Condolences

Timothy Fuller

In loving memory of Timothy Richard Fuller, his family shares with deep sadness his peaceful passing in his sleep, likely from a known heart condition, on the morning of June 9, 2023. Tim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. His kindness and gentleness were only exceeded by his faith in Christ and love for his family. All who knew and loved Tim know how much he will be missed as we celebrate the remarkable, devoted, and faithful life he lived.

Born May 20, 1957, in Syracuse, NY, Tim quickly developed a love for many things that would persist throughout his life, including his family, baseball (particularly the New York Mets), singing, Christian faith, and education. He graduated from Houghton College (now Houghton University) in 1979, attaining a degree in history while also discovering a passion for Christian higher education and meeting the woman he would be married to for nearly 44 years, Carol. Tim and Carol returned to Houghton in 1980 where Tim began his work in admissions and recruitment. He served Houghton students and the campus community for 27 years as a recruiter and Vice President for Enrollment Management, a role in which he developed the skill set to enter into consulting, beginning with Credo Higher Education in 2007 and eventually opening his own successful firm, Fuller Higher Education Solutions, in 2020.

Throughout his career, Tim devoted himself to the success of Christian institutions of higher education, becoming a beloved leader, guide, and friend to many college and university presidents, in organizations like the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Christian College Admissions Personnel, and the Association for Biblical Higher Education, and with colleagues across North America. His expertise made him sought after the first time; his compassion and sense of humor made him sought after for a lifetime.

As proud as he was of his career accomplishments, Tim was ever prouder of his family. He loved the team he formed with his beloved Carol, his teammate in life and in managing the Fuller household. He loved his children, Rebecca (Christopher), Daniel (Kristin), and Jonathan (Abby), who with their spouses and families hope to carry on Tim’s legacy of deep care, corny dad jokes, and devotion to their family. Of the many titles he held over the years, his favorite may have been “Grampy”, a role he thrived in as grandfather to Stephen, Ella, Eden, Liliana, Amos, Ruby, and Jackson. You could always find one of them in Grampy’s lap, searching for golf balls with him, or snuggled up while they took selfies together or watched whatever game was on TV. All of his surviving family, including his sister, Marilyn, and brother, Jonathan, cannot fathom life without the bright light Tim provided them.

In death, Tim is reunited with his cherished parents, Lillian and Richard Fuller, and united for the first time with his eldest brother, Stephen, who died at birth. We also anticipate Tim is already holding down the bass section in a choir singing joyful music and organizing a heavenly fantasy baseball league.

Bill Getty

 William “Bill” John Getty Jr of 9317 Sand Hill Road went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 in Buffalo General Hospital. He was born on December 29, 1951 in Buffalo, a son of the late William and Lois Goress Getty Sr.

Bill was a member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church and a former HVAC technician for Houghton College. He enjoyed watching trains and spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving are his children, Lisa Speta of Fillmore, Sara Getty of Blair, NE, William John (Crystal) Getty III of Pittsburg, PA and six grandchildren, Jordan, Jesse, Zachary, Ayden, Harley and Paul.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother, Paul David Getty on September 2, 2016.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at the Houghton Wesleyan Church,  9712 NY-19, Houghton, where a funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden and Pastor Paul Shea will co-officiate. Burial will be in Evangelical Protestant Cemetery, Pendleton.

Donna Hess

Donna Lee Hess of 7331 Campus Height went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 in Wyoming County Community Hospital, Warsaw. She was born on December 17, 1937 in Rochester, PA, a daughter of the late Matthew and Alice Griffith Spiers. On September 3, 1960 in Aliquippa, PA she married Robert Bruce Hess Sr. who survives.

Donna was a former missionary for One Mission Society, serving in Colombia and Ecuador, and during her time in Medellín, Colombia she co-taught a Bible Study class with a Roman Catholic nun on the Book of Revelation. She devoted her energy to support her husband and children through many activities; secretarial, hostess for work teams, local church activities, etc. Above all she loved Jesus and served people.

Donna was a member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church.  

She was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing, playing the piano, all types of flowers, gardening and cooking where she created dishes with a mix of foods from Western Pennsylvania, Colombia and Ecuador.  

She also enjoyed watching the Pittsburg Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, Monk and Murder She Wrote.

