Obituaries

Ronald G. French, 76, of Medina, passed away on Wed., Feb. 19, 2020 after a long illness.

A son of the late Joseph and Mary (Redway) French, he was born on May 17, 1943. He married the former Audrey M. Leffler on Dec. 10, 1960. Mr. French was employed by Harrison Radiator Division of GM in Lockport and retired after 34 years. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Medina. He enjoyed fishing, camping, playing pool and dancing. Mr. French was known to be a friend and helper to many. His great sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mr. French was predeceased by his son, Ronald G. French Jr., on Dec. 14, 1993; and his granddaughter, Courtney N. Kenward, on Nov. 12, 2017.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Audrey French; two daughters, Catherine French (Chris Lista) and Christine (Lee) Blosenhauer; four grandchildren, Christopher (Shelby) Blosenhauer, Mark Blosenhauer, Morgan Kenward and Mitchel Kenward; twin sister, Rita Prentice; and several other siblings, nieces and nephews.

His memorial service will be held on Sat., Feb. 29 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1355 West Ave., Medina. Vicar Rick Mollenkopf-Grill will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion NY 14411.

Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Please share memories and condolences at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Alice Kennedy, 84, of Lyndonville, died Sat., Feb. 15, 2020 at Strong Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was born on July 6, 1935 in Louisville, Ala., a daughter of the late Davis and Leovia (Kelly) Redding.

Alice was the fourth of 10 children. She moved to Lyndonville in 1957 with her late husband, Charlie. Alice was a dedicated housewife, mother and grandmother, and she was the family’s matriarch. Alice was an excellent cook who was well known for her delicious meals. She was a devoted and faithful servant of Jehovah for the past 48 years.

Alice is survived by 11 children – son, Charles (Pam) Kennedy, daughter, Martha Middleton, son, Jesse (Denise) Kennedy, daughter, Leola Savage, son, Frank (Mona) Kennedy, daughter, Leza (Terrell) Woolfolk, daughter, Rose (Louis) Joseph, daughter, Mary Beth Kennedy, daughter, Sarah Davis, son, Willie David Redding, and daughter, Marion Woods; 28 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Besides her husband, Charlie Kennedy Jr., Alice is predeceased by a son, James.

Relatives and friends may call on Sat., Feb. 22 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, 3830 Stone Road, Middleport NY 14105, where a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m.

Arrangements were entrusted to Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St., Lyndonville NY 14098. Please sign the online register book at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

Russell L. Heideman, 63, of Lyndonville, passed away peacefully on Fri., Feb. 14, 2020, at his home with his loving family at his side. He was born on Dec. 16, 1956 in Lockport, a son of Raymond and Dorothy (Manning) Heideman.

Russell worked for 30 years for the Town of Yates Highway Department, retiring in 2018. He enjoyed motorcycles, fishing, and working in his garage. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Russell married Roxanne Kingdollar on July 14, 1973, and they made their home in Lyndonville, raising two children.

Besides his parents, Raymond and Dorothy, Russell is survived by his soulmate of 47 years, Roxanne; his daughter, Rachel (Steve) Coleman; his son, Chad; his loving grandchildren, Jessica (Dan) Volz, Ryan Coleman and Kevin Heideman; great-grandchildren, Grayson, Bayleigh, Teagan and Wyatt; his sister, Lori (Gene) Hofmeister; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

As per Russell’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made in Russell’s name to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion NY 14411.

He will be forever missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“Dad, I miss you more than words can express. I love you forever.”- Love, Your Daughter

Arrangements were entrusted to Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St., Lyndonville NY 14098. Please share a memory or light a candle in Russell’s name at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

Neil G. Fleming, 72, of Holley, passed away on Feb. 15, 2020 after a long fight with Parkinson’s disease. He was born Nov.14, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pa., a son of the late John Richard and Bette Louise Fleming.

Neil was retired from SUNY Brockport.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Buck-Fleming; his loving children, Ryan Fleming, William (Dori) Buck and Jennifer (Rick) Buck; grandchildren, Jacob Fleming, Julia, Morgan, Zachary and Felicia; great-grandson, Caine; brother-in-law, Rankin Shaver; close friends, Rosemary and Bill Bower; and best canine friend, Gretchen.

