Obituaries

Linda F. Dennis, 75, of Medina, NY, entered into rest on Tue., Dec. 14, 2021 at the Martin-Linsin Residence, Albion, NY, with her loving family by her side.

Born on Sept.r 26, 1946 in Medina, NY, she was the daughter of the late John and Geraldine (Davis) Ryan.

Linda graduated from Medina High School in 1964. In 1966 she graduated from the University of Canton with a degree in Secretarial Science. She married the late Gary E. Dennis on July 8, 1967, together making their home in Medina and raising two children. Linda served as Secretary to the Superintendent and Clerk of the Board for the Medina School system for over 30 years. She enjoyed her time working with the staff and children over the years. In her spare time Linda enjoyed crafting and sewing and was a 30-year vendor in the Medina Craft Co-op and currently as a vendor at Filomena’s Favorites.

Linda is survived by her children: Scot Dennis and his fiancée, Janet Desmann of Rochester, NY, and Amy Wood of Medina, NY; grandchildren: Matthew and Corey Dennis; Ryan and Abigail Wood; siblings: Kenny (Grace) Ryan of Medina, NY, Barry Ryan of Fla.; many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call on Mon., Dec. 20, 2021 from 10  a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina, NY 14103, where a funeral service will be held at noon. Burial will be in the West Ridgeway Cemetery, Medina, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Linda’s name to 4H-Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 12690 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411.

Please light a candle or share a memory of Linda at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com

Mary E. Kurz died peacefully on Dec. 15, 2021 after a brief illness.

She was born in the Town of Somerset on Feb. 10, 1924, a daughter of the late Everett and Lila (Wass) Newton. Mary graduated from Barker Central School in the class of 1942. She worked at Harrison Radiator in Lockport, where she met her husband, Paul M. Kurz, whom she married on Sept. 21, 1946. The couple settled in Medina, where they raised their two sons.

She returned to the workforce and enjoyed working at Fisher-Price Toys and Medina Central School District in the cafeteria. Mary was always willing to lend a helping hand and many children benefitted from her gentle love and care. She enjoyed helping her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with their schoolwork and could be counted on for her spelling and math skills. She loved to read to them while sitting in her rocking chair. Mary will be missed for her love, a good recipe, her helping hands and kind heart.

Preceded in death by her husband, Paul Kurz in 1974; infant daughter, Debbie; and sisters: Betty Newton and Norma (Roland) Chaffee.

Survivors include her sons: Ronald Kurz and Richard (Mary) Kurz; grandchildren: Pamela (William) Clemens-Spink, Paul Kurz, Danielle (Adam Ehrenreich) Bateson and Nicole (Brian Nowicki) Reichert; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephew” Linda (Ronald) Rosenthal, Dudley (Ruth) Chaffee, LuAnn (Bruce) Devereaux and Susan (Robert) Buffin.

Private interment will be in Hartland Central Cemetery. In lieu flowers, memorials to the Lyndonville Fire Company would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Kathalyn K. Peck, 93, of Basom, better known to many as “Grandma Kay,” passed away peacefully on Tue., Dec. 14, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.

Born on Nov. 25, 1928 in Basom, Kathalyn was a daughter of the late George and Mildred (Seibert) Kenward. A lifelong resident of the Basom area, she attended the one-room school house in Basom and went on to graduate from Akron High School in 1946. She married the love of her life, the late Harry Peck in 1949 and together raised a family of three children.

Early in life, Kathalyn worked as a currier for the Batavia Daily News and also as a clerk for G.C. Murphy Co. in Medina. She then worked for many years as an assistant at various podiatrist’s offices, lastly being Dr. Thomas Cianciolo in Clarence. Having accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, Kathalyn had an incredibly strong faith, of which she instilled in her family. She was a lifelong member of the Alabama-Basom United Methodist Church where she also taught Sunday school for many years. She also volunteered through the Road to Emmaus and cooked for the Genesee County Men’s Prayer Breakfasts. Kathalyn also volunteered for many years at the VA Hospital in Batavia.

