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Obituaries

Patricia "Pat" Lewis

By Joshua Smith
Lewis

Kennedy - Patricia  "Pat" J.  Lewis, 80, of Kennedy, New York, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

Patricia was born on Sunday, February 21, 1943 in Batavia, New York, a daughter of the late Lamont Dills and Clara (Squires) Dills.

Patricia married Wilbur Lewis in Towson, Maryland on September 29, 1960, enjoying 63 years of marriage.

Pat was employed as a bus driver for the Charles Bus Company in East Aurora, retiring in 2020. She enjoyed camping, playing bingo, and traveling by train with her husband.

Surviving are her husband of 63 years, Wilbur Lewis; children, David (Laura) Lewis of Columbus, Ohio, Valerie (Francis) Krawczyk of Alden, and William (Lissa) Lewis of Concord, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Stacy Kempf, Steven (Christine) Krawczyk, Lucas (Dana Cridland) Krawczyk, Tyler Krawczyk. Michael Lewis, and Liberty Lewis; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Nancy (Steven) Rankin of Spencerport, Robert (Betty) Dills of Slaton, Texas, Gary (Myrna) Dills of Batavia, Douglas (Maureen) Dills of Darien, and James Dills of Bradford, Pennsylvania; and nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, and her late brothers, John (Shirley of Pavilion) Dills, and Lawrence Dills.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, January 29th, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street Batavia, NY.  Pat's funeral service will be held immediately following calling hours at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street Batavia, NY, with burial to follow at East Bethany Cemetery in East Bethany, NY.

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

Mrs. Linda L. Call

By Joshua Smith
call

Stafford – Mrs. Linda L. Call, age 78, of Stafford, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family. Linda was born on February 14, 1945 in Batavia, a daughter of the late LaVerne Fuller and Barbara Gruner Fuller.

A lifelong member and warden at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Stafford, Linda graduated from SUNY Morrisville and the University of Maine at Orono with a Bachelor’s Degree in Food and Nutrition. A member of the Stafford Garden Club and Landmark Society of Genesee County, she also served as president of the Stafford Historical Society.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald G. Call whom she married on September 22, 2006; her children, Michael Blythe of Spokane, Washington, David (Brenda) Blythe of Brookings, Oregon, Amy (late Garth) Swanson of Stafford and Matthew (Aimee) Blythe of Spokane, Washington; step-children, Erin (Jay Frink) Call of Westerly, Rhode Island, Robert (Jeannine) Call of East Aurora and James (Stephanie) Call of Stafford; grandchildren, Wendell and Gaelen Fink, Samantha and Nicholas Call, Aidan and Anna Call, Ethan and Brooklyn Blythe, Rebecka Blythe, Anders, Beckett and Cooper Swanson, Jesse, Grace and David Blythe; her sister, Sandra (late John) Swanson of Stafford, her brother, Wirt (Patricia) Fuller of Batavia; her mother-in-law, Lois (John Swartz) Call of Batavia and several nieces and nephews.

Linda loved a challenge and adventure, so in the mid 70’s she took a trip to California to visit family and instantly fell in love with the Pacific Northwest; settling in Oregon for the next 20 years before returning home in the 90’s.  While in Portland, she worked for the Parry Center for Emotionally Disturbed Children. She ultimately retired from the NYS VA in Batavia.  

Linda found true love, a partner and confidant when she married Gerald.  She adored the extended family their marriage gave her.  Together they crisscrossed the country, having adventures, visiting family and friends, and making memories at every turn.  Their love made the hard time bearable and together they could get through anything.

Whether it was weeding or planting in her garden, Linda enjoyed working hard to make beautiful things grow.  She was known for making beautiful as well as delicious pies for her family, friends, or Historical Society auctions.  But for Linda, her true joy was spending time with her grandchildren.  She reveled in their accomplishments, and she was so proud of the wonderful young adults they were becoming.  From baby snuggles to big kid hugs, she always had a smile on her face when they were around.  

Friends are invited to call on Saturday, February 3rd  from 11:30 am to 1 pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 6188 Main Road, Stafford. Linda’s memorial services will immediately follow visitation at 1 pm. She will be laid to rest in Stafford Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in her name to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 786, Stafford, New York 14143, Stafford Fire Department, P.O. Box 56, Stafford New York 14143 or Stafford Historical Society, P.O. Box 28, Stafford New York 14143. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Linda are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Jerry D. Clark

By LaVern Falcone

Churchville ~ Jerry D. Clark, age 80, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024. 

