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Obituaries

Betty M. Harkness

By Ronald Konieczny

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Betty M. Harkness, 91 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday (August 8, 2018) at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home.

Betty was born October 13, 1926 in Lockport, NY, a daughter of the late Edward and Leona Phendler Domser.

Betty will be remembered for her love of crocheting. She enjoyed making afghans, baby blankets, pot holders and doilies. She also loved watching a good western movie. Betty and her late husband, Frank H. Harkness were collectors of carnival glass and enjoyed traveling to many glass conventions together.

She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Harkness, brother, George Domser and brothers in-law, James Happ and Edward Harkness.

She is survived by her children, Gary (Deborah) Harkness of Batavia and Cathy (Robert) Herzog of Ontario, NY. Sister, Audrey Wojtas of Oneida, NY. Sister in-law, Carol Happ of Batavia. Grandchildren, Heidi Harkness, Stephen (Barbara) Harkness, Scott Harkness, Christine (Peter) Treasure, Cheryl (Nate) Hackett, Margaret (Brian) Bockus and Robert (Sasha) Herzog. Great-grandchildren, Taylor, Allison, Kyler, Bryce, Nickalena, Peter, Dylan, Grace, Carter, Brody and Elise.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family with burial in Grandview Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made 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.

Douglas Rippel

By Lisa Ace


Douglas Rippel, 54, of Attica, passed away on Monday, (August 6, 2018) in Batavia. Douglas was born September 23, 1963 in Batavia, a son of Harry and Donna Rippel of Olean.
 
Doug was an avid hunter, whom greatly enjoyed anything having to do with the outdoors. He greatly enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and other loved ones.
 
Surviving along with his parents are his wife, Linda Rippel; his children, Jeremy Rippel of Attica, William Rippel of Batavia, Trisha Rippel of Castile, and Josh Frega of Batavia; brothers, Tim Spink of Cuba, Dan Rippel of Arkansas; sisters, Karen Jacek of Warsaw, Janet Rippel of Cuba, Katie Rippel of Olean; his grandchildren, Konner, Kameron, Kooper, Alicyn, Lacey, Hunter, Rozalia, and Brooke.
Douglas is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents; brothers, William Rippel and Kevin Spink; and sister, Annie Rippel.
 
Due to Douglas’ wishes, there will be no traditional services. Family and friends will be notified at a later date of a celebration in honor of Doug’s life. Memorials can be made in the form of any donations to the Crossroads House in Batavia NY.

Travis T. Bauer

By Joshua Smith

Oakfield - Travis T. Bauer, 29, of Oakfield, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, (August 3, 2018) in Tonawanda.

Travis was born April 19, 1989 in Batavia, a son of Robert and Michelle (Say) Bauer of Oakfield.

To Travis, family was everything.  He was a guitar player, enjoyed video games, computers, and skateboarding.  He easily made friends.  Travis will be missed by all who knew him.

Surviving along with his parents is a brother, Troy (fiancé Amanda Ames) Bauer of Oakfield; sister, Kaleigh Nash Bauer of CA; grandmother, Constance Bauer of Alexander; uncles, Keith Bauer of Oakfield, Kenny Bauer of Alexander, Tom Say of Oakfield, and Scott (Elaine) Say of Oakfield; an aunt, Shari Fox of FL; a nephew and niece, Jasper and Willow Bauer.

Travis is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Richard and Bonnie Say; paternal grandfather, Richard Bauer; and uncles, Rick Say and Tim Bauer.  

Friends may call on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where Travis’ Funeral Service will immediately follow at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To leave a condolence, share a memory or light a candle, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.

SHARON A. LIGGETTO

By Michael Tomaszewski

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SHARON A. LIGGETTO ~ Batavia

Sharon Liggetto, 68, of Batavia, formerly of Gray, Maine, died Friday, July 27th, at United Memorial Medical Center, after a brief illness. Sharon was born in Maine, on September 4th, 1949, the daughter of the late Frederick H. Liggetto and June Peach Liggetto.

Sharon attended school in Maine and graduated from nursing school. She was a nurse for over forty years. Sharon was instrumental in developing the protocol for administering IV’s, intravenous therapy, in the State of Maine.  All of the years Sharon was a nurse, she dedicated her career to geriatric care. She loved working with the elderly. She kept her nursing license valid in both New York State and Maine, until she passed.  Sharon’s favorite pastime was watching old movies and being with her loving family.

