Sandra (Sandy) Shirlene Ray (nee Ball) passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 18^th, at Premier Genesee Nursing facility surrounded by family.  Sandy was born June 27^th, 1947 and was a lifelong resident of Batavia.

Sandy was preceded in death by her husband Robert (Bob) Ray and a stepdaughter, Sandy Darcy. 

Sandy is survived by her children, Neil (Tracy) Brennan Jr. of Batavia, Gregory (Lisa) Brennan of South Carolina, David (Debbie) Goff of Rochester, Susan (Ben) Vasquez (nee Goff) of Florida, step-daughter Cindy Helker.

Sandy was a loving sister in a large family of her late parents Fred Ball Sr. and Minnie Mildred Ball.

Sandy’s brothers and sisters included the previously deceased Fred Ball Jr., Kerry (Kathy) Ball Sr, Trudy Dawn Ball, Gordon Duane Ball and Vernon Ace (Ellen) Ball.

Sandy is survived by her sister Rita (late Salvatore) Tuttobene of Stafford, NY and Vincent (Nina) Ball of Acworth, GA.

Sandy was especially proud of her grandchildren, Mariah, Paige, Kylee, Matthew, Brittney, Christopher and Marissa and her great grandchildren Kaiden, Kasey, Wesley & River.

“Aunt Sandy” was close to her many nieces and nephews.

Her late husband Bob Ray and Sandy operated the Checkerboard Restaurant for many years on West Main St. in Batavia.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 5 pm to 7 pm at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia where services will immediately follow visitation at 7 pm. Graveside services will be held on Thursday at 3 pm at North Byron Cemetery, Byron. 

To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Jane (Folger) Greene, 86, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2024.

Barbara was born on April 11, 1938, the daughter of the late Robert and Lois (Hollenbeck) Folger.

After graduating from Batavia High School in 1956, she went on to Vermont College to earn an Associate's Degree. Upon graduation, she went on to be a medical secretary for Dr. Fox, then supervisor at Genesee Memorial Hospital, retiring from Batavia Ophthalmology in 2011.

Barbara enjoyed reading and knitting, but most of all she loved spending time with her family.

Barbara is survived by her two daughters, Betsy (Thomas) Pettinella and Mary Jo (Roger) Hume. She was "Granny" to her six grandchildren, Matthew (Meghan) Chartraw, Philip (Ali) Pettinella, Adam (Mackenzie) Pettinella, Cady (Ohnet) Jaime-Molina, Jenna (Jacob) Hoffman and Abbey Hume, along with ten great-grandchildren and longtime companion David L. Hayward.

There are no prior visiting hours. Friends are invited to graveside services on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 12:30 pm at Grandview Cemetery, Clinton Street, Batavia. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's name may be made to Volunteers for Animals, P.O. Box 1621, Batavia,  New York 14021. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

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

John William Thomas Hendershott (Chicago, Illinois), born in Batavia, New York, passed away on April 28, 2024, at the age of 60, after a lengthy illness.

A graduate of Attica Jr Sr High School, John worked as a Customer Service Technician for Jiffy Lube in several locations. He loved to cook, gardening, and was an avid crossword puzzler. He never met a cat he didn't want to take home for his own. 

He now rests with parents Duane and Jackie Hendershott, sister Jeanne Saracini, Aunt Sandy (Paul) Oberlander, Uncle Lee (Millie) Hendershott, grandparents William and Anne Glor and Laverne and Dorothy Hendershott.

 John is survived by sister Dot (Bill) Dustin, brother Dean Hendershott, Aunt Sheila (John) Henderson along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. John will be laid to rest in St. Vincent's Cemetery, Attica.

To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Edward W. Swanson, 87 of Batavia, formerly of Corfu, passed away peacefully on Thursday (May 16, 2024) at the Batavia Veterans Administration Medical Center.

He was born June 13, 1936 in Lancaster, NY, a son of the late Edward J. and Wilhelmina Schmidt Swanson.

Edward was a Veteran of the U.S. AirForce, having served his country from 1955-1958. He was employed by Whiting Door Co. and Akron Rule prior to his retirement.

Survivors include his sisters, Susan Ahalt of Depew, Dorothy (Cortland) Shanks of South Carolina and Maxine Toot of North Carolina. Nephew, William Ahalt, Niece, Pamela Park. Also survived by great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (May 24^th) from 6-8pm at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY. A graveside service with military honors will be Saturday (May 25^th), 10am at Hillside Cemetery, Angling Road in Corfu, NY.

Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Corfu Fire Department. 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.

Joseph J. Olverd, 77 of Batavia, went home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday (May 16^th) passing away unexpectedly at his residence. 

He was born May 12, 1947 in Niagara Falls, NY, a son of the late Philip and Harriet Horton Olverd.

He loved his family dearly and will be sadly missed by his children, Laura (Peter) Koepp of Basom, Rene R. Jaccoud of Batavia, David Olverd of Florida and Eric Olverd of Batavia. Sisters, Phyllis (Jack) Pata of Spencerport and Rosalie Pusateri of Avon. Brother, Philip Olverd Jr. of Pittsburgh, PA. Also survived by seven grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Joe had many talents and hobbies throughout his entire life and was an avid outdoorsman. He was an excellent trumpet player, loved snake hunting & handling, worked at the Buffalo Zoo as a reptile keeper (herpetologist). He enjoyed the art of flint napping making arrowheads and other items. Then also pursued knife making and dabbled in growing bonsai trees. Joe was also featured on the Captain Kangaroo TV show and many other interviews showcasing his talents with snakes and other reptiles.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday (May 21^st) at 11am at 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.

Gloria A. Fluker, 72, of Batavia, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024 surrounded by her family at Gateway Home, Attica. She was born June 5, 1951 in Silver Creek, to the late Richard and Audrey (Neubauer) Hancock. She is preceded in death by two siblings, Judy Mezydlo and Norman Hancock. 

Mrs. Fluker retired from PW Minor after 34 years. Her grandchildren were the light of her life and she loved being with her family.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Dennis Fluker of Batavia, son, Thomas (Kim) Fluker of Batavia, brothers, Frank Hancock of Indian Falls, Richard (Barb) Hancock of Batavia, Edward Hancock of Syracuse, grandchildren, Jordan (Hannah) Fluker, Danielle (Alex) Schultz, great-granddaughter, Aurora Fluker, along with several nieces and nephews. 

Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 4 to 8pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020. A 10:00am Celebration of her Life will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at the Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway Home, 91 Main St., Attica, NY 14011 or to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St., Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. 

     He was born January 15, 1932 in Rochester, a son of the late George D. and Charlotte Morrison Hall.    

 George, or as he preferred “Jerry”, will be remembered for his love of family and his devotion to his Christian faith.  He was a very proud veteran of the US Army, where he served in Italy during the Korean Conflict.  After serving his country, George worked at the Jello factory in LeRoy before he embarked on a long career with Rochester General Hospital up until his retirement.

     He will be sadly missed by his children; Deborah Neth, Cheryl (Robert) McGee, Stephen (Jane) Hall, Cindy Saeva (David Zarajczyk), Donald (Mary) Hall and Lorrie (Lewis IV) Mowry; his 18 grandchildren; Christopher (Ashley) Neth, Laura Neth (Shawn), Kevin Neth, Robert Jr. (Cheryl) McGee, Jennifer (Keith) Moore, Jerry McGee, Donald (Amanda) Hall, Joshua George (Tiffany) Hall, Steven (Becky) Saeva, Daniel Saeva, Kimberly (Doug) Wolfanger, Jason Saeva, Jeremy (Christy) Saeva, Jacob Hall, Arlene (Joe) Shaunessy, Mindy (Brandon) Zalewski, Michael (Michele) Mowry and Lindsay (Craig) Cox; his 38 great-grandchildren; Carter, Noah, Cameron, Aubrey, Wesley, Cash, Bella, Johnny, Caleb, Connor, Parker, Maylee, Mikayla, Kennedy, Karrington, Joshua, Austin, Jenna, Gabby, Evan, Daniel, Dominic, Leah, Maddy, Landen, Anna, Emma, Caiden, Charlotte, Emmett, Lucy, Leland, Dean, Izzy, Chandler, Adelynn, Dexter and Lewis; his wife, Wendy, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

     George was predeceased by his first wife, Arlene Brandes Hall (1982), son-in-law, John Neth (2012), his three brothers and his loving canine companion, Nicky.

     Family and friends may call on Thursday, May 23 from 4 ~ 6 PM at the Falcone Family Funeral & Cremation Service Inc., 8700 Lake St. Rd., LeRoy.  His Rite of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 24 at 10:00 AM at Mary Immaculate Parish, 5865 Ellicott St. Rd., East Bethany, NY 14054.  Interment with military honors will follow at the Stafford Rural Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions (in memory of his wife, Arlene) are suggested to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 127 North St., Batavia, NY 14020.

