Obituaries

Cynthia L. Morrell, age 56, of Medina, entered into rest at her home on Sat., June 26, 2021. She was born on Feb. 5, 1965 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Charles and Norma (Becker) Laskowski. 

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Crystal M. Amey; son, Brandon K. Morrell; granddaughter, Jayden Dodson; sister, Rose White; brothers, Richard Laskowski and Kenny (Audra Hughes) Laskowski; nephew, Corey Schunk; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Cindy was predeceased by her daughter, Chelsea Morrell; brother, Tim Laskowski, brother in-law, Robert White; and nephew, Kyle Schunk.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life gathering on Wed., June 30 at 5:00 p.m. at 301 Erin Rd., Medina, NY 14103. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Joan “Carol” Robishaw, 92, of Clarendon passed away June 22, 2021. She was born Dec. 24, 1928 in Albion, NY a daughter of the late Harold and Meryl (Skinner) Parsons and was a lifelong resident of Clarendon.  

Carol and her husband Charles spent many years traveling and flying in their Piper Tripacer and also loved attending Conservation Officers Conventions.  Carol worked at B & L and was a corrections officer at the Albion Correctional Facility and a Security Officer at SUNY at Brockport.  She was a member of the Clarendon Lions Club.  Carol will be remembered for her spunk and cheerfulness and making friends wherever she was.

Carol is survived by her loving husband Charles, of 73 years; son, Randy (Joni) Robishaw of Clarendon; sister-in-law, Elizabeth (Betty) Robishaw of Holley; several nieces and nephews.

 A memorial service will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Carol’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 16650 Route 31, Holley, NY

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

Kenneth W. Bayne, Sr., 83 of Winter Haven, Fla., passed away on Thu., June 3, 2021 after a brief illness.

Kenneth was born on April 2, 1938 in Medina, NY to the late Wilbur (Dick) and Grace Joy Bayne.  He attended Lyndonville Central School and was a US Navy Veteran.  He then served as a deputy for the Alachua County Sheriff’s Department in Gainesville, Florida for several years.  He then went on to be a truck driver for Mayflower, Allied Van Lines, Coors Distributing and Oakley Transport.

Kenneth is survived by four children: Kenneth W. Bayne, Jr. of St. Augustine, Fla.; Michael Bayne of St. Augustine, Fla.; Gregory  Bayne of St. Augustine, Fla. and Kelly Mills of Jacksonville, Fla.  He is also survived by a sister, Carolyn B. Dill, of Lyndonville, NY; close friend, Helen Hines, of Lake Wales, Fla.; as well as several grandchildren.  Besides his parents, he is predeceased by a son, Jeffrey Bayne.

There will be a Celebration of Life scheduled in the Fall of 2021 in Winter Haven, Florida.

Gail F. Ward, 81, of Albion died Jan. 23, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born Sept. 8, 1939 in Albion, the daughter of the late Herman and Loraine (Gibbs) Ruck and had lived in this area all of her life.

Gail had worked at Head Start as a teacher’s aide. She bowled for over 50 years at Oak Orchard Lanes. She enjoyed her drives with her husband and dog Chloe, they traveled the countryside visiting the lake and watching the birds. Most importantly, Gail loved spending time with her family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Albert, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Albert; her children: Pamela (Richard) Woodcook, Roxanne Brooks, Daniel (Karen) Ward, Lora Hayes, Paul (Tammy) Ward; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Loren (Karen) Ruck; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Her family will receive friends on Sat., July 10 from 1-4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, under the outside pavilion, 428 W. State St., Albion, NY 14411.  Please join them for a picnic lunch. Memorials may be made to Supportive Care of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411.

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

Mark L. Webster, 60, of Holley died June 20, 2021 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia following a long illness.  He was born Aug. 7, 1960 in Brockport, a son of the late Charles and Hazel (Mower) Webster and had lived in this area all of his life.

Mark was a Home Health Care who was good at his job.  He loved spending time with his family; especially his grandchildren and he loved mowing his lawn.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Kate Webster; brothers: Jerry and Dave.  He is survived by his son, Joshua (Amanda Jones) Webster; step-daughter, Jill (Mike) Lowell; mother of his children, Robin; grandchildren: Carter, Kamryn, Blue, Kennedy, Jaxen, Kylie, Madison; brothers: Steve Webster, Donald Webster; nephews: Justin, Kyle, Joey, Aaron; as well as several other nieces, nephews and cousins.

