Obituaries

Patricia A. Michael, 88 of Cowlesville, passed away passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday February 14, 2023 at Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility in Warsaw. She was born August 26, 1934 in Carbon, WV to the late Ralph (Bertha) Foster. She is preceded in death by several of her siblings.

Mrs. Michael enjoyed gardening, crocheting and baking, especially her award-winning apple pie. She also enjoyed playing her harmonica, loved listening to country music, and her favorite was Loretta Lynn “Coal Miner’s Daughter”.

She is survived by her beloved husband Robert P. Michael, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior calling hours and services will be held at the convenience of the family. She will be laid to rest in Cowlesville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wyoming County Skilled Nursing Facility Activities Fund, 400 N. Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Churchville - Paul  T.  Knechtges, 83 of Churchville passed away on Monday, (February 13, 2023) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Knechtges was born December 3, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan a son of the late John P. and Mary Lorraine (MacKay) Knechtges.

Paul discovered his passion for baseball at a young age in the Motor City. He pursued it passionately and relentlessly throughout his playing days and eventually became a professional left-handed relief pitcher in the best, deepest organization of the 60s, the Baltimore Orioles, where he made a name for himself and contributed to several championship clubs.

After his baseball career, PK, as he often went by, dedicated his life to serving others in various roles. He worked at Highland Hospital, Hill Heating, The Episcopal Church Home, and Gates-Chili Central School District. However, he found himself drawn back to his first love.  This time coaching kids.  He was the first non-teacher at Gates-Chili to crossover from District Administration to be Pitching Coach for the Varsity Baseball team.

Additionally, Paul was also an active member of the community, devoting much of his time to the Churchville Lions, Churchville Youth Association, and St. Christopher's Golf League. He was known for his kind heart, unwavering dedication, sense of humor and smile. He was a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Church.

Those who knew him remember Paul as a kind and caring person who made a lasting impact on them and others. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, provide great advice and a shoulder to lean on.

Surviving are his wife, M. Diane (Dodge) Knechtges of Churchville; son, John P. Knechtges, II of Chili; and a brother, John C. Knechtges of Clawson, Michigan. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm  at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue in Bergen. Paul 's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, (February 18, 2023) from St. Pius X Church, 3010 Chili Avenue, in Rochester.  Burial will be in St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery in Churchville.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for distribution to various charities. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Elon H. Spink, 101 of Attica, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at LeRoy Village Green. He was born June 19, 1921 in Attica to the late Harry and Ida (Roberts) Spink. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Fern (Sherman) Spink, son Patrick O’Hara, brothers, Harlan, David, Thomas Spink and sister Helen Welker.

Elon was an avid Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan. He actually attended the Bills first Superbowl, Superbowl XXV, in Tampa in 1991. He spent countless hours watching sports. Yankees and Mets games were always on the TV. He also enjoyed watching golf. He was an avid bowler into his seventies.

He is survived by his son Thomas (Margaret Sheelar) Spink of Batavia, daughters, Lucinda Searfoss of Brockport, Susan Brodner of Rochester, eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter along with many nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call from 11:00AM to 1:00PM on Friday, February 17, 2023 at Marley Funeral Home LLC., 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. A funeral service will be held immediately following at Marley Funeral Home LLC. Elon will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gateway House, 91 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Elizabeth J. Blake, "Betsey", 65, of Attica, passed away on December 18, 2022 at Buffalo General Hospital.

Elizabeth was born September 25, 1957 in Batavia, to the late Robert and Mildred (Skotedis) Blake.

Along with her parents, Betsey was predeceased by her sister, Cynthia Ann Blake.  

Betsey was a 1975 graduate of Alexander Central School.  She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and sang for many events in the area.  Being an animal lover, she never turned away a stray and was a caring pet parent to many lucky cats.  Elizabeth worked for the New York State Department of Corrections and retired as Institution Steward at Wende Correctional Facility after 30 years of service.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her sisters, Susan (Alfred) Rosemark, Dorothy Blake, and Patricia Blake.

Calling hours are Saturday, February 18 from 10am to 11am at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where her funeral service will be held directly following the calling hours at 11am. She will be laid to rest with a private service in Forest Hill Cemetery, Attica.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Betsey’s name to the Wyoming County SPCA, PO Box 269, 808 Creek Road, Attica, NY 14011.

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