Surviving in addition to her husband are their children, Matthew “Mateo” Allon (Leticia) Hess of Bogotá, Colombia, Glenn Stephen (Jodi) Hess of Keizer, OR, Linda Lee Nuñez of Winter Springs, FL and 10 grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by a son, Robert Bruce Hess Jr.

Family and friends may gather from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, October 21, 2022 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Houghton Wesleyan Church. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant cemetery, Houghton.

Memorials if desired to: One Mission Society, c/o account number 408133, PO Box A, Greenwood, IN 46142

Queridos amigos y hermanos, con mucha tristeza queremos compartir que nuestra querida madre, doña Dana/Danita (Donna), ha fallecido ayer a las 3:15 p.m. estamos seguros que está con el Señor. 
Fue una bendición que los tres logramos muchos momentos especiales en estos últimos dos días. Yo (Linda) llegué de Orlando. Yo (Glenn) llegué de Oregón. Yo (Mateo) estuve aquí en New York y no en Bogotá.
Por favor ore por nosotros, y especialmente por don Roberto Hess, primera vez en 62 años no están juntos.
Adelante con valor, 
Mateo y Glenn Hess  y Linda Nunez

John Miller

John Daniel Miller of 9788 Circle Drive died peacefully in his sleep on October 10, 2022 in his home.  He was born in Orefield, Pennsylvania on August 15, 1930, a son of the late Roy A. and Elizabeth Schubert Miller. He married Carolyn Paine who survives. 

The seventh of thirteen children, he grew up in Allentown, PA, and graduated from Allentown High School in 1948.  John was a veteran of United States Army, serving from 1952 to 1954 before attending and graduating from Houghton College in 1957.  He received an MA in Linguistics from the Ohio State University in 1966.

John joined Wycliffe Bible Translators in 1957 and was assigned to serve with the Summer Institute of Linguistics from then until 2017.  His work in language research and development of minority languages took him to several countries in Southeast Asia. In addition to authoring numerous articles about these languages, he was instrumental in the translation of the Bible and in the preparation of dictionaries in several of them, as well as serving in a variety of administrative roles for the organization.  From 1996 to 2000 he served with his wife as co-director of the SIL work in Mainland Southeast Asia.

Surviving in addition to his wife are their children, Marjorie Doty, Gordon Miller, Nathan Miller, and LuAnne Brubaker, thirteen grandchildren, his siblings, Ronald Miller, Lynn Miller, Gene Miller, Kathryn Miller and numerous nieces and nephews.

Among other things, John will be remembered for his quiet strength and for faithful service to the Lord he loved.

Family and friends may gather for visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at the Houghton Wesleyan Church where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

Memorials if desired to: Wycliffe Bible Translators, P.O. Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862, https://www.wycliffe.org/donate

Phillip Brooks Main

November 17, 1933 ~ August 3, 2022 (age 88)

https://www.koplerwilliamsfuneralhome.com/notices/Phillip-Main

 
 Dr. Gustave G. Prinsell
 May 26, 1922 ~ July 13, 2022 (age 100)
Eulogy Service HERE

Dr. Gustave G. Prinsell, 100, of 7336 Campus Heights went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 in his home. He was born on May 26, 1922 in Jersey City, NJ, a son of the late Gustave J. and Doretta Knoeffler Prinsell. He married Louise Bininger who survives.

Dr. Prinsell was a graduate of Houghton College and afterward earned his MD at Columbia University Medical School, internship and general surgery residency at the University of Michigan’s Saginaw Hospital and a Tropical Medicine Fellowship at the University of London.

He devoted the early part of his career to medical missions that began at the Kamakwie Wesleyan Hospital in Sierra Leone, West Africa (1957-1964), followed by a short medical terms in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Haiti and again to Sierra Leone in 2001 and 2009.

In 1964, Dr. Prinsell began his private practice of family medicine in Houghton that served Allegany County until his retirement in 1991. He also served as the school physician at both Houghton College and Fillmore Central School. He helped found the Wesleyan Medical Fellowship, was active in the Houghton Wesleyan Church, and continued ministering to students at Houghton College where he received an Honorary Doctorate of Sciences Degree and Alumnus of the Year Award in 2018.

He was a proud veteran, having served four years (1942-1946) in the United States Navy as a minesweeper during WWII and a loyal member of the American Legion. His autobiography, “The Papa Bear”, published in 2017, also tells of his personal experiences, friendships, devout Christian faith and deep love of family.