His graveside service will be held on Fri., June 25 at 1 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery in Holley. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc.

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

Henry Richard Wagner, 94, of Holley passed away at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia on April 8, 2020. He was born May 3, 1925 in Clarendon to the late Edward and Margaret (Connors) Wagner.

Henry was a WWII veteran, farmer, carpenter, and contractor. He was very active in Scouting (BSA), Holley Fire Department, Holley Emergency Squad, Holy Name Society, American Legion, VFW and served 31 years as a Murray Town Councilman. Henry was influential in the implementation of 10 of the 11 water districts in the Town of Murray. Henry greatly enhanced the quality of life of the town residents with many of the key town ordinances and zoning laws that he put in place. He also helped drive a new tax base supporting the development of the industrial park in Holley to help offset the increased cost of maintaining the town’s infrastructure. He was a charter member of the Holley Woodmen Club and had the club’s cabin on his property for many years. In his later years, Hank loved to spend winters in Florida, cutting the grass on the farm and at his apartments and was always occupied with one significant project or another.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his three siblings: Edna Yoffredo, Edward Donald “Don” Wagner, and Martha (McFarland) Stockton.

Henry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 70 years, Sarah (Mowers) Wagner; 6 children: Peggy (Lee) Berlin, Jerry (Roxanne) Wagner, Charles (Cindy) Wagner, Rodney (Pat) Wagner, John (Robin) Wagner, Edward (Fai) Wagner; 19 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Henry’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 16650 State Route 31 Holley, NY 14470 on Sat., July 3, 2021 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. only. A celebration of his life will be held privately. Entombment with full military honors will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Resident Activity fund at the NYS Veterans Home, 220 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020; or Honor Flight Rochester, Inc.; PO Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692; or online at Honor Flight Rochester.

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

Roger Dillon, 78, of Albion, NY passed away on June 18, 2021 after a long illness. He passed in his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Roger was very outspoken and had a great sense of humor. He was also known to be stubborn, but above all he loved his family and he loved to be with them. Roger had a large and close knit family, from his immediate family to his many Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He loved spending time with all of them as often as he could. Many mornings per week were spent with family having coffee and chatting. Every Thursday and Saturday night were spent with family either playing cards or Yahtzee. If there was a holiday on the calendar, he was planning and insisting his family get together for a picnic or cookout so that he could cook for them and spend some quality time together. Any visit to his house would guarantee that you were fed, whether it be a full meal or one the many snacks he would have on hand to offer. None of his loved ones would ever have to worry about going hungry that is for sure.

Until he fell ill, Roger loved to be outside working in his yard. He loved to feed the birds and was known to have many feeders and birds around his yard. The hummingbirds would gather in the dozens to feed from his multiple feeders. He was also always busy making home improvements. Over the years, there weren’t many people in his life who could say he hadn’t helped them with home improvements of their own. When he was forced to sit down inside, he would spend his time completing crossword puzzles.

Roger lived in Florida with his wife for a few years and he loved his time there. He loved the warm weather and spoke of it often. However, he did move back to Albion so he could be close to his children and grandchildren. As much as he loved the sun, he would always love them more.

Left here to cherish his memories are: Gloria, his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years (Above you will see the photo that he kept in his wallet, still in perfect condition today). His children: Michael (Marie), Lisa (Eric) Baker, Daryl (Angela) Dillon. Grandchildren: Christina (George), Alyssa (Tim), Branden (Tricia), Tyler, Bradley, and Elisabeth (Josh). Great-Grandchildren: Lauren, Olivia, Veronica, Davin, Colin, and Jayce. As well as many others in the extended family who he spent much time with.

No prior calling hours were held. A celebration of his life will be held at 5487 Oak Orchard Rd., Elba, NY 14058 on Sat., June 26, 2021 at 2 p.m. Anyone who wishes to pay their respects is welcome.

Charles H. Porter, 104, of Gasport died June 20, 2021, in the care of his loving family at his home in Gasport, NY.

Charles was a 1935 graduate of Gasport High School, a 1940 graduate of Cornell University, and a 1956 graduate of the University of Buffalo. While he worked initially at Harrison Radiator and then as a sales manager at International Harvester, his career was primarily spent as an educator. He taught Agriculture and Chemistry at Castile and Perry High School and at Royalton-Hartland High School, where subsequently he became the Principal and ultimately the Superintendent, a position he held for 22 years, retiring in 1978. Charles was a member of the Middleport Rotary Club and the Gasport Masonic Lodge, as well as several professional organizations including the American Association of School Administrators and the New York State Superintendents Association. He also attended Holy Cross Lutheran church for the majority of his adult life.