In addition to her parents, Kathalyn was predeceased by her husband, Harry in 1991; sister, Coralyn (Robert) Anderson; daughter-in-law, Karen Peck; and son-in-law, Dennis Moden.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Rev. Dr. Michael Peck; Virginia (Rev. Robert) Peters and Kimberly Moden; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends whom she considered adopted family.

A memorial service will be held on Sat., Dec.18 at 12 p.m. at One Church, 6 Scotland Rd., Akron, NY 14001. Private interment will be in the Alabama Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Baptist Church Planters, 36830 Royalton Rd., Grafton, OH 44044.

Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, NY 14103. Share condolences at: www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Raymond “Spike” Charles Leonard, 82 of Avon, NY passed away on Dec. 11, 2021. Raymond, or “Spike” as he was lovingly known to family and close friends, was born on Jan. 17, 1939 to William Stanley Leonard and Gladys Atkinson-Huxley Leonard of Penn Yan, NY. Spike spent his childhood on the shore of Keuka Lake at his family’s home on the East Bluff.

He met his wife and best friend of 60 years, Sally Moore Leonard, while she was attending Keuka College. Sally convinced him they should both become school teachers and spend their life working side by side. They attended Geneseo State University together, where they earned their teaching degrees and where Spike served as founding president of his fraternity Sigma Tau Psi.

As a couple and team, they were inseparable. They made their home in Avon, NY, where for 35 years they were sixth-grade team teachers, touching thousands of lives. Those years teaching together were some of the most rewarding of their lives. At Avon Middle School they were innovators, starting and leading programs in model rocket building, etiquette, calligraphy, photography and film processing–and an annual sixth grade trip to Boston for whale watching. To this day, former students remark with joy and pride: “I had Mr. and Mrs. Leonard for sixth grade.”

Spike’s influence extended beyond the classroom. For 18 years, he coached diving. When asked to be Avon’s diving coach, with no prior knowledge or experience in diving, Spike taught himself all the basics and attended coaching clinics to gain a deeper knowledge of the sport. He went on to coach high school and collegiate levels at both Avon and SUNY Geneseo. During his tenure, he coached many sectional champions, state qualifiers, and SUNYAC champions.

Being on and near the water was a mutual love for the couple, as both Spike and Sally had spent their youths on the shores of Keuka and Ontario. In 1976 they purchased a summer home at Oak Orchard on Lake Ontario, where they shared many happy summers boating and sailing competitively at the Oak Orchard Yacht Club. A self-taught sailor and voracious learner, Spike achieved remarkable success in yacht racing, competing in regattas across Lake Ontario and holding positions as the Yacht Club’s Commodore and Fleet Captain. With his children, grandchildren, and friends as crew, he was tactician, helmsman, teacher, father, and grandfather aboard his many sailboats named Foxfire, Emeraude, Static, Encore and Spontaneous. In the summer of 2021, despite failing health, he helmed his boat Spontaneous to finish first place in his fleet, capping a legendary sailing career.

Sailing was just one of many passions. Spike’s love for antique motorcycles, cars, and boats, was a love he shared with his father-in-law and great friend Allen Moore. The two spent many wonderful years traveling to auto shows and working on restoration projects in Allen’s garage in Albion, NY. Spike went on to restore antique mahogany runabouts, 1930s Indian motorcycles, and several classic cars. It’s a love he passed down to his children and grandchildren, who will carry on the legacy of these two remarkable patriarchs.

To his family, Spike was the go-to expert on virtually everything and was always turning ideas into action. There was no project or plan he couldn’t or wouldn’t tackle. He was a constant learner and intrepid adventurer. After retiring from teaching, he set his sights on flying and earned his pilot license. In true form, he bought a kit airplane, which he built in his barn, and spent many hours flying around the region. His can-do attitude continues to inspire his family and all those who knew him.