There will be no calling hours. His memorial service will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to National Parkinson Foundation, P.O. Box 23204, Rochester NY 14692.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Holley. To share a special memory of Neil, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Lois J. Eckerd, 77, of Medina, died Feb. 14, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia following a brief illness. She was born June 18, 1942 in Lockport to James and Annabelle (Cain) Yates and lived in this area all of her life.

Lois attended Bryant & Stratton College, and she worked as a cook in the Town and Country Restaurant as well as the Countryside Restaurant in Medina for over 20 years. She was a member of Abundant Harvest United Methodist Church in Millville, volunteered for the Medina Area Association of Churches, and was a Girl Scout leader in her earlier years. Lois enjoyed crafting and making handmade cards, sewing, knitting, and participating in her weekly prayer group, and for many years she was an Avon Lady selling Avon products.

Mrs. Eckerd was predeceased by her husband, Robert; and a brother, Robert Yates.

She is survived by her sons, Robert Eckerd of Lyndonville, Norman Eckerd of Lyndonville, Michael Eckerd of Medina and Jeffrey (Kim) Yates of Gasport; daughters, Laura Yates of Amherst, Vickie Patten of Massachusetts, Julie (Gary) Kaplan of Massachusetts, Cindy (Gregory ) Ackerman of Idaho and Rebecca (Ted) Chamalian of Florida; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation. Family and friends are invited to attend Lois’s memorial service at 11 a.m. on Wed., Feb. 19 at United Methodist Church of the Abundant Harvest in Millville, 12373 Maple Ridge Road, Medina NY 14103. Private interment will take place at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church.

Lois’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. of Albion. To share a special memory of Lois, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Franklin W. Rider Sr., 79, of Appleton, died Feb. 13, 2020, surrounded by his loving family at his son’s home, following a short illness. He was born Jan. 30, 1941 in Buffalo to John and Bernice (Beilfuss) Rider and lived in this area since 1953.

Franklin was a lifelong fruit farmer who enjoyed going to the casino, and he loved his animals. He had a special affinity for International Harvester tractors and shared that passion with his family and friends. Franklin was a family man who particularly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as a “Prankster and a Gangster.”

Mr. Rider was predeceased by a brother, John; and a sister, Catherine Ribbeck.

He is survived by his sons, Franklin (Janice) Rider Jr. of Barker, Robert Rider of Lyndonville, and Randy (Cindy) Rider of Gasport; a daughter, Tina (Ron) Newman of Lockport; sisters, Mary LaJoie of Middleport, Roseann McKenczie of Lockport and Virginia (Doug) Piskorowski of Barker; seven grandchildren, Ryan, Cassandra, Shannon, Tanya, Franklin III, Brittany and Brandi; eight great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. Private services and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport NY 14094; or to Barker Fire Department, 1660 Quaker Road, Barker NY 14012.

Franklin’s arrangements have been entrusted to Kenneth H. Sherrie Funeral Home, Newfane. To share a special memory of Franklin, please visit www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com.

Norma A. Christiansen, 89, of Williamsville and Middleport, died Feb. 13, 2020 at the Wesley Rehabilitation Center following a short illness. She was born Aug. 26, 1930 in Stillwater, N.Y., a daughter of the late Clarence and Hilvie (Johnson) Anderson, and she lived in the area for 32 years.

Norma graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia, where she was a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and was the ambassador for the experiment in international living; on one of her trips she met her husband, Jorgen, whom she married on Sept. 14, 1957. She also was a home economics teacher at Kendall Central Schools, the Director of Head Start in Groton, N.Y., and a member of the Medina Memorial Hospital’s Association of TWIG. She enjoyed reading and knitting, but most of all she loved spending time with her eight beautiful granddaughters.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Jorgen; and her sisters, Eleanor Bergquist and Dorothy Peterson.