     He was born October 8, 1943 in Henderson, Texas.  Jerry was the son of the late Roy and Ruby (Walton) Clark.     

jerry

 Jerry joined the US Marine Corps at age 17.  He settled in NY after his discharge and spent the rest of his life here. Jerry was a kind, caring man who would give you the shirt off his back.  He was a cat lover, rifle enthusiast, expert wood whittler and loved to play cards. 

     Jerry will be missed by his family including his niece, Erica (Ian) Jermy, great-niece, Erica Marciano, his sisters-in-law, Loretta Vosburgh and Jennie Carter; his brother, Steve (Paula) Clark, sister-in-law, Diane Clark, nephews, Brent Clark, Scott Clark, Bobby Joe Clark, Chad Clark, Rance Castellari, Greg Stewart; nieces, RanaLynn Castellari and Kathy Stewart; great-niece, Sophia Jermy and great-great-nephew, Nathan Marciano. 

     Jerry was predeceased by two great loves; his companion, Kim McGiveron and his wife of 50 years, RoseMarie (Fiorella) Clark.  He was also predeceased by his brother, Joe and his sister, Karen. 

     Jerry’s family will honor his memory privately, finding comfort together. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to Keller’s Kat Rescue, 62 Gorton Ave, Hilton, NY 14468. 

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

Ann Urbaniak Chmielowiec

By Ronald Konieczny
Chmielowiec, Ann

Ann Urbaniak Chmielowiec, 97 of Batavia, passed away Monday (January 22, 2023) at her residence.

She was born February 17, 1926 in Fogelsville, PA, a daughter of the late Stephen and Mary Graff Skrapits. Preceding her in death were her sisters, (twin) Pauline Reiter, Mary Robb; brothers Stephan Skrapits, Joseph Skrapits and Frank Skrapits.

She married Edwin M. Urbaniak on March 2, 1945 and he passed away in 1983. She then married Ray Chmielowiec on July 13, 1990 and he passed away in 1995.

Ann was a member of Resurrection Parish (St. Joseph) where she was a Eucharistic Minister and member of its Sodality.  She was unwavering in her faith and attributed prayer, healthy eating, exercising and socializing with friends to her longevity. An avid Buffalo Bills fan, she and Eddie were season ticket holders for many years. She was also known for her delicious pies and cookies.

Ann is survived by her son, Edwin Daniel Urbaniak of Batavia; her daughter Janis Wiggans (Dale) of Greenville, SC; step-grandchildren Kent Wiggans of Phoenix, AZ, Michelle Suitor (Paul) of Salt Lake City, Utah and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no prior visitation. Family and friends are cordially invited to share in her Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday (January 27th), 9:30am at Resurrection Parish, 303 E. Main St., Batavia, NY. She will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ann’s name to the American Heart Association. 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.

 

 

Mary Lois (Canfield) Caruthers

By LaVern Falcone

Mary Lois (Canfield) Caruthers, 90, passed away peacefully at home in Mulberry, Fl. with her family on Sunday, January 21, 2024. Born in LeRoy, NY to Sarah Fagan and Edward Criger. Mary loved her home in Florida and enjoyed being a snowbird coming to New York in the summer to spend time with family and friends.   

Mary Lois

  Mary had many nicknames, in LeRoy, NY, she was known as “Mikey” and in Mulberry, FL., she was known as Miss Mary. Whether Mary was in NY or Florida, she was well loved by all. She was known for her fashion sense, her kindness and her great sense of humor. She liked to have a good time and enjoyed Happy Hour with friends and family.

     Mary lived a beautiful life. She worked at the LeRoy pharmacy for many years, then retired. She loved to spend the summers at our family camp in Stillwater Reservoir in the Adirondacks. Then, when it started to get cold up north, her husband, Bo and her would head home to Florida. They loved to sit in their carport and watch what was going on and often had loving neighbors stop over to hang awhile.

     Mary had many adopted children as all our friends wanted to claim her as their own. For the last five years, her loving son, Richard stayed with Mary so she could be in her home.

     Mary was an extremely loving and caring mother and wife. And a very proud grandmother. She is survived by her children; Donna Friedman (Bill), Richard Canfield, Susan LaVallee (Glen), as well as her many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, friends and her beloved dog, Molly. She was predeceased by her first husband, Gordon Canfield and also predeceased by her second husband, Bo Caruthers, Sr. She was predeceased by her daughters Sharon Wilkerson (John) and Barbara Ellingham.