To his nine grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, he is known only as “Pa”. He would speak with love and pride whenever sharing one of their individual accomplishments with people. These nine grandchildren, ranging from eighth grade to young adults, possess many of the traits and much of the knowledge handed down to them by a man who in their hearts will always be immortal.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Sally (Moore) Leonard; children: Kyle (Jenny), Dana (Jennifer), Darren (Kristin) Leonard, and Natalie (Brian) McCue; sister, Elaine Hawkes; grandchildren: Allison, Quinn, Emily, Shea, Declan, Avery, Finnegan, Leila, and Caden; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his brother, William Leonard.

Services and interment were held at the convenience of the family. Private interment at Mt. Albion Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Avon Swimming and Diving Team at Avon Athletic Club, c/o Avon Central School, 191 Clinton St., Avon, NY 14414.

To share a memory or send a condolence visit: stephensondoughertyfuneralhome.com

Janet F. Reis, 72, of Holley passed away Dec. 14, 2021. She was born March 9, 1949 in Albion, NY a daughter of the late Harold and Margaret (Barker) Furness.

Janet was a former member of the Kendall Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was a sales representative for Home Interiors and after retirement worked for Empire Coating. Janet will be remembered for always being willing to help someone in need and cooking sugar waffles at the Kendall Carnival.

She was predeceased by her brothers: Harold Furness Jr., Estes Furness, Jack Furness, James Furness, William (Diane) Furness; sister-in-law, Shelva Furness and brother-in-law, John Gould.

Janet is survived by her children: Ralph (Michele) Reis Jr., Roger (Brandi) Reis, Anne (Michael) Johnson; grandchildren: Brittani (Donovan) Bradshaw, Ralph E. (Rachel) Reis III, Gunnar Johnson, Morgan Johnson, Shelby (Jordan) Willis, Riley (Blanca) Reis, Destinee Johnson, Mackenzie Johnson, Rory Reis, Brenna Reis; great-grandchildren: Luca and Lacy Bradshaw, Jessie Willis; brother, LeRoy (Barbara) Furness; sisters: Shirley Gould, Sybil (James) Herring, Eleanor Furness, Barbara (William) Schuler; sisters-in-law: Mary Furness, Judy Furness, Anita Furness; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 16650 State Route 31, Holley, NY 14470 on Fri., Dec. 17 from 4-7 p.m. where her funeral service will be held Sat., Dec. 18, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Janet’s name may be made to the Kendall Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, C/O Carol Lofthouse, 2029 Center Rd., Kendall, NY 14476.

To share a special memory of Janet, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lee Charles Weaver of Medina passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 13, 2021. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Lee was born Dec. 23, 1944 in Buffalo, NY.  Throughout his life he lived in Oakfield, Batavia, Middleport, and Medina NY.   He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward (Lillian) Weaver. He is preceded in death by his brothers: Edward Weaver and Earl Weaver.

Lee was the proud owner of L&J Cleaning Service for over 50 years.  He was a hardworking man, yet he always had time for those he met.  He had always dreamed of owning his own business and building his own home.  He was able to fulfill both those dreams with the help of his loving and loyal wife and their family.

He is survived by his caring wife Marlene whom he married on Valentine’s Day 1987. They shared many happy years dancing, traveling, and enjoying their life together.  Their strong faith has helped them to find the best in life.

Lee is the father of: Charles (Debbie) Weaver, Scott (Cathy) Weaver, Tina (Rich) Hagen, Todd Weaver, Darrin Moreland, and Wade Moreland.  He was a role model to his children.  He selflessly loved them and taught them many life lessons.

Lee shared a special bond with each of his 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.  His grandchildren and great grandchildren loved spending time with him.  Grandpa or Pa always found a way to make their time together special.  He loved to see them smile and hear their laughter.

He is also survived by his sisters: Barbara (John, deceased) Jaszko and Nancy Dunn and brother, Brian (Sherry) Weaver; and several nieces, nephews and other family members.

Family and friends are invited to call on Fri., Dec. 17 from 4-7 p.m. at the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 E. Main St., Batavia; and on Sat., Dec. 18 from 10-11 a.m. at Living Faith World Outreach, 161 S. Platt St., Albion, where Lee’s funeral service will immediately follow. Burial will be in Alabama Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans County,14080 Rte 31 West, PO Box 489, Albion, NY 14411. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at: www.bataviafuneralhomes.com

Dolores L. “Dee” Elder, 79, of Albion passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on Dec. 14, 2021. She was born March 20, 1942 in Hector, NY to the late Crandall and Mildred (Champion) Terry.