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

George K. Elbel, the husband of Norma G. Elbel (Smith) of Le Roy, NY, age 91, passed away on May 16, 2024, due to health complications. 

George, born on June 28, 1932, in Rossiter, PA, led a life of inspiring service to God, country, and state. He began his journey on his family's farm, where he worked diligently until his graduation from Punxsutawney High School in 1949. His dedication to service led him to the U.S. Army's 1st Calvary Division, where he served during and after the Korean conflict.

George's professional journey was marked by dedication and hard work. After serving, he joined the New York State Police, where he made a significant impact. Over his 32-year career, he steadily climbed the ranks, eventually becoming the Major of Troop A, which covers eight Western New York Counties. His commitment to excellence was further demonstrated by earning a Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice and Personnel Management in 1977 from the State University of New York. 

He was preceded in death by his wives, Beatrice L. Elbel (DiCicco), Irene Elbel (Fisher), and Dorothy Elbel (Merkle). He was also preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Alice Elbel, and brothers, Glenn Elbel, Emery Elbel, Gene Elbel, Jay Elbel, and Mary Justice. 

He is survived by his brother, William Elbel of Houston, Texas, one son, George Elbel of Alvin, Texas, and two daughters, Beatrice M. Brantigan of Niagara Falls, NY, and Alyson A. Struwe of Beaver, PA. Surviving are twelve grandchildren, five stepchildren, and many cherished children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren from his since-parting wives. 

George was a lover of nature, a dedicated family man, and a cherished friend to many. He was a devoted member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Batavia, NY, where his faith and community values were nurtured. He was also a lifetime member of the Niagara Frontier Chapter of the Former Troopers Association, a testament to his continued commitment to his fellow officers and the community he served. 

Friends and family are invited to call on Friday May 24, 2024 from 2:00-4:00PM & 6:00-8:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. An 11:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday the 25^th at Emmanuel Baptist Church 190 Oak St. in Batavia. George will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Byron Rescue Squad PO Box 210 Byron, NY 14422 or American Lung Association PO Box 756 Osceola, WI 54020. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

We Have Lost a Cowboy.

The family of John Mullins (89) of Elba NY invites you to his Celebration of Life service at 11am Saturday, May 25, with calling hours 5-8 pm Friday, May 24, at Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia NY 14020. Burial will be in Western New York National
Cemetery in Corfu, N.Y., at a later date.
John Leslie Mullins was born September 4, 1934, in Antelope County, Nebraska to William and Vida Chase Mullins. He died March 28, 2024, at his son’s home in Fort Myers, Florida, with his family at his side. He graduated from Plainview High, where he was on the 1951 State championship football team. John was also involved with FFA and 4-H and won his first Stetson hat showing his champion hog. John was destined to be a cowboy for life. He owned horses and was wearing cowboy boots in high school and his senior research project was on Appaloosas. When he joined the National Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) as a lifetime member in 1952, he was member #360.

In 1955 he joined the US Army and was a welder with an armored infantry unit in Fort Polk in Louisiana, and Fort Sam Houston in Texas. During off duty hours he would get to know the local Appaloosa owners and show their horses. At the 1958 San Antonio Stock Show he won the Championship Appaloosa Stake race on Chief of Fourmile, who was later inducted into the ApHC Hall of Fame. In 1999 Breyer model horse #752, the limited edition of Chief of Fourmile has a picture of John Mullins riding him at that show. After his time in the army he returned to work at the Pitzer Quarter Horse Ranch in Ericson, Nebraska, and started his training career. He bought an Appaloosa mare named Navajo Turquoise of AA and bred her to the Pitzer’s AQHA
stallion, Little Fob, and the resulting foal in 1962 was Little Navajo Joe.