     Family Services will be held at a later date in LeRoy, NY. A memorial service will be held in Mulberry, FL at the American Legion, Post 72, 1500 N. Church Ave. on January 25, 2024 at 3:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to ASPCA and/or The American Legion, Post 72.

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

James E. McClurg

By T.J. Woodward
j

James E. “Jim” McClurg, age 68, of Elba went home to his Lord and Savior on January 20, 2024. He was born on November 5, 1955 to the late Everett and Ethel (Weidrich) McClurg. 

Jim was a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama School where he enjoyed cross country running. He was a truck driver for Tyler Trucking and then UPS, where he was working at the time of his retirement. He greatly enjoyed being outdoors, feeding the birds and squirrels and watching deer, fox and other wildlife in the backyard. His greatest joy was attending church and spending time with loved ones. Jim was a man of great faith and looked to God for guidance, strength and comfort in all circumstances. 

Jim is the beloved husband of Catherine McClurg whom he married on September 20, 2014. He is also survived by his children; Allison (Steven) Brill and Jeremy (Susan) McClurg; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also survived by his sister Bette (Carl) Koch; mother-in- law Alice (late Joseph) Ohl, along with a large extended family. 

Jim will be greatly missed by all those who loved him. We take comfort in knowing he is safe and at peace in the loving arms of Jesus and will be reunited with him in heaven. 

Jim’s Memorial Service will be officiated by Pastor Vern Saile and Pastor John Keller on Saturday March 2, 2024 at 11:30AM at Northgate Free Methodist Church 8160 Bank St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. An informal reception will immediately follow at the church. Jim’s service will be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page which can be found on their website www.northgatefmc.com 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital www.stjude.org or Northgate Free Methodist Church or donor’s choice. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 west Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Margaret E. McQuilkin

By LaVern Falcone

LeRoy ~ Margaret E. McQuilkin, age 97, passed away early Sunday morning (Jan. 21, 2024) at the LeRoy Village Green Nursing Home in the loving presence of her family.   

margaret

  She was born February 20, 1926 in Avon, N.Y., a daughter of the late Paul and Mildred Croston Eagan.

     Margaret is survived by her son, Ronald (Janice) Allen of Pavilion; sister, Lois (Lynn) Stanton of Avon; grandchildren, Mark Allen of Wadsworth, Michael (Jon) Allen of Gates, Richard (Sharon) Allen of Livonia, Timothy (Heather) Allen of Greece, Melissa (Jamie) Allen of Pavilion and Stacey Allen-Jannetty; great-grandchildren, Alyssa (Wil) Wilkie, Kristi Allen, Ty, Stephen and Andrew Allen-Clinton, Danielle Allen, Ricky (Katie) Allen, Mark Allen Jr., Maia and Liam Allen, Brogan Clark; great-great-granddaughter, Sophia Allen, along with many nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sons, Donald Allen and Robert Allen Jr.; sisters, Mary Deming and Nancy Stickel; brothers, Paul Eagan Jr. and Kenneth Eagan and granddaughter, Mary Allen.

     A memorial service for Margaret will be announced at a later date in the Spring.

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

Christine E. Garland

By T.J. Woodward
cg

Christine E. Garland, 51 of Batavia, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on January 19, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester. She was born July 24, 1972 in Rochester, to Joseph and Sharon (Costanzi) Garland of Batavia. She is preceded in death by a brother, Stephen J. Garland.

Chris loved the outdoors, walking in the woods, camping, kayaking, boating, gardening and her plants. She worked for years bartending at Backhoe Joe’s and with her family at Garland Enterprises. 

Along with her parents she is survived by her beloved children, Kari (Joe) Burr of Batavia, David Bohn II of Bergen, Claire Bohn of Batavia, furbabies, Marley and Kovur; siblings, Jennifer (Josh) Wilder of Elba, Joe (Tess) Garland II of Greenville, NC; four grandchildren, Tanner, Gio, Gunner, Piper, along with many nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 3 to 7pm at Willow Bend Inn, 3489 West Main Street Road, Batavia, NY 14020. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pluta Cancer Center, 125 Red Creek Dr, Rochester, NY 14623. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 west Main Street Batavia, NY 14020.