Dolores and her late husband, Gary enjoyed wintering in Florida with their motorhome and traveling all over and bowling. She was known for her bubbly personality and was always smiling and laughing. Dee was always willing to help anyone and she spent a lot of time shopping and visiting and talking to everyone.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Gary in 2013; sisters: Janet Beaudin, Darlene Terry; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Cliff Elder, Willy Elder, Eleanor Park, and Sharon Elder.

Dee is survived by her children: Cindy (Harry) Jones, Michael (Tina) Elder, Tammy (Ryan Berg) Elder; grandchildren: Perrin (Matt Playfair) London, Brandon (Tabitha Kolb) Jones, Joshua (Chloe) Berg, Jason (Rebekah Fox) Berg, Justin Jones, Jordan (Belle Casselman) Berg; great-grandchildren: Christian, Sophia, Ryanna, Jaxon, Ava, Mary, Roselyn, Cameron, sisters, Shirley (late Sonny) Brinkerhoff, Sondra (Joseph) Hines; brother and sister-in-law: Stan and Sally Elder, Cliff and Carole Beaudin; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Ave., Albion, NY 14411 on Mon., Dec. 20 from 4-7 p.m. where her funeral service will immediately follow at 7 p.m. Interment will be held privately in Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Dee’s name may be made to Supportive Care of Orleans P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411; or COVA 239 S. Main St., Albion, NY 14411.

To share a special memory of Dee, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Sterling Drought passed away on Dec. 10, 2021, at the age of 51. Formerly of Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, Sterling was born in Batavia, NY to Joyce Drought and the late James Drought on Dec. 13, 1969.

Sterling graduated from Albion High School, where he ran wild with his best friends, Joe Furness and Mike Hoffmeister. As a skilled electrician, he worked on many projects throughout the country and had a passion for hunting, spending time with his family, and most importantly, eating ice cream.

He is survived by his mother Joyce, his sister Tresia; and children: Tisha, Cody, and Ashton; grandchildren: Ryleigh and Mason; nephews: Cameron, Noah, and Jack.

Sterling’s family will announce the plans for his “Celebration of Life” at a later date. Wilson Smith is honored to be serving the  Drought family.

Carrie Martino, 89, entered her Heavenly rest on Thu., Dec. 9, 2021, at Medina Memorial Hospital.

MEDINA – Aeda Irene (Loring) Hill, 92, passed away on December 2, 2021. She was born on March 26, 1929 to Clair and Marie (Fisher) Loring in Palmerton, Pennsylvania.

Aeda grew up in the Palmerton area and attended school at Blairsville High School. Following her schooling, she was united in marriage to Raymond Hill on April 17, 1946. They made their home in Black Lake, Pennsylvania and later Medina, New York where they raised their children.

Aeda also worked for local farmers during the harvest, a bakery and a shirt factory. Raymond died in 1985. Aeda continued to live in New York until 1988 when she moved to Chokio, Minnesota to be closer to her son, Roger. She continued to live in Chokio until the time of her death.

Aeda enjoyed all crafts, cross stitch, and crocheting – especially afghans. Aeda spent time doing puzzles, sudoku, and adult coloring books and could often be found watching her soap opera, The Bold and the Beautiful. She liked cardinals and collected many figurines of them. Most importantly, Aeda cherished the time that she was able to spend with her family, especially on their family camping and fishing trips.

Aeda died on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at her home in Chokio.  She was 92 years old.

Aeda is survived by her children, Roger (Mary) Hill of Chokio, and Nellie (Jim) Breitkopf of Tucson, Arizona; two grandchildren, Amanda (Nick) Elms of St. Anthony and Sarah Hill of St. Paul; her sister, Jean (Gary) Shepherd of Blairsville, PA; and sister-in-law, Pat Loring of South Park, PA.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; grandson, Ted Hill; two brothers, Clair and Robert “Bobby”; and four sisters, Helen Irwin, Dorothy Lane, Stella Farabaugh, and Nellie Culbertson.