Charles was happily married for more than 50 years to his wife, Jean (Hasler), formerly of Buffalo, who predeceased him in 1998. He was also predeceased by his brothers: John Porter, formerly of Millbrook, and Robert Porter, formerly of Lockport.

He is survived by his son, Charles H. (Nora) Porter Jr. of Poughkeepsie; granddaughters: Katharine (Derrick) Darling of Gasport, and Elizabeth (Peter Richmond) Porter of Newton, Mass.; great-grandchildren: Emma Richmond, Karl Darling, Thomas Richmond, and Grace Darling; and several nieces and nephews and their families.

The family will receive visitors at the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main St., Gasport, Fri., June 25, 5-8 p.m. only. Family and friends are invited to attend Charles’ funeral service Sat., June 26, 10 a.m., at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 133 Telegraph Rd., Middleport, followed by interment at Hartland Cemetery, 8541 Ridge Rd., Gasport.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Future Farmers of America or Rotary International in Charles’ honor. To share a special memory of Charles, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com

William J. Coxeter, 90, of Brockport June 20, 2021, after a short illness.  Born in West Haven, Conn. to William and Edith Coxeter. 

He worked for Cornell University Dept. of Plant Pathology in fruit disease research, following which he served Agway as a fruit and vegetable specialist for 32 years in Western NY.  He served on the Albion School Board of Education for 5 years.  He was a Town of Albion Councilman for 6 years.  For over 25 years he was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Holley when he resided in Albion.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; 4 children; 4 siblings; and 6 grandchildren.  He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Peter.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 16650 Route 31 Holley, on Fri., June 25, from 1-3 p.m. followed by a service of remembrance at 3 p.m.  Interment will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Pleasant Valley, NY at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators, P.O. Box 620486, Orlando, FL 32852-0486; Albion High School Alumni Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 345, Albion, NY 14411, for a student of Albion Central School who wants to pursue a career in Agriculture or Science; or Supportive Care of Orleans (formerly Hospice of Orleans) P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411

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

Kevin D. Heideman, 53, of Medina, NY, went to be with the Lord on Mon., June 21, 2021 at his home with his loving family at his side.

Born on Feb. 19, 1968 in Medina, NY, he was the son of Robert Heideman and Patricia (Wasnock) Collins.

Kevin graduated from Medina High School in 1988 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1989. On July 29, 1994 he married the former Pam James and together they raised three children. Kevin was a tradesman, working for various companies and in 2013 he started KDH Enterprises with his son Eric. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed playing horseshoes at the Jr. Wilson’s, and most of all fishing.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Pam; children: Felicia (Joe) Bragg, Eric Heideman, and Austin Heideman; parents, Robert (Dawn) Heideman, Patricia (Michael) Collins; and siblings: Michael Heideman, Tamara (Paul) Stephen, Marisa Minonno, Dave (Amy) Webster, Zachary (Kerri) Ausman, and James (Darcy) Beaver. Along with a large, loving family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, Kevin is also remembered by many wonderful friends.

Memorials may be made in Kevin’s name to Hospice of Orleans, P.O.Box # 489, Albion, NY 14411; or to PAWS Animal Shelter, 3371 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion, NY 14411.

Relatives and friends may call on Wed., June 23, 2021 from 6-9 p.m. at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina, NY 14103. Funeral and burial is private for the family.

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

Gail M. Holmes, 77, of Albion/Rochester died June 20, 2021 at Brighton Manor following a long illness.  She was born May 20, 1944 in Batavia, a daughter of the late Guy and Gladys (Rademacker) Bowen and had lived in the Albion area most of her life. 

 Gail attended Harvest Christian Fellowship in Albion.  She worked for General Motors at Rochester Products and then transferred to Tonawanda Engine Plant and retired Sept. 1, 2004.  She was a proud friend of Bill W.

 In addition to her parents, Gail was predeceased by her sister, Linda Sanderson and her nephew, Rick Sanderson.  She is survived by her son, Charles Ricker; grandchildren: Jacob Ricker, Heather “Jayden” and Alex Abrams; son, Ronald (Kelly) Ricker; grandchildren: Laiken and Patrick Ricker; daughter-in-law, Sandy Ricker; niece, Jodie Bonnerwith; nephew, Robert Sanderson.

