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Obituaries

Vanessa G. Rugg

By Ronald Konieczny
Vanessa G. Rugg, 67, of Clarence died Saturday (July 5, 2014) in Amherst after a pedestrian motor vehicle accident. 
 
She was born in Buffalo on July 2,1947, a daughter of the late Melvin and Dorothy Wheeler Rugg.
 
Vanessa was employed by Avox Corp. Inc. in Lancaster. She was an immense lover of cats and was a ballett dancer in her earlier years.
 
Surviving is her brother, Vaughn Rugg of Phoenix, AZ. Nephews and nieces, Doni (Elizabeth) Rugg and John (Veronica) Rugg, both of Clarence, Rob Rugg of Ca., Lisa (Tom) Digiacomo of Kenmore, Michelle and Angela.  She is the sister of the late Don Silverheels Jonathan who died in 1992.
 
Visitation will be Monday (July 14, 2014) at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC., 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, from 11 am to 1 pm.  Services will follow at 2 pm at the Long House.  Burial will follow at the Tonawanda Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Basom. 
 
Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.
 
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY, DIRECTOR.

Eleanor E. "Pokie" Penner

By T.J. Woodward

Eleanor E. "Pokie" Penner, 66, of Perry formerly of Silver Springs, died on Thursday July 10, 2014 at her home in Perry. Pokie was born in North Hornell on March 28, 1948 to the late Walter Cobin and Elaine (Christie) Cobin of Dalton.  She is preceded in death by her sister Linda Vogel and brother Rod Cobin.

Pokie worked for many years at J.N. White Designs in Perry. She was an avid NASCAR fan, and enjoyed spending time with family, especially with her son and 2 grandsons.

She is survived by her son Scott Cobin of Perry, 6 sisters Patricia (Dean) Tittle of VA; Wanda (Bob) Black of ME; Debbie (Clyde) Clancy of Hunt; Carol (Daren) Vogel of Black Creek; Nancy Smith of Black Creek; Jane (Alan) Lockwood of Belfast; 4 brothers Donald (Penny) Cobin of Dalton; Bubby (Sue) Cobin of Castile; John (Lori) Cobin of Dalton; Gordy (Heather) Cobin of Hunt; 2 grandchildren Matthew (Nataliya) Cobin of Henrietta and Jeremy (Tracy) Cobin of Silver Springs, along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours.  A private Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Home Care and Hospice 405 N. Main St. 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.

Ruth "Ruthie" Ann Kriger

By T.J. Woodward

Ruth “Ruthie” Ann Kriger, 60 of Batavia, formerly of Attica, passed away on Wednesday July 9, 2014 at Highland Hospital in Rochester. She was born on January 29, 1954 in Batavia to the late LaVerne Kriger and the late Gladys (Erhardt) Miller. She is preceded in death by brothers Robert and Richard Kriger.

Ruthie was a member of the Red Hat Society and Trinity United Methodist Church in Attica. She spent many hours at the church working on projects with her sister Virginia, being very involved in the United Methodist Women’s Group. She enjoyed coloring, doing puzzles and cartoon’s especially her favorite Disney character, Mickey Mouse.

Ruthie is survived by a brother Norman (Sally) Kriger; sister Virginia (George “Burt”) Fugle both of Attica; dear and special friends Rena (Gene) DeMay, along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Friday July 11, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011. An 11:00 AM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday July 12, 2014 at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Ruthie’s name to Trinity United Methodist Church 75 Main St. Attica, NY 14011.  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.
 

Shirley M. Heiderman

By Ronald Konieczny
Shirley M. Heiderman, 65 of Akron, died unexpectedly on Tuesday (July 8, 2014) at Buffalo General Hospital.
 
She was born in Batavia, NY on November 26, 1948, a daughter of the late Frank and Beatrice Clark Barber.
 
Shirley enjoyed country crafts, sewing, making quilts and gardening. She was a member of Limerick Home Bureau and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
 
She was the wife of the late Paul W. Heiderman who died June 7, 2013.
 
Survivors include her children, Michael Van Buren of Batavia, Vivica Star Kempisty of Tonawanda, Chad Van Buren of Akron and Joseph (Kimberly) Heiderman of Batavia. Ten Grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Brother, Vern (Kathy) Barber of Batavia.  Sister in-law, Eugena Barber of Akron.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
 
She was the sister of the late Floyd Barber, Eugene "Inki" Barber, Charles Draper and Hazel Howard.
 