No local services for Aeda will be held and burial will take place at Bates Road Cemetery in Medina, New York at a later date.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of arrangements for Aeda.

Edward H. “Corky” Harling, 73, of Clarendon died Dec. 7, 2021 in Unity Hospital following a brief illness.  He was born Nov. 5, 1948 in Medina and was a life-long resident of this area.

Corky had worked for Rochester Products and Duryea Ford prior to opening up his own repair shop, Harling Auto Repair in Clarendon.  He enjoyed going to the casino and playing the slot machines, building custom trucks and especially travelling to Aruba where he could just nap on the beach with his toes in the sand.  Mr. Harling was predeceased by two sisters: Carol Skellon and Frances Herring.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Juanita; children: Gregory (Rachel) Harling of NC, John (Penny) Best of Jamestown, Kris Moore of Clarendon; grandchildren: Thomas, Brandi, Bradley, Joel, Dania, Nicholas; great-grandchildren: Noah, Joseph, Hudson; as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours and his services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.  Memorials may be made to a charity or organization of your choice.  Corky’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. of Holley.

To share a special memory of Corky, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

Richard E. Smith, 90, of Medina NY, went to be with the Lord, Dec. 2, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born April 23, 1931 in Hilton, NY, he was the son of the late Boyd and Minnie (Hill) Smith.

Richard was born and raised in Hilton, NY, where he attended high school.  After high school, Dick was drafted by the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served during the Korean War.  PFC, Richard Smith, received a commendation from “The American Legion” for his commitment to serving in the Armed Forces in the name of Freedom and Democracy, and for courageously protecting our Liberty and Independence. He was a proud Marine through and through.

Dick married the love of his life, Judith Vangee, on Dec. 4, 1958 and they were married for 63 years and together they raised two children, Kim & Tim.  Dick was employed by General Motors for over 30 years. He was an avid sportsman and he loved hunting, fishing and boating. He also taught the Hunter Safety course for many years.

He accepted Christ as his savior at the Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church, where he served many years as a deacon and the church treasurer. He loved the Lord and he loved others. His quick wit would always put a smile on your face. He played the guitar and for fifteen years he would join others from the church and minister to the folks in the nursing home.  He was loved by all who new him and he will be sorely missed.

Richard is survived by his wife, Judy; children: Kim Barker and Timothy Smith, both of Medina, NY; brother, Sidney Smith of Hilton; grandchildren: Samantha, Richard, Andrew Nicholas, Kala, Jessica and Melissa; and three great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be at Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church, 12111 Ridge Rd., Medina, NY, on Sat., Dec. 11, from 10-11 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers Memorials can be made to the Oak Orchard Assembly of God Church.

ALBION – Gail C. Steier, 82, passed away December 4, 2021. She was born December 22, 1938 in Brockport, NY to the late Harvey and Bessie (Beedle) David.

Gail was an active member in the Gaines Carlton Community Church. She enjoyed baking with her grandchildren and was known for her delicious Christmas cookies.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, John Steier Sr. in 2011; brother, William “Bill” (Doris) David; sisters and brothers-in-law, Lorraine Freeman, Barbara Ann Hellmann, Raymond Steier and Mervin Thompson.

Gail is survived by her children, John (Susan) Steier, Jr. and Karen Steier; grandchildren, Clarissa, Evan and Annalise; brother, Mitchell (late Ruth) David; sisters, Frances (Barry Norsen) Thompson and Judy (Timothy) Hayes; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Thompson, Irene (Richard) Braley, Marie (Tom) Rigg and Shirley Steier; brother-in-law, Richard Hellmann; great-grand furbabies, London, Rory, Aspen, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion, NY 14411 on Fri., Dec. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Her funeral service will be held at the Gaines Carlton Community Church, 14585 Ridge Rd., Albion, NY 14411 on Sat., Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Gail’s name may be made to the church.