Mrs. Diane Lynn Dykstra

By Joshua Smith
diane

Diane Lynn Dykstra, 68 of Oakfield passed away January 7th 2024 at home following a lengthy illness.

Diane was born in Batavia NY to the late Frank and Betty (Snyder) Yanik.

Diane grew up in Oakfield NY and graduated from Notre Dame high school in Batavia. She went back to college later in life to obtain her nursing degree. Diane’s last job before retirement was as a hospice nurse. Diane took pride in helping her patients and their families.

Besides nursing, Diane loved gardening, baking and most of all her family. Her grandkids were the apple of her eye.

Diane is survived by her husband James Dykstra of Oakfield, whom she married August 12 2006, and their faithful German shepherd Ada, daughter Nina (Ryan) Farnsworth of Bergen, son Philip Covey of Bergen, sisters; Rita (Cliff) Plouse of Oakfield, Laura (Al) Annis of Georgia, Linda Luft of Rochester, Mary Beth (David) Duseau of Massachusetts , brothers; John (Mary Kay) Yanik of Geneseo, and Judd (Kathy) Yanik of Batavia. Grandchildren Rider (Joelle) Farnsworth of Brockport and Madison (Rick Hubbard Jr) Farnsworth of Bergen. Her special Maine family. Many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Diane who was affectionately known as “Mom” to all of her children’s friends will be dearly missed by all.

There will be a celebration of life held on January 27th from 2:30 to 6:30 at the Byron Fire Hall, 6357 Townline Road, Byron NY 14422. Her family is encouraging all in attendance to wear purple in Diane's honor. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Diane’s honor to a hospice of your choice.

Mr. Larry R. Motz

By Joshua Smith

Larry Robert Motz, 67, of Oakfield NY, passed away on January 18, 2024. Larry was born on July 11, 1956.

Larry was an avid outdoorsman who found solace and joy in nature. He had a deep love for biking, hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with his beloved grandchildren. Larry's passion for the outdoors was evident in the way he lived his life.

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Jackie, and their children: Tracy, Brian (Barbara), Lisa (Aaron), and Daniel. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Ryan, Robert, Maeve, Jayden and Liam who brought immense happiness to his life, as well as brothers, Robert (Sharon) and James (Judy) and their families.

Larry was preceded in death by his mother, Ada, his father, Robert, and his stepfather, Leo. Their memories will forever be treasured by Larry's family.

In accordance with Larry's wishes, no memorial services will be held. His family will honor his memory privately, finding comfort together. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in his memory, please visit www.burdettandsanford.com.


Arrangements for Larry are under the care and direction of the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield.

Mrs. Bernice Dorothea Beisheim Yunker

By Joshua Smith

Bernice Yunker of Elba passed away peacefully at home with family at her side on January 15, 2024 after a long illness. Married to her late husband, Carl Yunker of CY Farms, for 74 years. Born July 26, 1925 in Mineral City, Ohio as Bernice Beisheim, daughter of Ruth Boedeker Beisheim and Arthur Beisheim, a United Church of Christ minister. Bernice’s family moved from Ohio to WNY during WWII where her father pastored a church in Buffalo, NY. Eventually, Bernice studied art at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, and then at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She worked part-time at the DuPont Plant in Rochester as director of graphics to help the war efforts on the home front. Something of a tomboy, during a college summer break, she, her sister, and two girlfriends bicycled from Buffalo around Conesus Lake and back, demonstrating her adventurous spirit!. The following summer, Bernice went home to live with her folks in Bennington, New York, where her father had recently been selected to pastor a small rural church. It is there she met Carl Yunker, a local farmer and member of the church. He was on the selection committee and also involved in their youth ministry. After a 9 month courtship, she and Carl were married at St. John's Evangelical Church, in Dutch Hollow near Attica, on December 7, 1947.

After some exposure to life as a farm wife, Bernice moved with Carl and their two oldest children to Elba, and established a home on the ‘Merriman’ farm on Transit Road and then raised and nurtured their family of seven there. Bernice was the best of moms and also cared for others in the community. She used her creative gift as a visual artist to serve others and honor God. During her 74 years in Elba, Bernice supported Carl, her family and the community with kindness, energy and frankly, a lot of art and art lessons! She often told her children, “Music and art are the frosting on the cake of life!” Bernice was happiest when creating in her ‘Farmer’s Wife Studio’ built by Carl as a true act of his love for her.

