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Neil J. Miller, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday (October 16, 2015) at his home in North Java. He was born January 16, 1927 in Buffalo, New York to the late Louis (Catherine Collier) Miller. He is preceded in death by his wife Marguerite (Marge) Eley; brothers Jerome, Gerald, Carl and Louis Miller and sisters Catherine and Rita Mary.

Neil served in the US Army during WWII in Italy. He retired after working for Ford Motor Co. for 35 years.  Neil also worked for Ortners International Dealership in North Java, Hogans Grocery and as a part time mail carrier.  After retirement Neil was a School Bus Driver for Becker’s Bus Service. He was an avid outdoorsman. Neil enjoyed hunting with his son’s, fishing and camping.  For many years he was the Boy Scout Master for the local troop.  Neil loved music, playing his guitar and singing for family and friends.  In his youth he played in several bands and called square dances. He was an active volunteer. Neil served on the Advisory board for the North Java Fire Department, St Nicholas Church Council and also served as the former North Java Water Commissioner.  He was also a member of the the VFW/American Legion and Pheasants Forever.

He is survived by his children, Neil (Peter) Miller (Debbie) of Corning, NY, Sharon Pierce of Attica, Daniel (Suzanne) Miller of Attica, Thomas (Sue Ann) Miller of North Java, Louis (Mary) Miller of East Bethany, Christopher (Karen) Miller of Strykersville, Patrick (Christie) Miller of Spencerport; brother Herman (Esther) Miller of North Java and sister Grace (Peter D’Amico)Tuller of Syracuse; 19 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and special Friend Donna Fraser of Eden.

Friends and family are invited to call on Sunday October 25, 2015 from 2:00-600PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. An 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday October 26, 2015 at Church of St. Cecilia’s (St. John Neumann Parish)

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to North Java Rescue Squad 4274 Route 98 North Java, New York 14113, Church of St. Cecilia’s (St. John Neuman Parish) 991 Centerline Road  Sheldon, New York 14145 or Home Care & Hospice 450 North Main Street Warsaw, New York 14569. For more information please call 585-591-1212 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011.
 

Ethyl I. Sojda, age 84, of Creek Rd, Batavia, NY, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 8th, 2022. Ethyl was born in Batavia as the only daughter of the late Vincent N. and Ruth M. Kirch. She was a life-long resident of Alexander, NY.

After graduating from Alexander Central School, she held various jobs until she married her late husband, John F. Sojda, Jr. in 1961 and raised three children. As a dedicated mother she could be seen braving any weather to watch her children’s sporting events. She returned to work in 1977 and held a number of positions with local companies over the following thirty years. In her last role she was a Loose Ends hostess managing the GCC cafeteria where many folks came to enjoy her kind and pleasant personality and her dedicated work ethic.

Though a long-time crocheter, later in life she became a serious quilter and active in the Batavia Museum Quilt Guild. She produced a number of quilts for family and friends that are still enjoyed daily.

For a number of years, she was also a volunteer with All Babies Cherished. It was not uncommon to see her with her knitting material creating baby hats for the regional hospital system. For many years she was an assistant to John Sojda, Jr. in his role as Alexander Town Justice. Part of her charm and grace was how resiliently and quietly she met life’s challenges—both her own and those of others who knew her.

Ethyl is survived by her sons John and Steve (Barb), her daughter Ann, five grandchildren; Lily Whisman, Jacob (Paige), Stephanie (Patrick) Guarino, Michelle (Andrew) James , and Angela (Martin) Pohl, great-grandchildren; Ezekiel Guarino, Emily and Eli James, Alex, and Maria Pohl. She was preceded by her brother Merlin Kirch and has 4 surviving brothers (Ralph, Arnold, Harold, and Myron), and many nieces and nephews.

Mass at St. Mary's in Batavia at 9:30am Saturday June 25th followed by a graveside service at West Bethany Cemetery. Lunch to follow at her home at

9926 Creek Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alexander Rescue Squad PO Box 336 Alexander, NY 14005 or Homecare & Hospice 29 Liberty St. Suite 6 Batavia, NY 14020. 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