Surviving in addition to his beloved wife of 75 years are their four sons, Jonathan (Dawn) of Orlando, FL, James (Britta) of Plano, TX, Jeffrey (Kim) of Marietta, GA and Joel (Jill) of Orlando, FL; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey Jr (Jenny) and Eric (Whitney) both of Marietta, GA, Michael (Lisa) of Galesburg, IL, Jonathan Jr (Alisha) of Cambridge, ON, Joy (Chandler Brothers), Grace and David all of Orlando, FL; five great-grandchildren, Logan, Landon, Luke, Mary Katherine and Liam all of Marietta, GA; and, several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his siblings, Edna, Helen and William.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore. A Eulogy Service will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Friday, July 22, 2022 at the Houghton Wesleyan Church where a funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate. Burial with Military Honors will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

Memorials if desired to: the “Dr. Gustave and Louise Prinsell Scholarship” at Houghton University, One Willard Avenue, Houghton, NY 14744, 585-567-9400  

Gladys C. Andrews Here is a link to the service.

Gladys C. Andrews, a former resident of Houghton, passed away on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at Tender Touch Heart & Home in Elizabethtown, KY. She was born on February 23, 1935 in Painesville, Ohio, a daughter of the late Eli and Pearl Korpinen Wakkinen. On June 7th, 1958 she married John M. Andrews II who predeceased her on March 9, 2017

Gladys was always an avid reader and chose to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Houghton College. Coming from the small town of Painesville, Ohio, and not being sure if she could even afford a college education, she felt incredibly appreciative of her parents’ sacrifices to make it possible for her to attend Houghton College. She continued on to earn her Master’s Degree in Education in Buffalo, NY. Gladys worked as an elementary school teacher while supporting John’s dream of obtaining his PhD from MIT. During this time they began their family and Gladys gave up teaching to become a full time homemaker and a most nurturing and devoted mother to her four children.

The family moved several times over the years due to John’s career. John was an adventure and travel enthusiast which became a big part of the family’s lives. While visiting China in 1986, John and Gladys found out by telephone that they’d be new grandparents. Gladys’ voice was full of joy with the news. She loved and adored her grandchildren and was always eager to spend time with them and care for them. Gladys was dearly loved and a great blessing to her friends and family.

As a strong believer and seeker of God’s Truth, Gladys would always find a family church and bible study to attend wherever their current home was. Eventually they settled between two homes, one in Watchung, NJ and the other in Houghton, NY where Gladys felt blessed to be a part of the Women’s Bible Study group. Throughout her life, she spoke fondly of her precious Houghton memories as this was the place where she’d felt most at peace and at home.

Surviving are three children, David Andrews of Sacramento, CA, Carolyn McKeon of Basking Ridge, NJ, and James Andrews of Vine Grove, KY; eight grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and her husband of 58 years she was predeceased by a baby sister at birth, and her son, John M. Andrews III.

Family and friends may gather from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at the Houghton Wesleyan Church where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore.

Memorials may be made to: Houghton College for the Lila M. Andrews Scholarship, One Willard Avenue, Houghton, NY 14744

Online condolences may be made at: www.koplerwilliamsfuneralhome.com

Harold Grant: Here is a link to the service. Here is a link to the bulletin.

Harold Arthur Grant of 7382 Centerville Road passed away January 18, 2022 at Olean General Hospital following a heart regulating procedure.  Harold was born on July 24, 1928 in Goshen, in the Catskills. A son of the late Ralph and Estella Smith Grant, as one of an eventual total 13 children. 

On June 30, 1951, he married the love of his life, Evangeline Goldie Osgood, whom he met at her father’s church in Chichester.  Evangeline and Harold celebrated their 70th year of marriage in June.

Besides his immediate family, he is survived by his sisters, Jane Dempster, Norma Curtis, and Dorothy Grant, as well as multiple beloved nieces and nephews, many of whom considered him their father figure.

Though not able to finish his education after the 8th grade as he left to help contribute to his large family, Harold made sure that his children would be afforded the opportunity to attend college by coming here to work for Houghton College.  All five of his children had that educational opportunity.

