Dorothy C. Merkle-Elbel, 84 of Batavia, passed away on April 24, 2013 at Rochester General Hospital. She was born July 19, 1928, Elba to the late Harry (Beulah Hicks) Cosway. Dorothy was the Town Clerk in Bethany for many years. She was a life member of the Bethany Fire Department Auxiliary, member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Batavia, and past member of the White Rose Rebekah Lodge. She was well known for her knitting, sewing, and making wedding gowns for her children, grandchildren and many friends. She is preceded in death by her first husband Lee Merkle (1982); son Dan Merkle (2002); brothers Frank and Robert Cosway; sisters Grace Pahuta and Beatrice Hatch.
Survivors include her husband George K. Elbel of Batavia who she married in June of 2007; daughters Linda (Glenn) Merrill of Bethany; Christine (Edward) Haag of Houghton; daughter-in-law Deborah Merkle of Bethany; sister Mary Jane (Joseph) Marino of Batavia; 6 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call on Sunday April 28, 2013 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, New York 14020. 11:00 AM Funeral Services will be held on Monday April 29, 2013 at the Emmanuel Baptist Church 190 Oak St. Batavia, New York 14020. Interment will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bethany.
Flowers gratefully declined; memorials may be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church 190 Oak St. Batavia, NY 14020; the Bethany Fire Department Auxiliary 5253 Old Telephone Road E. Bethany, NY 14054, or to HomeCare and Hospice 550 East Main St. Batavia, NY 14020. To sign the online guest registry 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.