 There are no prior calling hours.  Her Celebration of Life Service will be held at the convenience of the family.  Memorials may be made to the organization of one’s choice.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. Albion.

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

Elisabeth (Elly) A. Vreeburg, 73, passed away June 14, 2021 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. She passed away in her home surrounded by loved ones.

If you knew Elly you know how she loved life. You know how her laugh could fill a room and how her wise cracks and quick tongue caused everyone in the room to join in. You know how she fought for and was loyal to her family, friends and clients. You know how she was an overcomer from immigrating from Holland at age 2 and losing her father at the age of 12 as an older sibling of seven. In spite of this, you know she was optimistic and a hard worker as she graduated from St. John’s law school and opened her own law firm, Vreeburg Law Firm. You know how she was always up for an adventure or an outdoor sport; swimming, tennis, golf and skiing were her favorites. If you knew her, you loved her (unless you were on the opposing side of one of her clients).

Elly is survived by her six siblings: Ineke, Jake, Margo, Rick, Joe, and John, and 10 nieces and nephews. They will continue to honor her legacy by making the most of every moment.

She will be laid to rest next to her father, Jake, and mother, Anna at St Joseph’s Cemetery in Albion, NY. The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Thu., July 29 from 7-9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on July 30, 2021 at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Church in Albion.

Elly’s family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in honor of Elly’s memory to Colorectal Cancer Research: onecause.com

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

ALBION – Ronald E. Jones, of Albion, entered into rest on Friday, June 18, 2021 at his home at the age of 86. He was born June 4, 1935 in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Ron was a son of the late Albert and Helen (Culberson) Jones.

He proudly served in the United State Army from 1957-1959, stationed in Germany and served two more years in the reserves. A welder by trade, Ron worked for Owens-Illinois in Brockport and then for Rochester Products, where he retired from after 15 years.

On June 27, 1970 he married Marylon J. (Lake) Jones. Ron was an active parishioner of the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church and the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans, where he served as president for 5 years. Ron was a train enthusiast and belonged to the EB&O Train Club. He also enjoyed bowling and archery, having competed in many archery competitions over the years. Ron will be remembered as a good father and husband who loved his family dearly.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife nearly 51 years, Marylon Jones; children, Jefferson (Susan) Jones, Deborah Davis, Rhonda Long, Robin (Virginia) Bale, Cindy Schmitt, Jeanne (Kenneth) Anstey, Tina (Tim) McAllister and Michael J. Bale; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Helen Jane Leastman; brother, Gerry Jones; brother in-law, Norman Lake; sister in-law, Lauritta Connor; and several nieces and nephews.

Beside his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Jones; brother in-law, Douglas Leastman; sister in-law, Keithaleen Jones; and a son in-law, Michael Davis.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 25th from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, 107 N. Main St., Lyndonville, NY 14098, where his memorial service will immediately follow at noon (12 p.m.). Interment with full military honors will be in Lynhaven Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Lyndonville Presbyterian Church, Supportive Care of Orleans, PO Box 489, Albion, NY 14411 or to the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans, 615 West Ave., Medina, NY 14103. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Herbert W. Oberther, Sr., 81, of Medina entered into rest on Tue., June 15, 2021 at the Martin-Linsin Hospice Residence in Albion.

Born March 29, 1940 in Buffalo, he was a son of the late Harry H. and Margaret M. (Jones) Oberther. Herb lived the majority of his life on Townline Road in East Shelby. He was a graduate of Medina High School, class of 1959. On Sept. 18, 1965 he married the love of his life, the former Susan M. Swift and together raised a family of five children. Herb was employed by Barden Homes for many years and retired in 2004. He was a longtime parishioner of the First Baptist Church in Medina and a proud active member of the East Shelby Volunteer Fire Co. for 35 years. He was also an avid euchre player and member of the Senior Citizens of Western Orleans and enjoyed classic cars and going to car shows. Always one to put family first, Herb most of all enjoyed spending time with his family, especially their family camping trips and attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events over the years. A dear friend to many, Herb left a lasting impression on all who knew and loved him.

Herb was preceded in death by his wife, Susan M. Oberther in 2004; and a brother, Earl Oberther.