To share a special memory of Gail, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

BARRE CENTER – Donald B. Ross, 101, passed away December 6, 2021 at his home. Mr. Ross was born May 21, 1920 in Medina to the late Harold Vail Ross and Onalie (Bacon) Ross.

He graduated from Medina High School in 1939 where he was managing editor of the school newspaper. Following graduation, he attended Rochester Athenium and Mechanics Institute, which is better known today as RIT, Rochester Institute of Technology. After graduation from college, he married his high school sweetheart, the late Bernadine E. Axtell Ross on June 13, 1942.

He worked for Niagara Mohawk Power Company following his marriage and eventually went to GLF as the manager of Knowlesville. He then left GLF to manage Canning Factory in the Town of Barre where Don and Bernadine built their home in Barre Center. Finally, he purchased Albion Plumbing and Heating where he stayed until his retirement in 1985.

Donald was very involved in his community and fraternal organizations. He was a member, Past Deacon and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Albion, Past President and Treasurer for the Cobblestone Society and Museum, a member and Past Chairman of the Board and Past Treasurer of the B.P.O. Elks Albion Lodge #1006. Don was also Past Master of the F&AM Medina Lodge #336 (combined with the Cataract Lodge #295) now known as Towpath Lodge #1193, 32nd degree Mason, Past High Priest of the Medina Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, belonged to the Lockport Commandery of Knight Templar, a member of the Shriners and a Past President of the Lockport Shriner Temple, a member and Past President of the Ismailia Temple Shrine of Buffalo and a member of the Buffalo Consistory.

In his retirement Don and Bernadine enjoyed spending time at their cottage in the Thousand Islands.

Don was predeceased by his wife of 78 years, Bernadine Axtell Ross.

He is survived by his daughter, Deborah Onalie Ross; granddaughter, Avery Erin Ross (Matthew Johnson); great-grandsons, Ryan W. Grier and Lance Corporal Dawson E. Taylor; great-great granddaughter, Julianna Marie Grier; nephew, Charles Pettit and niece, Ann Pettit.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 W. Avenue, Albion on Wednesday, December 8, from 4 to 8 p.m., with a Masonic Service at 7:30 p.m. The family will also receive friends on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by his funeral service at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Boxwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Cobblestone Society and Museum, P.O. Box 363, Albion, NY 14411 or the First Presbyterian Church of Albion 29 E. State St. Albion, NY 14411.

To share a special memory of Don please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

MEDINA – Oretha Louise Askew, 85, of Medina, NY, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at the United Memorial Medical Center, Batavia, after a short illness. Born on June 20, 1936 in LaGrange, GA, she was the daughter of the late Roosevelt and Iris (Lakes) Mitchell.

Louise is best known for her beautiful angelic voice. She sang in her high school Alma Mater and sang background for various artists who later became famous. On one of her birthdays, Paul Beasley of the famous Gospel Keynotes, called her to sing Happy Birthday to her. She loved her gospel Quartet spiritual music and was always singing, even in the shower. Most of all, her favorite singing was with her Pastor, Rev. Lambert Duncan. Each time they talked on the phone, she felt enriched and it made her day brighter.

Louise was a very religious woman and could quote the Bible with her eyes closed. She enjoyed her TV shows, Family Feud, America Says, True Crime Stories and the nightly news. She would totally ignore you from 6 to 7 p.m., until she was completely caught up with the world’s happenings. She was a onetime active member of the Orleans Community Gospel Choir, a former member of the Lord’s House of Albion, and a faithful member of the Glad Tidings Baptist Church, until recent health issues forced her to be home bound. Everyone from all over loved Ms. Louise; she loved God, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Louise’s “daily phone calls” to her friends and family will be terribly missed. She had so many favorite gospel songs, but the one verse in particular from the song “God’s Got It” that says “God’s got you now in his arms and care, until we meet again” spoke to her.

Louise leaves to cherish in her memories, five daughters, Burnessa Conner of Medina, Faye Garris of Buffalo, Tonya (Jimmy) Delph of Toledo, OH, Evonne Askew of Ypsilanti, MI, and Stephanie Askew of Rochester; three sons, Carlos Lamar Garris of Rochester, and Wesley and Brandon Askew, both of Medina. Also surviving are 19 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and a host of many friends.