Family and friends are cordially invited to share condolences and memories on Friday (July 11th) from 5-8pm at the J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC,  32 John St., Akron.  Funeral services will be Saturday, 11am at the Victory Full Gospel Church, 280 Akron Rd., Akron. Interment will be in Evergreen Lawn Cemetery.
 
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Shirley to the Victory Full Gospel Church, 280 Akron Rd., Akron, NY 14001.
 
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001, RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.

Doris B. Barrett

By T.J. Woodward

Doris B. Barrett, age 85, of Geneseo formerly of Leicester, died on Wednesday July 9, 2014 at her home. She was born in Covington, New York on June 25, 1929 a daughter of the late Merrill and Marian Woeller Boyd. She is preceded in death by her husband William H. Barrett in 2012.

Doris was a 1948 graduate of Pavilion High School. She worked for the former Little Studio in Perry as a photo assistant starting in 1960 and retiring in 1999. She was a member of the First Congregational Church in Perry Center, The Order of Eastern Star Chapter #497 in Perry, a former Perry Garden Club member, former Trustee of the Wyoming County Historical Pioneer Association and former member of the Castile Historical Club.

She is survived by 2 daughters: Betty (Larry) Ressue of Newark, NY, Susan (James) Elkins of Woodstock, GA. a son: Robert Barrett of Athens, TX.,3 sisters: Ellen Barrett of Avon, Charlotte Olsen of Geneseo, and Gladys (Stanley) Roger of LeRoy, a brother William Boyd of Canada, 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday July 14, 2014 from 3 to 7 PM at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. An 11:00 AM Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday July 15, 2014 at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Leicester Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church 7205 Rt. 20A Perry, NY 14530, Order of Eastern Star Chapter #497 19 Chestnut St. Perry, NY 14530, or to the Livingston County Hospice 2 Livingston Co. Campus Mt. Morris, NY 14510. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolance visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530. 

Robert L. Jeffres

By T.J. Woodward

Robert L. Jeffres, age 76, of Wyoming, died on Tuesday July 8, 2014at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. He was born in Batavia, New York on October 21, 1937 a son of the late Lawrence and Harriett Knox Jeffres. He is preceded in death by a sister Joyce Jeffres Moone.

Robert was a graduate of Pavilion High School, he was a self employed farmer with his sons owning R.L. Jeffres and Sons Inc. in Wyoming. He served with the US National Guard. He enjoyed working on the farm, traveling, bowling, golfing, watching sporting events either professional or watching his children or grandchildren playing at school or collage, he was a New York Yankees fan, he loved to laugh and was known to have a great sense of humor. He was a member of the Wyoming Presbyterian Church in Wyoming, a former member of the Pavilion Fire Department, a member of the Pavilion Exempt Firemen, Botts-Florito American Legion Post 576 in LeRoy, and a member of the Moose Lodge #560 in Warsaw.

He is survived by his wife: Shirley (Sage) Jeffres whom he married on March 5, 1960, a daughter: Cathleen (Charles) Penders of Wyoming, 3 sons: James (Kelly Farewell) Jeffres, Daniel (Marjorie) Jeffres, and Thomas (Karen) Jeffres all of Wyoming, a sister: Martha Morgan of Warsaw, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Saturday July 12, 2014 at Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC 98 North Main Street Perry, NY 14530. A private service for family will be held on Sunday July 13, 2014, 2:00 PM at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in Wyoming Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Pavilion Fire Department P.O. Box 156 Pavilion, New York 14525 or to the Donor’s Choice. For more information please call (585) 237-2626 or to leave a message of condolance visit www.eatonwatsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Eaton-Watson Funeral Home, LLC. 98 North Main Street Perry, New York 14530.

Frank G. Bordonaro

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Frank G. Bordonaro, age 44,  passed away unexpectedly at home Tuesday afternoon (July 8, 2014).

     Mr. Bordonaro was born October 7, 1969 in Batavia, a son of  Lawrence and Arlene Heier Bordonaro.

     He will be remembered as a very caring and compassionate man, who put his family and community first.  He was very involved with all aspects of his sons’ participation in school and community sports programs.  Frank was also a veteran of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, where he provided over 19 years of service as a deputy sheriff.

     He is survived by his wife, Robin Radwich Bordonaro, his sons, Bryce and Chase, his parents, Lawrence and Arlene of Batavia, his mother in law, Frances Radwich of Rochester, brothers in law, Arnold (Cindy) Radwich of Rochester, Tim (Nancy) Radwich of Rochester, Robert (Cheri) Radwich of Rochester, sister in law, Joyce Austin of Rochester, a brother, Steen Bordonaro of Batavia, sisters, Alyce (Mark Clark) Hoye of Batavia and Christina (Gregory) Johnson of Caledonia, an uncle, James (Sandy) Bordonaro, a special aunt, Joann Morse, special niece and nephew, Brittney and Jon Radwich,  along with many other loving nieces, nephews, cousins  and dear friends.