She is survived by her sons, Jens Christiansen and Poul (Judy) Christiansen; daughters, Lise (Andrew) Harty and Anne Marie (John) Fraboni; granddaughters, Merete, Morgan, Karen, Emily, Sarah, Jordan, Emma and Sydney; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Mon., Feb. 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Bates, Wallace and Heath Funeral Home, 38 State St., Middleport, where her Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, 960 Main St., Buffalo NY 14202; or to Buffalo City Mission, 100 E. Tupper St., Buffalo NY 14203.

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

Catherine VanDetta, 78, of Albion, died Feb. 12, 2020 in Medina Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. She was born Jan. 16, 1942 in Albion to George and Marion (Cassidy) VanDetta and was a lifelong resident of this area.

Catherine was a person who loved to shop. She also loved cats, birdwatching, doing yardwork, cooking, and listening to the radio or watching TV.

Miss VanDetta was predeceased by her brothers, George, Anthony and Peter VanDetta; as well as two sisters, Judy Rutherford and Patty Swanger.

She is survived by her sister, Janice Loreback of Brockport; as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to attend Catherine’s memorial service on Fri., Feb. 21 at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion, beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will take place in the spring in Holy Cross Cemetery, Holley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Heart Association, 25 Circle St., Rochester NY 14607.

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

Ronald Scott Weaver, 76, of Pendleton, died Feb. 11, 2020 at his residence following a long illness. He was born Aug. 18, 1943 in Lockport, a son of Howard and Mildred Weaver, and he was a lifelong resident of this area.

Ron worked as a truck driver for many companies in the area and was an avid motorcycle enthusiast. He loved cats and dogs as well as watching TV and smoking a fine cigar. Most of all, Ron was a very social person who truly enjoyed visiting with his friends, whether in person or on the phone.

He is survived by his daughter, Kelly Weaver of Pendleton; his sisters, Doreen Williams of Newfane and Phyllis Bassler of Barker; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends.

Per his wishes, there will be no public services or interment.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to 10th Chance Feline Rescue, P.O. Box 392, Lockport NY 14095.

Ron’s arrangements have been entrusted to Sherrie Bream Funeral Home of Gasport. To share a special memory of Ron, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Sandra Michele Kintz, 66, of Waterport, passed away peacefully at her home on Feb. 10, 2020 after a courageous fight with lung cancer. She was born Aug. 22, 1953 in Ontario, Canada to the late Leslie and Mona (Pickering) Kaufman.

Throughout Sandy’s life, she accomplished many things. She was a nurse for 20 years, flipped homes, and owned several businesses, the latest being her marina. She enjoyed spending her time on the beach in Florida, fishing, boating and cooking. She had a great love for animals and was a very kindhearted person.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mona and Leslie Kaufman; and her husband, Steven P. Kintz.

Sandy is survived by her partner in life for over 20 years, John Jackowiec; her dogs; her daughter, Stephanie (Steve) Zalyski; her grandchildren, Kourtnee and Justin; four great-grandchildren; and her sister, Cathy Lewis.

The family will receive friends on Sun., Feb. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion NY 14411, where her Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 p.m.

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

Susan M. Green, 70, of Medina, entered into rest peacefully on Feb. 10, 2020 following a lengthy illness.

Born Nov. 16, 1949 in Rochester, Sue was a daughter of the late William T. and Katherine C. (Smith) McKenna. She was a graduate of John Marshall High School, class of 1967. On June 24, 1967, she married Douglas R. Green, and together they made their home in Medina. Sue worked as a secretary for Clifford Wise Middle School, then for Fisher-Price Toys, and lastly in human resources for Lockport Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, St. Mary’s Church in Medina. Sue enjoyed quilting and baking.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas R. Green, on Dec. 22, 2010.

She is survived by her two sons, Ronald (Melissa) Green of Medina and Randy (Jennifer Childs) Green of Churchville; daughter-in-law, Diane Green; four grandchildren, Tiffany, Dillon, Melanie and Mya; three great-grandchildren, Marla, Lilly and Sera; two brothers, Michael (Barbara) McKenna and Phil McKenna; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Edward McKenna; sister, Mary McKenna; and niece, Christy McKenna.

Family and friends may call on Sat., Feb 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, where her funeral service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. The Rev. Bernard Nowak, pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, will officiate.

Please share condolences and memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.com.