Bernice loved life and met her days with energy and determination. Bernice enjoyed countless friendships and always found ways to serve others. Bernice was a faithful member of the Elba Presbyterian Church, the first woman on the Elba Central School Board, an artist of the Genesee Art Council and Batavia Society of Artists, a valuable volunteer for many years at The Arc of Genesee and the Genesee County Nursing Home teaching art lessons, and also volunteered at Hospice of Genesee. She also enjoyed giving private art lessons well into her 80’s.

Bernice Yunker (98 in July) is survived by her children Gail (Bruce) Bartlett of Arizona, Craig (Kimberly) Yunker of Elba, Chris (Annette) Yunker of Virginia, Joy (Mark) Mistur of Ohio, and Heidi (Anthony) O’Hara of Elba and her grandchildren: Josiah, Sarah, Rebecca, Cyrus, Christian, Katherine, Caroline, Constance, Otto, Elliot, Evan, Elisabeth, Jacob and Hannah. Bernice is also survived by her great grandchildren: Elsie, Annie, Connor, Jack, Charlotte, Dash, Fields, Keats, Craft, Riley, Maisie, Delia, Tristan, Linnea, Cairo, Alora, Bryant, Clyde, Eve, and Mila. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her husband, Carl Yunker; sister, Aurelia Brombacher; brother, Calvin Beisheim.

A memorial service for Bernice Yunker will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Elba, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Elba Presbyterian Church, 24 North Main Street, Elba, New York 14058, HomeCare & Hospice of WNY, 29 Liberty Street, Suite #6, Batavia, New York 14020 or to Arc GLOW, 64 Walnut Street, Batavia, New York 14020. To leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle in her memory, please visit www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Warren Pocock

By Joshua Smith
Pocock

Bergen - Warren Pocock, 81 of Bergen passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York.
 

Warren was born Monday, November 30th, 1942 in Batavia, New York a son of the late Robert B. and Lorna (VanSickle) Pocock.
 

He was a member of the Bergen United Methodist Church and served as finance chair for many years, participated in The Grange for over 50 years, took part in 4H, was a member of Genesee County Ag Society and held several positions through his 30 years of volunteering. He enjoyed farming, watching Westerns, and spending time with his family and friends. Warren was a connoisseur of ties, having just the right one for every occasion.
 

Warren graduated from Byron-Bergen Central School, Class of 1961, and was self-employed in dairy farming with his twin brother until retirement.
 

Warren will be remembered by his wife, Anne Pocock; children, Dawn (Ryeder) Dilcher, Heather (Ken) Nenni, and Brian (Laurie) Pocock; stepchildren, Christopher (Lisa) Ace, Michelle (Shane Underwood) Ace, Tammy Ace, and Yvonne (Leon) Wagoner; brothers, Wayne (Nancy) Pocock, Leon (Bonnie) Pocock, Carl (Candy) Pocock, and Merlyn (Marilyn) Pocock; sisters, Marie (David) Aradine and Grace (Eugene) Krenzer; 17 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, brother in law, William Boatman, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
 

In death Warren is reunited with his parents, Robert and Lorna Pocock; sister Mary Jane Boatman and first wife, Sharon (Voorhees) Pocock Oderkirk.
 

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, NY. Warren's funeral service will be held at the Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, NY, on Thursday, January 25th, 2024 at 11:00 am. Burial will be immediately following the funeral services in Mt. Rest Cemetery in Bergen.
 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, NY 14416 or Volunteers for Animals of Batavia, 3841 W Main Street Rd, Batavia, NY 14020.
 

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

Irene G. Johncox

By Joshua Smith
Irene G. Johncox

Irene G. Johncox,101, formerly of Depew, passed away on January 13, 2024 at the Wyoming County  Skilled Nursing Facility.

Irene was born September 27, 1922 in Alexander, a daughter of the late Harold and Joy (Wight) Goodman.

Irene was the oldest of five children and graduated from Alexander Central School in 1940.  She was married in 1941 to the late Clarence (Nibs) Johncox.  They began their lives together living in Buffalo, where she lived on her own while he served in World War II.  After the war they moved to Depew. She was once again on her own after his death in 2005, living in the same home for over 70 years. Irene worked in clerical work for many years, most recently with State Farm Insurance.  Following her retirement she served in many roles as a member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Lancaster as well as reading, gardening, traveling and enjoying time with family and friends.

She was beloved by all who met her & cherished especially by her many nieces and nephews who will remember her welcoming smile and positive outlook on life & the blessing she was to each of them.