     Family and friends may call on Friday from 12 – 3 and 6 – 9 at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), LeRoy.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, St. Peter's Church, 44 Lake St., LeRoy.

     The courtesy of no flowers is requested with memorials suggested to the family to establish and education fund for Frank’s sons.

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

     *** Note change of location for Frank's Funeral Service ***

Mary E. Snyder

By T.J. Woodward

Mary E. Snyder, 91, of Batavia passed away on Wednesday July 9, 2014 at Genesee County Nursing Home. She was born on February 8, 1923 in LeRoy to the late Learine N. and Helen (Randolph) Fuller. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert E. Snyder and sisters Gertrude Fuller, Mildred Fuller, Doris Wozniak, Betty Fuller, Geraldine Foster and Shirley Munt.

Mrs. Snyder was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She truly was one in a million.

Mary is survived by her children Gerald E. (Carol) Foster of Batavia; Jacqueline Becker of Gates; James L. (Sandra) Foster of Mocksville, NC,  Marjorie Chaddock of Batavia, grandchildren Brian (Michele) Becker; Shannon (Timothy) Larson; Susan (Craig) Kerley; Jared (Kelly Cudney) Chaddock; Jamee Foster and Justin (Andrea Anderson) Chaddock survive along with 6 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  

There will be no prior calling hours. Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Salvation Army 529 East Main 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.

Edward D. O'Donnell

By Ronald Konieczny
Edward D. O’Donnell, 76, of Batavia, died Sunday (July 6, 2014) at the NYS Home for Veterans at Batavia after a lengthy illness. 
 
He was born in Buffalo, NY on August 6, 1935 and was a Fr. Baker boy in the mid 1940’s.
   
Mr. O’Donnell was a longshoreman at Long Beach Shipyard in Long Beach, Ca.   He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps having served from 1954 to 1957. 
   
Surviving is a brother, William P. (Nancy) O’Donnell of Akron.  Several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephew also survive.
 
Private services will be conducted at the convenience of the family with burial in St. Teresa of Avila Cemetery in Akron.
 
Expressions of condolence may be made at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.
 
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD MCANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 32 JOHN ST., AKRON, NY 14001. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR & PROPRIETOR.

Gloria Ames

By T.J. Woodward

Gloria Ames, 87, of Batavia passed away unexpectedly Monday July 7, 2014 at Genesee County Nursing Home. She was born on June 29, 1927 in Corning, New York to the late Thomas and Dorothy (Jones) Traynor. She is preceded in death by her husband Terrance Ames.

Gloria enjoyed spending time with her daughter and two granddaughters. She also had a love for animals.

She is survived by her Daughter Marlene Ames of Batavia, and granddaughters Jasmine and Shana Williams of Batavia.  

There will be no prior calling hours.  Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family.  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.

Erma E. Bieber

By LaVern Falcone

Elba ~ Erma E. Bieber, age 84, of Mechanic Street, passed away Sunday evening (July 6, 2014)          at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

    Ms. Bieber was born February 2, 1930 in Milton, PA, a daughter of the late David and Mary Fettings Rearick.

     She will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, who loved to watch her

grandchildren play baseball.  She was a passionate New York Yankees fan and enjoyed playing cards and baking.

     She is survived by her children; James (Cheryl) Bieber of Elba, Jean (Mike) Reinhardt of Corfu, Debbie (Trahey) Crawford of DE, Roger (Roxanne) Bieber of LeRoy and Tim (Nicky) Kauffman of Elba, a sister, Phyllis Yeager of PA, 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

     She was predeceased by her lifetime companion of 44 years, Paul Kauffman and her siblings, Melvin, Myles, Charles, Gloria, Pauline and Dorothy.

     There are no prior calling hours.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held on July 20 at  3:00 PM at the Elba Fireman’s Recreation Hall, 7143 Oak Orchard Rd (Rt. 98), Elba, NY 14058.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Elba Fire Department, 4 S. Main Street, Elba, N.Y. 14058.

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

     Ms. Bieber and her family are being cared for by the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc. of LeRoy.

Kenneth H. Hersee

By Ronald Konieczny
Kenneth H. Hersee, 77 of Pembroke, died Saturday (July 5, 2014) at United Memorial Medical Center.
 
He was born in Buffalo, NY on January 1, 1937, son of the late Clinton and Margaret Tschachtli Hersee.
 