Lavern Owen “Bud” Fuller, 90, of Medina, went to be with the Lord on Mon., Feb. 10, 2020 at United Memorial Medical Center, with his loving children by his side.

Born on Aug. 4, 1929 in Buffalo, N.Y., he was the son of the late E. Laverne and Dorothy (Puff) Fuller.

Bud graduated from Medina High School in 1947. He had a fascination with airplanes and took flying lessons at the Marshall Road airstrip as a young boy. He received a commercial private pilot’s license at age 16, and he was part owner of a Piper Cub plane. Bud was drafted into the United States Army in December of 1952. He was stationed at Fort Hood Army Base in Texas, where he served as an armored personnel vehicle operator. It was here he met the love of his life, Doris McMahan, at the Army post rollerskating rink. They were married on July 12, 1953 and returned to Medina, and Bud took a job as a welder at Harrison Radiator in Lockport. He retired in 1993 after 40 years. While raising six children, Bud also worked part time repairing radiators at Walt’s Garage, building pole barns for Agway, and harvesting cabbage with Smith Farms in West Shelby. In addition, he was a dedicated Boy Scout leader of Troop 33 in Shelby Center, and he enjoyed trips to Camp Dittmer each summer.

Bud was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Parish who attended Mass regularly each Sunday. He loved golfing, gardening, birdwatching, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will always be remembered for his old-fashioned campfires with marshmallows roasted on homemade sticks. Bud loved spending time at his cottage on Lake Ontario, which he built with lumber from his father’s farm, and he and Doris also spent winters in Myrtle Beach for many years.

He is survived by his six children, Michael (Susan) Fuller, Gregory (Diane) Fuller, Steven (Linda) Fuller, Cheryl (Russell) Cree and Marguerite (Jonathan) Sherman, all of Medina, and Christopher (Melissa) Fuller of Columbus, Ohio; a brother, Paul Fuller; and sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Menz and Dorothy “Dottie” (Edward) Hellwig. He was blessed with 15 grandchildren, Amy Herman, Katie Crooks, Matthew Fuller, Timothy Fuller, Andrew Fuller, Mark Fuller, Meghan Fuller, Kayla Rosenbeck, Tyler Evans, Lucas Evans, Nathan Sherman, Nicole Guild, Tiffany Cree, Hailey Fuller and Brooke Fuller; and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly. Bud is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by his aides, Felicia, Stacey, Jackie and Steph.

He is predeceased by his loving wife, Doris; sister, E. Barbara Draper; brother, Robert Fuller; brothers-in-law, Merle T. Draper and William Menz; and sister-in-law, Patricia Fuller.

Relatives and friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 14 at Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St., Medina NY 14103. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 15 at Holy Trinity Parish/St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina NY 14103, with the Rev. Daniel J. Fawls celebrating.

Military honors will be accorded at the end of Mass by members of Lincoln Post #1483 Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Butts-Clark Post#204 American Legion.

Bud will be laid to eternal rest next to his wife, Doris, at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Shelby.

Donations may be made in his memory to East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company, 5021 East Shelby Road, Medina NY 14103; or to a charity of one’s choice.

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

Claudia Carol Hall, 74, of Lockport, passed away Feb. 8, 2020. Claudia was a longtime member of Hartland Bible Church, a past Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, a Sunday School teacher, and a Youth Group leader.

She was the mother of James “Jim” Carpenter and Ann Marie Carpenter; grandmother of Thomas James “TJ” Smith; sister of Norman (Martha) Walker, the late Rosemary Bernard, and Steven (Phyllis) Walker; and the aunt of Jeffrey Walker, Michelle Green, Laura Zorn, Beth Benedict, Robert Bernard, Joseph Walker and Jennifer Mozg.

The family will receive friends at Hartland Bible Church, 8110 West Ave., Gasport NY 14067, on Thu., Feb. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m., immediately followed by her funeral service. Interment will be Fri., Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. in Lynhaven Cemetery, Housel Avenue, Lyndonville.