Survivors include his children: Debra (Michael) Hamilton, Herbert (Joette) Oberther, Jr., Dawn (Timothy) Petry, Tammy (William) Chmylak and Shaun (Stephanie) Oberther all of Medina; grandchildren: Travis (Ashley) and Kevin (Caitlin) Hamilton, Matthew (Lindsey Snyder) Oberther, Shelbie (Matthew) Francis, Baillie (Ben McPherson) Oberther, Crystal (Tyler) Luckman, Scott (Serina) Petry, Tiffany Petry, Alison (Bryer Boyce) Boring, Tyler (Dianna Smith) Chmylak, Megan Boring, Faith Oberther and Emilee Oberther; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Harriet (Jim) Nashwenter; brother, Dennis (Sheila Doty) Oberther; also several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Mon., June 21 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. His funeral service will be held on Tue. June 22 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 203 W. Center St., Medina. Interment will be in the East Shelby Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Supportive Care of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411. Share condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Dale Lynn Scalise, passed away unexpectedly on Thu., June 10, 2021 at the age of 61.

Born Jan. 28, 1960, Dale was a daughter of the late Arnold and Beverly (Prindle) Mix. She would go on to work in the New York State Department of Corrections, where she would retire after 29 years of service at the rank of Captain. While serving, she raised a family of three daughters and had a passion for arts and painting. Dale also enjoyed spending time at the beach collecting seashells and visiting Walt Disney World.

Dale is preceded in death by her mother, Beverly (Prindle) Mix; father, Arnold Mix; brother, Arnold Mix, Jr.; and grandson, Noah Jackson.

Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters: Shannon (Stephen) Jackson of Knowlesville, NY; Jennifer (Shawn) Nicholson of Medina, NY, and Tanya (Casey) Scalise-Wright of Naples, NY; sisters: Neva (Roger) Mahnke and Kim (Keith) Kinney; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Friends and family may call on Tue., June 22 from 3-5 & 7-9 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Interment will be privately held in Mt. Albion Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Share condolences at: www.cooperfuneralhome.com

Albert Wayne Keller, Loved Travel and Family, Engineer at Heart

Oct. 18, 1945- Feb. 2, 2021

Albert Wayne Keller of East Aurora, known to friends and colleagues as Wayne, died on Tue., Feb. 2, after a long battle with cancer. He was 75.

Born on Oct. 18, 1945, he grew up in Medina, the son of Irene (nee Whittleton) White and the late Al Keller. He graduated from Medina High School in 1964, and although he attended college at Farmingdale State College in Long Island, his career path truly began in 1970 at Fisher-Price in Medina. He eventually worked his way through the company, moving up the corporate ladder in Quality Control and working in their locations in Murray, KY, Holland, & East Aurora for 20 years, leaving the company in 1990.

At that point, Mr. Keller found employment in multiple companies and moved from East Aurora to Cincinnati, Ohio; Lancaster; California; Charlotte, N.C.; Port Charlotte, Fla., and finally back to East Aurora in May of 2015 after retiring, as it was always home. He retired as the Vice President of Product Integrity and Asian Operations from BRICA.

On July 25, 1970, after a short courtship, Mr. Keller married Sandra A. (nee Kendzierski) Keller and was happily married for 45 years until her death on June 12, 2015.

After the death of his wife, Mr. Keller reconnected with Kathleen Punch, a friend from his days living in Medina. She helped to bring out his laughter and enjoyed sharing his love for travel, especially taking rides in his Corvette. She made his final days happy.

With five full passports as evidence, traveling was one of Mr. Keller’s passions in life. In his career he often traveled for work taking trips to Asia, Mexico and Europe. He truly enjoyed time with family and found ways to make work travel double as family vacations. One special trip in 1987 allowed him to take his family to Hong Kong, China, and Seoul, Korea, thus instilling a thirst for travel in his children. To this day, his daughter, Julie, still loves to travel.

Mr. Keller was always ready to take a road trip, as driving was almost a form of meditation for him. He planned at least one road trip a year with his grandchildren. The trips often involved driving to Florida to pick up one grandchild and taking that one to Delaware to visit another grandchild and then bringing them back to New York to finish the visit. With family all over the country, destination spots were never hard to find.

Many of the trips also involved some type of connection to historical reference places such as Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. Mr. Keller wanted to support what the children were learning about in school. To him, travel was about sharing experiences, exploring and learning while spending quality time with the people he most loved, his family.

