before moving with her family to Florida. 
During her time in Cape Coral, Lynne was a proud member of the Island Coast Gators, then Mariner Triton families, working as an educational paraprofessional with high school students with special needs. She always brought a smile to their faces and loving patience to their day. Her favorite thing to do with her students was to share her love of cooking, teaching prep skills and creating meals and desserts. 
Lynne’s biggest joy, however, was her family, especially her daughter, Jen, and two grandchildren. They were the light of her life, as she proved daily. She spent her free time watching her grandchildren perform in theatre productions, reading, floating in the pool, watching cooking shows, and researching her family’s history with her cousin, Pam. 
Lynne is survived by her daughter, Jen (Shawn) Baker, her grandchildren, Ramonna and Dashiell Baker, her brother, Norman (Betsy) Philipps, her sister, Jodi (Anne Fargnoli) Philipps, her closest cousin and friend, Pamela Gaeta, and many other loving aunts, cousins and friends. 
A memorial service will be held in Albion at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lynne’s memory to the Hoag Library at 134 S. Main St., Albion, NY, 14411.

 

Loren F. Merrill of Bethany Center died on Thursday, April 15, 2021 leaving behind his 100-year-old body to enter into still sweeter communion with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When asked about his age, he would frequently say “I’d like to live to 100, but if I don’t, all the better,” telling us in our grief to rejoice for him because he will be in heaven with his savior whom he loved and served so faithfully. He was a gentle and kind man, a man of integrity, who lived his life according to scripture: he put God first, his family second, and the needs of others before his own.  Although Loren was a great example for not only his descendants but all who knew him to emulate, he gave all the credit for anything good in his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Loren was born August 10, 1921 in Oakfield and graduated from Alexander High School in 1940. He attended the Burgard Vocational School but because of his skill and natural aptitude for resolving mechanical problems, was encouraged to leave school and work at Bell Aircraft in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. He built and repaired airplanes for 5 years during WWII. He was a mechanic at Climax in Batavia for 23 years, where he designed and built the first self-propelled bean harvester using hydraulics, oil, and a small motor. He also built the “Genesee,” one of the largest cars available in the US at the time. His lifetime interest in airplanes and automobiles was evidenced by all the model planes he built and his kindhearted auto repair and restore service to so many in the community. His 14-year career at the NY State School for the Blind in Batavia earned him the respect and admiration of students and staff alike. He was honored by the Kiwanis for his work in the Key Club, teaching marketable skills as well as life lessons.

Loren married Avis Embt on March 4, 1948 and designed and built their house on the Bethany Center Road in 1954-55 where together they raised their 5 surviving children: Glenn & Linda (Merkle) Merrill, Joy Hattendorf, Ann & Greg Miller all of Bethany Center, Ellen & David Bittner of Canandaigua, and Jim & Bethany (Wright) Merrill of Folsom, CA.  Also surviving are his grandchildren, Aaron & Rosanne (Seafuse) Merrill of Rouses Point, Emily (Merrill) & Tim Craft of Gates, Lori Hattendorf and Peggy (Miller) & Greg Johnson of Bethany Center, Stephen & Terry (Jessop) Miller of Dansville, Terenti Bittner of Canandaigua, Max Bittner of Rochester, Amy (Attridge) Bittner of Henrietta, Tahlia (Merrill) & Ronald Kirk, and Trevor & Diana (Reilly) Merrill of CA, and step-grandchildren Mark Bittner and Ruth (Bittner) & Jeff Butler of Illinois. Also surviving are 15 great-grandchildren and 8 step-great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, ‘adopted children’ who are honored to call him ‘Dad,’ and Diggen, his constant feline companion. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Avis (2017), parents Earl and Edna (Myers) Merrill, brother Robert Merrill and son-in-law Rev. Lance Hattendorf.

Loren was an 80⁺-year member of the Bethany Center Baptist Church where he faithfully and humbly served his God in many capacities. He will be remembered for greeting everyone with a friendly smile and firm handshake, but mostly for his concern that they join him in heaven one day by accepting Christ and making Him Lord of their lives. For over 70 years he was caretaker of the Maple Lawn Cemetery in Bethany Center as well as being president for many years.

Loren’s family invites friends and relatives to a funeral service of thanksgiving to God at the Bethany Center Baptist Church on Saturday, April 24 at 12 o’clock noon. The funeral service will be live-streamed and recorded on facebook.com/BCBC4Christ.  Visitation will be held at the church also on April 24 from 10 am to noon and again from 1 pm to 3 pm. Facial coverings and social distancing are expected. A celebration will be held in the summer in “The Woods” to honor this incredible man and the selfless gifts he gave to us all. The family gratefully declines flowers and suggests instead that memorials may be made to the Maple Lawn Cemetery of Bethany Center or the Bethany Center Baptist Church.

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.

Dawn M. Watkins, age 40, of Bank Street Batavia, passed away suddenly, at home, Wednesday, April 14th 2021. Dawn was born in Batavia, November 25th 1980, a daughter of the late Kenneth Scutt and Susanna Scutt of Silver Springs, New York. Dawn was a lifetime resident of Batavia and was known as the “Life of the party”. She was always smiling and was a practical joker. As a homemaker, Dawn became a terrific wife and cook. She enjoyed reading romance and fiction novels and watching mysteries on television. Dawn was a beautiful person who will be missed by all who's life she touched. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents; Alvin (Judy) Thurley, her paternal grandparents; Walter (Doris) Scutt, a nephew; David Welch.
Survivors include her beloved husband of twenty years, Anthony “Tony” Watkins of Batavia, whom she married on October 13th 2001, her mother; Susanna Scutt of Silver Springs, four sisters; Bobbi Sue Scutt and Rebecca Scutt both of Silver Springs, Samantha (Chris) Reinhardt of Batavia, Nicole (Andrew) Leaton of LeRoy, her mother in-law; Elizabeth Watkins of Batavia, two nephews; Kyle Scutt and Cody Davis, five nieces; Natalie Royse, Skylar Rumble, Bella Leaton, Aubrey and Emilee Reinhardt, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial celebration of Dawn's life will be held at a later date to be announced.
Please visit www.weeksfuneral.com to offer condolences. Memorials are requested to the family at the GofundMe account Dawny Dawn.