She is survived by her loving Son, Chad E. Liggetto and Daughter-in-law, Joan M. Lord-Liggetto; her sisters, Patricia Gilbert of Saco, Maine (Lionel Bouffard) of Saco; Judy Ray of Nevada; Betty Davis of Maine; several nieces and nephews, whom she love so much; Alexandra Marie Lord, a very close family friend, and Paul Bug-Z Lord of LeRoy, a close friend. Sharon is preceded in death by her brothers; William Ray, Frederick Liggetto, Jr., and her sister, Gale Burns.

Family and friends may call on Wednesday, August 8th, from 5:00 – 6:00 pm, with a Memorial Service from 6:00 7:00 pm, at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC., 4120 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for the Meals on Wheels Program at the Genesee County Office for the Aging.

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

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

 

Nate Knab

By Billie Owens
Nate Knab, 29, passed away suddenly on Friday, August 3, 2018 at Erie County Medical Center.
 
Nate was a hammerman at Strong Forge in Batavia. He loved to spend time with his friends, ride his motorcycle and compete in bass competitions. 
 
Nate is survived by: his parents, Richard Knab, of Spencerport, and Janet Knab, of Rochester; his sister, Raychel Knab (Wane DeVelder); of Byron; nephew and niece Wane DeVelder Jr. and Guinevere DeVelder; his grandmother, Betty Morley; his girlfriend, Amanda Drozdiel; of Lancaster; aunts and uncle; and his loyal companions Carson and Kota. 
 
Friends may call on Tuesday, August 7th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc. 4 E. Main Street, Corfu, where services will immediately follow at 8 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Nate's name to your local animal shelter and the family urges you to please try to donate blood regularly. 

Jimmy K. Williams

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Jimmy K. Williams, 62, of Batavia, passed away on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at Rochester General Hospital, in Rochester.

Mr. Williams was born November 15, 1955 in Silver Creek, a son of the late Benjamin and Ella Mae Johnson Williams.

Jimmy volunteered his time selflessly for the Crisis Hotline and Mental Health Association in Batavia.  He was very creative and loved art and making things, enjoyed playing his flute,  and listening to all types of music. Jimmy will be remembered by all for his uncanny ability to make people laugh .

He is survived by his daughters, Jasmine Williams and Shana Williams, both of Batavia; his brother, Beau Williams and his nieces and nephews, Justin Williams, Angel Williams, Michael Williams, Jason Williams and Rodney Barber.

Friends are invited to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home on Friday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. to share their memories of Jimmy with his family. A reception will follow from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dibble Family Center, West Main Street, Road. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in Jimmy’s memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

John Douglas "Jack" Moodie

By Joshua Smith

East Bethany - John Douglas “Jack” Moodie, age 87, of East Bethany, passed away on Friday, August 3, 2018 at LeRoy Village Green Nursing Facility, in LeRoy with his loving family by his side.

Mr. Moodie was born August 17, 1930 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the son of the late Douglas Anderson Moodie and Mabel King Moodie.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Maureen Moodie and his sister, Eleanor Urban.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Joan Topham Moodie; his children, John Moodie of Albany, David (Michele) Moodie of Dansville, Russell (Ellen) Moodie of Webster, Mark Moodie of Conesus, Joanne (John) Holler of Vermont and Robert (Vinci) Moodie of Gates; 15 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Moodie served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951-1953. He was a partner in Jay Cee Construction and then owner of J D Moodie Construction building many homes and commercial buildings in Western New York during the 1950's-1970's. A True Jack of all Trades he later worked for The Harris Corporation, Carlson Co., and then ultimately retired from Bausch & Lomb.

Jack and Joan traveled throughout the United States in their camper during retirement and when they stopped traveling, Jack became a volunteer at Crossroads House in Batavia and then delivered Meals on Wheels well into his 80's.

The family would like to thank the staff at LeRoy Village Green for their excellent care and compassion given to Jack and his family in the last few weeks.

Friends may call on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Mary Immaculate Parish, 5865 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany.  Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Activities Fund at the New York State Veteran's Nursing Home, 220 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, New York 14020 or to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Raymond E. Judd

By Billie Owens
Corfu -- Raymond E. Judd, 90, of Corfu, passed away Thursday, August 2, 2018 at Buffalo General Hospital.
 
Ray was a service manager for Hawley Motors in Batavia. He had love of auto racing and spending time with his family.
 