Mr. Keller also loved a good game of chess with his grandson, and he was proud when his grandson was recently able to win the game fair and square.

It is likely Mr. Keller earned his love for cars and tinkering with their mechanics from his dad, Al Keller, who was a NASCAR and Indianapolis 500 race car driver. The younger Mr. Keller’s enthusiasm was again passed on from father to son when Mr. Keller and his son Brandon replaced the engine in his son, Brandon’s Jeep.

Mr. Keller had a particularly handsome smirk and a twinkle in his eye when he joked with his family. He loved to laugh, and his laugh will be missed.

In addition to his 98-year-old mother, Mr. Keller is survived by his children: Julie (Frank) Keller Rizzo and Brandon (Yolanda) Keller; grandchildren: Elizabeth and Nolan Axford and Devin, Gabriel and Hannah Keller; sister, Ellyn (Greg) MacConnell; half-sister, Beth Keller Fitzgerald; mother-in-law, Alberta (nee Campbell) Kendzierski; fiancée, Kathleen Punch; fond brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his wife and his father, he was predeceased by his father-in-law, Daniel Kendzierski; and half-brother, David Keller.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held in his honor to share memories and lighthearted stories on Thu., July 22 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Becker Farms Vineyard Pavilion. It will include a simple burger bar meal (veggie burger available upon request). Please RSVP by text or phone for catering purposes by July 1 to Julie Keller Rizzo at (716) 536-5101. Due to numerous vulnerable guests, please respect the family’s request that a mask is worn if unvaccinated.

Memorial donations may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute by visiting www.roswellpark.org/giving or to Hospice of Buffalo by visiting www.hospicebuffalo.com.

The family entrusted arrangements to Lombardo Funeral Home, Southtowns Chapel, which offers an online space to share condolences at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.

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Editor’s Note: This obituary was originally written by Lifestyles Editor Jane Sullivan and published by Neighbor to Neighbor News in the East Aurora Advertiser on Feb. 11.

Penny Jo (PJ) Trebelhorn, 56, of Churchville, NY, died suddenly on Sun., June 13, 2021.

Born on May 31, 1965 in Portland, Oregon, she was the daughter of Dolores (Adamson)Trebelhorn and the late David Trebelhorn.

PJ was the author of 13 novels. She had a lifelong love for sports; particularly hockey and baseball. She spent most of the past decade residing in Western New York.

She is survived by her wife, Cheryl James; sisters: Carol Trebelhorn of SC and Phyllis Lichtfeldt of NC; several nieces and nephews; her inlaws, Hugh and Betty James of Lyndonville, NY; brother-in-law, Gary James of Syracuse, NY; and sister-in-law, Deborah James of Pa.

A memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced.

Memorials may be made in PJ’s name to Canine Partners for Life, P.O. Box 170, Cochranville, PA 19330; or through their website: www.k94life.org

Arrangements were entrusted to the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina, NY 14103.

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

Mildred E. Craine, 77, of Barker died June 14, 2021 in Niagara Hospice following a long illness.  She was born Aug. 24, 1943 in Niagara Falls to Samuel and Stasha (Bickford) Mangel and had lived in this area all of her life.  

Mildred was a member of the Community Fellowship Church in Johnson Creek, a member and Board Member of the Hartland Historical Society, and enjoyed gardening, playing cards and her ice chips.  She was a true advocate for family time which was evident by her weekly Sunday dinners.  Mildred was a kind, caring and loving person who truly loved her family but had a special love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  

Mrs. Craine was predeceased by her husband, Ken Craine; son, Allan; brothers: Albert and Samuel Mangel; and sister. Eleanor Haag.  She is survived by her children: Dean Voelker of Appleton, Barbara (Bill) Mongeon of Gasport; brothers: Thomas (Robin) Mangel of Lockport, Kenneth (Terri) Mangel and Terry Joe Mangel, all of MD; grandchildren: Luke, Matthew, Abraham, Chad, Justin, Miranda; great-grandchildren: Madison, Theodore, Case, Amilia, Charlotte, Emerson; several nieces and nephews and grand-pups: Willow and Sadie.  

There will be no calling hours and a private service and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Hartland Historical Society, 9713 Seaman Rd., Middleport, NY 14105.  Mildred’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Sherrie Bream Funeral Home of Gasport.  

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