In 1962 John made the move to the Acomb’s Farm outside Stafford, New York, to work with their Appaloosas. In 1963 he married Cleo Murphy of Norfolk, Nebraska, and she started her career at the VA hospital in Batavia as a medical technologist. In 1964 they bought property in Elba, New York to begin John’s training and breeding business. At one time they had 44 horses on their farm. He was also an approved Appaloosa judge. It was a joy to John that his twins, Susan and Douglas, both rode and competed in 4-H and Appaloosa shows. John trained Little Navajo Joe and started showing him and won 35 Grand Championships at halter and over 50 High-Point End of Year awards. Little Navajo Joe and John competed in western pleasure, reining, and game classes. With John riding as jockey they also won a flat race out of the gate. John and Little Navajo Joe have been credited with “playing a starring role” in spreading the popularity of the Appaloosas east of the Mississippi River during the 1960s. Little Navajo Joe was inducted into the ApHC Stallion Hall of Fame in 2000.
John taught riding for many years and in some cases several generations in the same family. He was active in the Genesee 4-H horse program by being on the advisory board, judging shows and holding clinics at the farm. In later years he would find a place on the top seat in the bleacher to take pictures of the 4-H horse contestants at the Genesee Co. Fair and then give the pictures to 4-H to view at their end of year program. The last few years, he took pictures from his walker.
John Mullins loved life, his faith as a lifelong Methodist, enjoyed nature, photography, traveled to all of the states and other countries, also collected minerals and gems and liked people. His favorite song was “the Last Cowboy.” John is survived by his wife, Cleo, and his twins, Douglas Mullins and Susan Calandra, grandchildren, Lauren and John Calandra, his sister, Margaret Shoemaker, brother, Jim Mullins, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and a huge list of close friends that made life special every day. He was predeceased in death by brother, Lyle Mullins.

Memorials may be made to Genesee Co. 4-H Horse Program, 420 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia NY 14020.

In 1955 he joined the US Army and was a welder with an armored infantry unit in Fort Polk in Louisiana, and Fort Sam Houston in Texas. During off duty hours he would get to know the local Appaloosa owners and show their horses. At the 1958 San Antonio Stock Show he won the Championship Appaloosa Stake race on Chief of Fourmile, who was later inducted into the ApHC Hall of Fame. In 1999 Breyer model horse #752, the limited edition of Chief of Fourmile has a picture of John Mullins riding him at that show. After his time in the army he returned to work at the Pitzer Quarter Horse Ranch in Ericson, Nebraska, and started his training career. He bought an Appaloosa mare named Navajo Turquoise of AA and bred her to the Pitzer’s AQHA stallion, Little Fob, and the resulting foal in 1962 was Little Navajo Joe.

In 1962 John made the move to the Acomb’s Farm outside Stafford, New York, to work with their Appaloosas. In 1963 he married Cleo Murphy of Norfolk, Nebraska, and she started her career at the VA hospital in Batavia as a medical technologist. In 1964 they bought property in Elba, New York to begin John’s training and breeding business. At one time they had 44 horses on their farm. He was also an approved Appaloosa judge. It was a joy to John that his twins, Susan and Douglas, both rode and competed in 4-H and Appaloosa shows. John trained Little Navajo Joe and started showing him and won 35 Grand Championships at halter and over 50 High-Point End of Year awards. Little Navajo Joe and John competed in western pleasure, reining, and game classes. With John riding as jockey they also won a flat race out of the gate. John and Little Navajo Joe have been credited with “playing a starring role” in spreading the popularity of the Appaloosas east of the Mississippi River during the 1960s. Little Navajo Joe was inducted into the ApHC Stallion Hall of Fame in 2000.

John taught riding for many years and in some cases several generations in the same family. He was active in the Genesee 4-H horse program by being on the advisory board, judging shows and holding clinics at the farm. In later years he would find a place on the top seat in the bleacher to take pictures of the 4-H horse contestants at the Genesee Co. Fair and then give the pictures to 4-H to view at their end of year program. The last few years, he took pictures from his walker.

John Mullins loved life, his faith as a lifelong Methodist, enjoyed nature, photography, traveled to all of the states and other countries, also collected minerals and gems and liked people. His favorite song was “the Last Cowboy.”

John is survived by his wife, Cleo, and his twins, Douglas Mullins and Susan Calandra, grandchildren, Lauren and John Calandra, his sister, Margaret Shoemaker, brother, Jim Mullins, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family and a huge list of close friends that made life special every day. He was predeceased in death by brother, Lyle Mullins.

Memorials may be made to Genesee Co. 4-H Horse Program, 420 East Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 or the Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia NY 14020.

Calling hours will be held at the Batavia First United Methodist Church on May 24th 5-8 PM and May 25th 10-11 AM. His Celebration of Life will also be held at the Batavia First United Methodist Church on May 25th at 11 AM. The burial will be at the Western New York National Cemetery in Corfu, New York at a later date.