Surviving are her sister-in-law, Clara Johncox along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clarence Johncox; sisters, Lillian (Gerald) Bowen, Stella (Robert) Peck, Louise (Kenneth) Post; a brother, Kenneth (Susan) Goodman, nephew Leslie Goodman and nieces Barbara & Rosie Peck & Kate Hanobik.

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia, where her service will be held at 11:00 a.m. also on Thursday.  She will be laid to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery, Darien.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 5505 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086.

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

Richard K. Heale, Sr.

By Lisa Ace

Richard K. Heale, Sr., 83, born August 11, 1940, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Sunday afternoon January 14, 2024, with his wife and daughter by his side.
 
Married to the love of his life, Alice May (Farrington) Heale for over 63 years, they had a special bond like none other, Richard graduated from Avon Central School class of 1958. He retired from Eastman Kodak after working 28 years, 15 years as a Supervisor. After retirement he enjoyed driving school bus for Byron-Bergen Central School for 13 years.
 
He loved his family deeply and was so proud of his 4 children, 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren. He always enjoyed making people laugh and laughing with them.
 
He was a member of Batavia Assembly of God Church for many years where he taught Sunday School,  was a Commander in the Royal Rangers and a previous Board Member.
 
He enjoyed hunting and being outdoors but his favorite pass time was spending his time with all his family, and rooting on his favorite teams the Buffalo Bills and NY Yankees.
 
Richard was a devoted son of the Late Kenneth J Heale Sr. and Elizabeth (Bartz) Heale at 104 years old is still with us.
 
Surviving are his beloved Wife: Alice May (Farrington) Heale, Sons: Richard (Cindy) K Heale Jr , Randall (Barbara) Heale, Rodney (Debra) Heale, His favorite daughter: Cheryl (Heale) Filio.
Grandchildren: Benjamin (Robin) Heale, Randall (Jessie) Heale II, Melissa (Shawn) Fleming, Jessica (Chris) Wilke, Nathaniel Heale, Jordan (Jamie) Filio, Angelo Heale,  Dominic (Jamie Englerth) Filio, Anthony Filio. Great Grandchildren: Kadilyn, Blake, and Bryce Heale, Joseph and Elijah Wilke, Callie and Weston Heale, Sophia Heale. Sister’s: June Dixon, Sandra (John) Thompson. Brother in Law Richard Cervo, Sister in Laws: Ann Heale, Ruth Capeci, Karen Schwab. As well as many other family members.
 
Predeceased by, His father: Kenneth J Heale Sr, Brothers: Gary P Heale, Kenneth J Heale Jr. , Father & Mother In-Law: Lowell S Farrington, M. Martha (Darbee) Farrington, Sister in Law: Carol Cervo and Brother in Laws: Pasquelino Capeci, Donald Dixon.
 
Special thanks to Richard’s caregivers: Howard Hotze, Teresa Lyke and Carrie Mullen for their wonderful care while Richard was home.
 
We cannot thank the staff at the LeRoy Village Green enough for all the love, support and care given to Richard during his short stay there.
 
A private viewing at C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. in Corfu and private burial to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Darien. A memorial service for all will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, starting at 11am with a luncheon following at Batavia Assembly of God Church, 24 N. Spruce Street, Batavia, New York.

Charles Mielke

By Joshua Smith
Mielke

LeRoy - Charles Mielke, 76 of LeRoy passed away on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, with his family by his side, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York.

Charles was born Monday, October 27th, 1947, in Brockport, New York a son of the late Donald Mielke and Gladys (Bridgeman) Mielke.
 
He was a member of The Bergen Rod and Gun Club, American Legion, and a former Bergen Volunteer Firefighter. He truly enjoyed spending time working outdoors in his yard, planting trees, mowing the lawn, planting his garden, and taking long walks with labrador, Kelley. He loved model trains, his grandchildren, and sitting in his garage enjoying the weather with Kelley.
 
Charles will be remembered by his son Todd (Julie) Mielke and grandchildren, Mackenzie and Mason Mielke of VA; brother, Gary (Toye) Mielke of Bergen; nephews, William "Bill" (Tammy) Mielke and Scott (Lisa) Mielke; great-nieces, great-nephews, many cousins, and his faithful furry companion, Kelley.
 
Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, January 20th, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, NY. Charles’s memorial service will be held immediately following calling hours at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 South Lake Avenue, Bergen, NY.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.

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


 

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