In lieu of flowers, Claudia requested memorials be made to WNY Challenger Sports, 6133 Reger Drive, Lockport NY 14094; or to Autism Society WNY, 19 Limestone Drive #1, Buffalo NY 14221; or to Hartland Bible Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, Gasport. To share a special memory of Claudia, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Donalda A. Wagner, 91, of Gasport, died Feb. 9, 2020 at Absolut Care Center following a long illness. She was born Dec. 8, 1928 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada to Alexander and Marion (Tait) Wyllie and lived in this area since 1957.

Donalda was a great lover of pets who enjoyed gardening and being around flowers. She also was very family-oriented, and she loved family game nights as well as being the “mother” to all the neighborhood kids. Anyone who knew her would tell you that her life revolved around being a mom.

Mrs. Wagner was predeceased by her husband, Robert; a brother, Bob Wyllie; and a sister, Marion Wyllie.

She is survived by her children, Joseph Wagner of Amherst, Marion (Bob) Carter of Gasport, Elizabeth (James) Nemeti of Depew, and Patti Fuller of Niagara Falls; three grandchildren, Steven Nemeti, Zachary and Cassandra Fuller; sisters, Jean Donnelly of Burlington, Ontario and Janetta Wyllie of Hamilton; one niece and one nephew.

The family will receive friends on Fri., Feb. 14 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main St., Gasport, where her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. following visitation. Interment in Elmlawn Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimers Association, 6215 Sheridan Drive #100, Buffalo NY 14221; or to Niagara County SPCA, 2100 Lockport Road, Niagara Falls NY 14304.

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

George W. “Uncle Furry” Statt Jr., 59, of Clarendon, passed away suddenly on Feb. 9, 2020 at his home. He was born Nov. 28, 1960 in Rochester to the late George W. Statt Sr. and Sandra L. Gustke.

Uncle Furry enjoyed leather crafting and was active in scouting. He was an outgoing guy who enjoyed a good conversation.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Molly Katherine Statt; and brother, Scott Statt.

George is survived by his wife of 37 years, Laurey; children, Thomas L. (Kimberly) (Samantha Sevren) Statt, Margaret R. Statt and William P. (Cynthia) Statt; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; siblings, Robin (Norman) Rand, Theodore A. (Azeez) Zorrnow and Theresa (Terry) Daniels; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services will be held privately and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in George’s name may be made to the USO, PO Box 96860, Washington DC 20077-7677.

George’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 16650 State Route 31, Holley NY 14470. To share a special memory of George, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

1965 – 2020

Ted Allyn Hill loved the Navy, sports and his animals. Joining the Navy right out of high school allowed him to travel the world and visit all but nine states in the United States – a lifetime goal of his. On Jan. 23, 2020, Hill died peacefully while watching the sports channel at the age of 54.

Hill was born on April 27, 1965 in Medina, where he remained his entire childhood, graduating from Medina High School in 1983. After enlisting in the Navy in 1983, he traveled and lived around the world, including three deployments — one in Subic Bay, Philippines, one in Yokosuka, Japan, and one in London, United Kingdom. He traveled and lived in several countries and states both during and after his Navy career. During his time in the Navy, his ships, locations and years were as follows:

USS O’Brien (DD-975) | San Diego | 1984 – 1987
Naval Surface Group Western Pacific | Subic Bay, RP | 1988 – 1990
USS McCluskey (FFG-41) | Yokosuka, JA | 1990 – 1993
USS Chancellorsville (CG-62) | San Diego | 1993 – 1994
Fleet Industrial Supply Center | Pearl Harbor | 1994 – 1997
USS Oldendorf (DD-972) | San Diego | 1997 – 2001
Naval Activities United Kingdom | London | 2001 – 2003
Naval Recruiting District | Phoenix | 2003 – 2005

Hill retired in 2005 after 20 years of service in the Navy. After his retirement, he worked at the Veterans Administration in Phoenix, Ariz.; Prescott Valley, Ariz.; and finally in Helena, Mont. In 2009, he received his bachelor of science degree in business information systems from the University of Phoenix.

Ted enjoyed spending time watching sports. Some of his favorites were Buffalo Bills football, Pittsburgh Pirates baseball, and Arizona State University basketball. He also loved spending time with his cat, Cali, often roaming around with her outside finding critters and beautiful places together.