Ray was the husband of the late Lucille Judd and father of the late Raymond C. Judd.
 
Surviving are: his sons Danial (Rebecca) Judd, Timothy Judd and David (Sara) Judd; daughters Patricia (Arthur) Smith, Jeanine Judd and Melissa (late Shawn) Wetmore; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially his oldest grandchild, Tammy, who took special care of her Papa. Ray is also survived by his very special friend, Lauren Tina Rosa.
 
There are no calling hours. Services will be at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu.
 
Arrangements by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main St., Corfu.

Lawrence S. Ingram

By Billie Owens
 
Corfu -- Lawrence S. Ingram, 90, of Corfu, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 1, 2018.
 
Lawrence was born on April 19, 1928 in Corfu, a son of the late Samuel and Bertha Lawrence Ingram. He married Betty Murray on November 6, 1949.
 
He was the former Genesee County Clerk, Commissioner of Jurors for Genesee County and Village of Corfu Clerk. Lawrence was an active member of the Corfu United Presbyterian Church for 76 years. He was a longtime member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge in Corfu and then Lockport.
 
Surviving along with his beloved wife of 68 years, Betty, are: his children, Susan of Rochester, William (Peg) of Savannah, Ga., Coleen of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Thomas (Paula) of Corfu; grandchildren -- Matthew, Christina, Corey, Caitlyn, Tia, Amanda, Ashley; and 10 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his grandson Ty. Also survived by his favorite brother-in-law, Brian Murray.
 
Family and friends may call Monday, August 6 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary Inc., 4 E. Main Street, Corfu. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 7 at 11 a.m. at the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, 63 Allegheny St., Corfu, NY. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Corfu. 
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Corfu United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 159, Corfu, NY 14036.

Ruth A. Calmes

By T.J. Woodward

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  Ruth A. Calmes, 90, of Clarence, formerly of Johnsonburg passed away on July 31, 2018 at Brothers of Mercy Nursing & Rehab Center. She was born on August 13, 1927 in the Bronx, NY to the late William and Mildred (Ferris) Strickland. In addition to her parents, Ruth is predeceased by her husband; William J. Calmes; brother Wilbur Strickland; sisters Virginia Johns and Daisy Jones.

She is survived by her children; William (Judith) Calmes of Varysburg, Timothy (Colleen) Calmes of Silver Springs, Virginia (William) Goldyn of Strykersville, Steven (Marilou) Calmes of TN., and Amy (Edward) Foeller of Bennington; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday August 5, 2018 from 3:00-6:00PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC. 135 Main Street Attica, New York 14011. An 11:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday August 6th at St. John Neumann Parish (St. Cecilia site –Sheldon) 991 Centerline Rd. Strykersville, NY 14145. Ruth will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Sheldon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 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.

Jamie R. Netter

By Lisa Ace


Jamie R. Netter, 87, formerrly of Corfu, NY, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. 
She was predeceased by her husband, John Netter, and her daughter, Kathleen (Joe) Berra. She is survived by her loving children, George (Cheryl) Netter, Amy (John) Huntzinger, John (late Nadine) Netter, Sharon Kinney, Ginny Marble, Lorrain (Timothy) Storrs, Susan (Damon) Ausman and Thomas Netter. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren, Sherrie Timothy, Michael Netter, Steven (Nikki) Huntzinger, Robert (Melissa) Huntzinger, Allison Marble, Janelle Marble, Ashley Marble, Matthew (Dennille) Marble, Jamie Reece, Damon Ausman Jr., Adam Ausman, Taylor Storrs and Hayley Storrs. As well as 11 great grandchildren, Morrigan and Brynn Timothy, Gavin and Griffin Wagner, Kelsie and Jeffrey Benstead, Paisley and Mia Marble, Abraham and Grace Huntzinger, and Josephine Huntzinger. Adopted as a only child, after 85 years Jamie found her loving sister, Betty DeLoach, of Brentwood, California. 

Jamie was a loving devoted mother of 9 children, as well as a cherished "old" grandma to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jamie was also a surrogate mom to all that came thru the Netter front door. She lived by her faith in God and had a wonderful ability to use her sense of humor even in darkest of times. She will be remembered by all and her legacy will be carried on by those who were touched by her life. 

A memorial service will be held Saturday August 4th, 2018, at 11AM at City Church, 210 E. Main St., Batavia, NY. 