He was a graduate of Akron Central School in 1954 and Alfred Agricultural and Technical Institute in 1957. Ken was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served from 1960 to 1962. Prior to his retirement he was employed by the Pembroke Central School District Maintenance Department. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Batavia. Ken enjoyed growing flowers and vegetables in his garden, farming, cooking and was an avid NASCAR fan.  
 
Survivors include his wife, Anne B. Hersee of Pembroke. Daughter, Betsy Spaulding of Attica. Son, Kurt Hersee of Batavia. Grandchildren, Elizabeth Spaulding, LCPL Benjamin Spaulding (USMC, serving in the 22nd Expiditionary Unit aboard the USS Mesa Verde) and Katelyn Hersee.  Siblings, Joan Hanson of Akron, Robert Hersee of New Jersey, David Hersee of Filmore, NY, Glenn (Lurajean) Hersee of Corfu and Thomas (Barbara) Hersee of Alden. Brothers in-law and sisters in-law, Dan (Barb) Boice of Syracuse and Carol (Mark) Butt of Albany.  Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
 
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life service on Friday (July 11th), 10:00am at the First Baptist Church of Batavia, 306 E. Main Street, Batavia, NY.  Full military honors will follow at the conclusion of the service.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Batavia, 306 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.
 
Expressions of condolence 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 & PROPRIETOR.
 
 
 
 

Robert S. Williams

By Billie Owens

Robert S. Williams, 92, of Oak Brook Commons, died on Friday July 4, 2014, at his residence. He was born on August 14, 1921 in Utica and was the son of the late William S. and Ruth Morris Williams. He graduated from the Utica Free Academy and had attended SUNY Oswego.

He was a veteran of World War II serving with the Army Corps of Engineers. He retired from the Graham Manufacturing Company in Batavia after many years of service. Robert was active in many community organizations in Batavia, as well as serving as president of the Rotary Club.

Memorial service will be held Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. in the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550  Route 9 in Clifton Park.

Private interment will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Oswego.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Community Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union St., Schenectady, NY  12306.

Arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9, Clifton Park, New York 12065, 518-371-5454,  Emerickfh@aol.com

Vance E. Frisby

By T.J. Woodward

Vance E. Frisby, 66, of Batavia passed away peacefully on Sunday July 6, 2014 at his home. He was born on August 25, 1947 in Batavia to the late Van Frisby and Ruby (Hesselbeck) Frisby of Batavia. He is preceded in death by his brother Ricky Frisby and sister Sharon Frisby.

Mr. Frisby was the owner of Batavia Lawn and Shrub and a member of Ascension Parish. Vance was an avid fisherman and hunter, he played ice hockey until he was 50 then refereed roller hockey. He liked to listen to music, dance, read the Batavia Daily News, Buffalo Evening News and New York Outdoors.

Vance is survived by his wife Deborah L. (King) Frisby of Batavia, son Jeffrey Frisby of East Bethany, daughters Marci (Jeff) Lear, Sherrie (Steve) Carmichael all of Batavia, brother Donald (Melody) Frisby of LeRoy and sister Roxanne Arnone of Florida. 5 Grandchildren Katlyn, Christa, Alicia, Crystal and Jasmine survive along with many nieces and nephews.  

 Friends are invited to call on Thursday July 10, 2014 from 4-7 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. Funeral Services will follow calling hours at 7 PM at the Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Homecare & Hospice 29 Liberty Street, Suite 6 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.

H. Lee Swezey

By T.J. Woodward

H. Lee Swezey, 59 of Attica, passed away on Friday July 4, 2014 in Morris, PA. He was born on April 1, 1955 in Batavia, to the late Harry H. (Lulubelle Finch) Swezey. Lee is preceded in death by two sisters Judy Lynn Swezey; Cynthia Strang; and a nephew Ted Strang.

Lee worked in marketing and set up different displays for many stores before he retired. He was a United States Army Veteran and member of the Attica American Legion Harder-O’Donnell Post 734. Lee truly enjoyed belonging to the Attica Rod and Gun Club along with being very passionate about the WNY Gas & Steam Engine Association.

Lee is survived by his beloved wife Elaine (Lepsch) Swezey of Attica; son Terry Kaiser of CO; daughters Katherine (Derek) Rexrode of FL; Alexandra Swezey of Attica; sister Debra (Ron) Lucas; nieces Sarah and Ellen Saile, Christina Strang; nephews Buck (Samantha) Strang, Mark (Judy) Friedhaber, Jason (Erin) Saile along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Wednesday July 9, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, NY 14011. Funeral Services will follow calling hours at 8:00 PM. 

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

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