Ted truly was one of a kind. His love for all living creatures was a noble attribute, and his quick-witted humor will never be forgotten. Friends described him as a wonderful person with a heart of gold who will truly be missed.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Raymond Hill.

He is survived by his mother, Nellie Hill; stepfather, Jim Breitkopf; grandmother, Aeda Hill; uncle and aunt, Roger and Mary Hill; cousins, Amanda Hill (Nick Elms), Sarah and Tim Douglass; great-aunts and great-uncle, Nellie Culbertson, Jeanne Shepherd, Bobby and Pat Loring; and many Hill and Loring cousins.

Fair winds and following seas, Ted. We will miss you!

Sharon J. “Robyn” Udell, 65, of Medina, went to be with the Lord on Sat., Feb. 8, 2020 at her home. She was born on March 27, 1954 in Buffalo, a daughter of the late Jessie and Blanch Eaton.

Robyn graduated from Newfane Central High School and then earned her associate degree in business management from the University at Buffalo. She worked various jobs, including being a nurse’s aide at Mount Saint Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, from which she retired in 2019. Robyn was a very artistic person who enjoyed coloring and playing Candy Crush. She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, and she loved being a grandmother.

Robyn is survived by her husband, Richard Udell of Gasport; a son, James Hatrick of Medina; a daughter, Wendy (Scott Iles) Dickenson of Wilson; a son, Craig (Leah) Udell of Gasport; eight grandchildren, Owen and Ian Mank, Troy, Warren, Marshall, Colin, Ava and Hunter; and a brother, Rod (Mary Powell) Eaton of Connecticut.

There will be no calling hours. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family.

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

Loretta (Luxon) Draper, 85, of Medina, passed away peacefully Feb. 9, 2020 at her home. She was born Aug. 8, 1934 in Appleton, a daughter of the late Lee and Edna (Brown) Denny.

Loretta loved spending time with her family, playing cards, shooting pool, reading, and watching stories and Lawrence Welk. She also enjoyed visits from her brother, Melvin.

She was predeceased by her husband, Redvers Luxon Jr.; son, Randy Luxon; son-in-law, Robert Schuck; sister, Brenda; and brother, Lee.

Loretta is survived by her husband, Kenneth; children, Terry Luxon of North Carolina, Sandy (Douglas) Sitzer of Albion, Bonnie Schuck of Medina, Jeffery (Susan) Luxon of Medina and Tammy (Ray) Chase of Medina; brother, Melvin (Kathleen) Denny; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion, on Tue., Feb. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. (dress casual), followed by her funeral service at 7 p.m. Interment will be in Bates Road Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family.

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

Frances E. “Granny” Stafford, 68, of Lyndonville, passed away after a long illness at Strong Memorial Hospital on Feb. 8, 2020, with her loving family by her side. She was born May 4, 1951 to the late Robert and Patricia (McGurn) Conley.

Granny enjoyed making jewelry and antiquing, and her greatest joy was being a granny.

Granny is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Lynn; children, Rebecca (Christian) Reynolds, Brandon Stafford and Jenna (Justin) Davis; grandchildren, Renee, Rachael, Tessa, Justin and Adara; siblings, Mary (late Thomas) Samsel and Robert Conley; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Mon., Feb. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion NY 14411, where her Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 p.m.

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

Leatha Louise Martin Taber’s 45-year battle with multiple sclerosis ended on Feb. 8, 2020. She was born in Hamilton, Ontario on Oct. 11, 1952.

She was a 1970 graduate of Albion High School and received her B.A in English from Buffalo State College in 1974. Her entire career was spent with the Orleans County Department of Social Services. Reading was her passion, as well as any British murder mystery on PBS.

She is survived by her best friend and husband of 42 years, Tom Taber; their son, Ian Martin Taber; and several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her very special friends, Bonnie Hopkins Watson and Kristi Chilson.

Per her wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. A private burial of her ashes will take place near the top of Mt. Albion Cemetery in the spring.

Memorial donations may be made to the M.S. support group in care of Susan Weese, 110 Lakewood Village, Medina NY 14103.

Leatha Louise Martin Taber’s arrangements have been entrusted to Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 21 West Ave., Albion. To share a special memory of Leatha, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.