 

 

Kenneth I Merrick

By Joshua Smith

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Batavia - Kenneth I Merrick, 74, of Batavia, passed away Tuesday, (July 31, 2018) at Highland Hospital, in Rochester.

Mr. Merrick was born May 5, 1944 in Batavia, a son of the late Marion and Jane E. (Near) Merrick.

Kenneth owned and operated the Harvester Hotel in Batavia for 44 years.  He was a collector of cars and enjoyed riding bike.

He is the husband of Carol (Frank) Merrick, of Batavia, whom he married May 8, 1965.

Surviving along with his wife are his children, Suzanne (William) Zewan of Batavia, and James (Margaret) Merrick of Bergen; grandchildren, Trevor Zewan, and Elizabeth Merrick; sisters, Marilyn (David) Pastecki of Batavia and Norma (Arnold) Kirch of Alexander.  Two nephews also survive.

There will be no visitation.  Private services will be held for the family.  He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a memorial contribution in Kenneth’s name to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia, NY 14021. 

Arrangements were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia.

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

Richard O. Hameister, Sr.

By Joshua Smith

Batavia - Richard O. Hameister, Sr., age 80, of Batavia, truck driver for the former Bells Supermarkets in Buffalo, passed away on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at Batavia Health Care Center, LLC.

Mr. Hameister was born February 3, 1938 in Buffalo, a son of the late Orin and Winifred Niebch Hameister.

His wife, Sally Bannon Hameister, passed away on February 3, 2010.

Surviving are his children, Cynthia (James) McGowan of Batavia, Richard (Kathy) Hameister, Jr. of Batavia and Susan (Ed) Cross of Byron; five grandchildren, Patrick (Meghan) McGowan of Tonawanda, Bryan (Sarah Gabbey) McGowan of Batavia, Megan (Mark Karolkowski) McGowan of Baltimore, Maryland, Joseph Volasquez of LeRoy and Paige Hameister of Batavia four great-grandchildren, Audrey McGowan of Batavia, Gabrielle McGowan of Delaware and Evelyn McGowan  and Callahan McGowan of Tonawanda and his sister-in-law, Margaret Hameister.

He is predeceased by his siblings, Robert Hameister and Carol (late Ralph) King.

There are no prior visiting hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest in Grand View Cemetery, Batavia. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association of WNY, 5488 Sheridan Drive, #300, Williamsville, New York 14231. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

 

Andre K. Tietjen

By T.J. Woodward

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Andre K. Tietjen, 47 of Batavia, passed away Wednesday July 25, 2018. He was born November 3, 1970 in Frederick, MD, to the late Kenneth Tietjen and Nita Sue (Patton) Tietjen of Erie, PA.

Andre was a contractor and owner of Polarbear Handyman in Erie, PA. He had a passion for saltwater fishing. He is a United States Marine Corp Veteran and was extremely proud of his country. Andre will be remembered as a very thoughtful person.  

Along with his mother he is survived by his significant other Jennifer Stafford of Batavia and brother Danny Tietjen of Erie, PA.

Services will be held privately.  

Memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org or to Genesee County Mental Health 5130 E. Main Street Road Suite #2, Batavia, New York, 14020. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Elsie G. Duckworth

By T.J. Woodward

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Elsie G. Duckworth, 89 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Friday July 27, 2018 at Heritage Village Rehab and Skilled Nursing in Gerry, NY. She was born in Elizabeth, NJ on April 1, 1929 to the late Robert (Frieda Gramp) Humel. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Howard G. Duckworth, son Richard Duckworth, siblings Ernie Humel, Linda Dibble, Elenor Luce, Alice Martin, and Robert Humel.

Mrs. Duckworth worked for many years at PW Minor in Batavia. She was a member of World Wide Church of God; devote Christian, incredibly kind, caring woman. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Elsie was an amazing cook, loved to bake, travel, snowmobile, and take trips to the cottage on Black Lake.    

She is survived by her son Steven (Linda) Duckworth of Dunkirk; siblings Elfrieda (David) Bridge of Stafford; Shirley Evans of Fillmore; Norman (Mary Lou) Humel of Pembroke; Rudy (Jackie) Humel of TN; Kenneth (Janet) Humel of NC; 8 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 4 to 7 PM on Tuesday July 31, 2018 at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00 AM Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday August 1, 2018 at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Alexander.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org. For more information please call (585) 343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

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