Louise is predeceased by her husband, Wesley Askew Sr., two grandsons, Jordon Askew and Marcus Garris.

Relatives and friends may call from Sat., Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. to noon at the Calvary Tabernacle Assembly of God Church, 11031 Maple Ridge Road Medina, NY 14103, where a Going Home Service will be celebrated at noon by Rev. Lambert Duncan. Burial will be in the Boxwood Cemetery, Medina, NY.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103. Please light a candle or share a memory of Ms. Louise at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

ALBION – Rev. Sheryl L. Stewart, 72, passed away Dec. 4, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital.  She was born June 4, 1949 in Canada and had lived in this area for the past 12 years.

Sheryl was a retired RN and worked as a ward nurse at Manhattan Psychiatric Center for 3 years.  She worked in the medical department at Attica Correctional Facility for 12 years and the psychiatric department at Albion Correctional Facilityf or 5 years.  Sheryl was ordained in the United Church of Christ in Maine and served as an interim minister with two other ministers at the Gaines Congregational United Church of Christ in Albion.

She was predeceased by her mother Maxine Whipple Ferguson and several close friends.  She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Jaime; daughter, Wendy (Doug) Covert; granddaughter, Kristy; as well as other family members.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 21 West Ave. Albion on Fri. Dec. 10,  4-7 p.m.  Her Funeral Service will be held Sat., Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Gaines Congregational United Church of Christ, 14023 Ridge Rd., Albion, NY 1441.  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Pkwy, Buffalo, NY 14228.

To share a special memory of Sheryl, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

MEDINA – Mark H. Poole, 54, of Medina, passed away on Sun., Dec. 5, 2021 at his home following a battle with cancer.

Born January 21, 1967 in Lockport, he was a son of the late Lawrence and Lilly (Spencer) Poole. Mark worked in grocery store management for many years. He was an avid fisherman. Mark also enjoyed riding his Harley and watching football and hockey.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cassandra M. Poole; son, Brian Poole; daughter, Megan Poole; step-sons, Matt and Ethan Stonebraker; five siblings, David (Paula) Spencer, Bob (Naddie) Spencer, Shirley (Fred) Srock, Larry (Janet) Poole and Diane (Merle) Lay; also several nieces and nephews.

Per Mark’s wishes there will be no formal services. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

MEDINA – Lena Willcox, 82, passed away December 4th at ECMC.  She was born October  25, 1939 in Susquehanna, PA daughter of Nicholas and Catherine (Pingarella) Napolitano.

Lena’s child-hood family moved to Endwell, NY where she grew up and eventually met her husband David E. Willcox Sr. where they were married on December 12th, 1964.  David and Lena spent most of their life together raising their family of four children on a dairy farm which started with a farm in Oxford, NY before moving in 1974 to  their dairy farm in Middleport.  They continued to live in the farm house for many years after selling the farm until recently moving to Medina in 2018.

Lena was a loving wife and mother and faithful member of the body of Christ attending Oak Orchard Assembly of God church in Medina for many years.

Lena was predeceased by her husband David Willcox Sr and daughters Cathy Bidell and Jennifer Willcox; granddaughter Heidee Peterson, and sister Anne Jackson.

She is survived by her children, David (Patricia) Willcox Jr, Toni (Nicole) Willcox, step-daughter Nancy (Mark) MacLaury, grandchildren Julia (Jeff) Robinson, Jon Willcox, Kim (Thomas) Wolf, Brian Bidell, Shane (Heidi) Willcox, Kylee Borden; several great-grandchildren; brothers Nick and Lou and sister Louise; and several nieces and nephews.

Although limited by various health issues in her later years of life, Lena’s love for God, children, grandchildren and friends remained strong through her continued prayers for them and the joy that she received from them and also brought to them as well.

A memorial service celebrating Lena’s life and home going will be held at Oak Orchard Assembly of God church in Medina on Friday, December 10th at 4pm.