Early in his career, he worked as a lumberjack until he found an apprenticeship as a print maker and linotype operator, first in the Syracuse Publishing House in Syracuse then as a printer for the New Milford Times in New Milford, Connecticut before getting an opportunity to come to Houghton College, where he worked from 1964-1994 in the College Press as a linotype operator and later as the Quick Print operator.  He greatly enjoyed collaborating with the students, working and putting together the college newspaper, The Houghton Star.  Twice Harold was voted as staff member of the year for the college, once in the 70’s and once in the 90’s, showing his influence over the decades. 

His influence was also felt in the Houghton community, which he was proud to be a part of.  He was a lifetime member of the Houghton Volunteer Fire Department, holding positions over the years including captain of the ambulance crew, captain of the snorkel, Assistant Fire Chief, and Fire Chief in the mid- 70’s. 

With his wife, Evangeline, Harold often opened their home to students and young persons in need, who often lived with them for periods of time; he considered them part of his family. Some referred to them as “Macho” and “Pacho.”

He was also a member of the Houghton Community Association from the 70’s to the 90’s ensuring community improvements, participated in many bowling leagues within the county over the years, was a long time member of the Wesleyan Methodist church and attended the Houghton Wesleyan Church, and was often remembered as a loved spectator and supporter of many Fillmore Central sports teams over the years, as well as Houghton College basketball and soccer games.  In his later years, he also attended the Genesee Rapids games.  He loved fly-fishing in the Catskills and hunting locally; making many jealous of his hunting prowess.

As New York State Commissioner of Clan Grant for many years, Harold could be seen attending Celtic festivals across the state, discussing his clan history and making friends wherever he went.  He was overjoyed when he was able to visit his Clan Grant territory in Scotland twice in his lifetime.

Surviving in addition to his wife are their children David and Molly Wenke Grant of Hawthorne, Florida; Vicki and Earl Grant-White of Houghton, Michael and Donna Hartman Grant of Honeoye, Valerie and Michael Smith of Caneadea, and Rebecca and Larry Griffin of Sterling, Virginia.

Harold was also very enamored of his 19 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren; often telling them, “Make me proud” whenever he said good-bye to them. Three persons were named after him:  David Arthur Grant, Brandon Grant Fegley, and Ryan Harold O’Gorman. 

He was predeceased by his parents, 7 brothers, and 2 sisters.

Family and friends may gather from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, January 28, 2022 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore where a Fireman’s Service will be held at 7:00 pm.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 1:00 pm in the Houghton Wesleyan Church. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton. 

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Houghton Volunteer Fire Department or to Houghton College.

Wendy Ott: Here is a link to the service. Here is a link to the bulletin.

Wendy L. Ott of Elton Rd. went to heaven on Tuesday (Jan. 11, 2022) at her home following a long illness. Born Nov. 10, 1969 in Springville, NY. She was the daughter of Martin and Janice Schweickert Barrett. On Sept. 2, 1988 in E. Concord, NY she married Raymond F. Ott who survives.

Wendy was a graduate Springville-Griffith Institute in Springville, NY. She formerly operated a portrait studio from her home, with her best friend Joy Blasdell. Wendy was a member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church, former member of the Pioneer Central School Board, and she enjoyed traveling and camping.

Surviving besides her husband of Farmersville, is her father of E. Concord, a daughter Ashley Ott of Cheektowaga, a son Randy (Deb) Ott of Katy, TX, two grandchildren, Emileigh and Xander Ott, a special niece who was like a daughter to her Grace Blasdell. Two brothers, Chuck (Cindy) Barrett of Hamburg, NY and Terry (Roxanne) Barrett of FL, two sisters, Susan (James) Latham of E. Concord and Cindy Barrett Ott of Wyoming, NY and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather with the family on Friday (Jan. 21, 2022) from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the Houghton Wesleyan Church, 9712 Route 19, Houghton NY where her celebration of Life will be held on Saturday (Jan. 22, 2022) at 11am. Celebrating her life will be Rev. Wes Oden pastor.

Memorials may be made to the Houghton Wesleyan Church Library, 9712 Route 19, Houghton, NY 14744 or thepinkpumpkinprojest.org.

Marjorie Eila Shea of 9876 Luckey Drive passed away on Sunday, January 9, 2022.  She was born on March 5, 1944 in Warsaw, the second child of the late Alton James Shea and Aileen Ortlip Shea.  She led a life dedicated to beauty and service in West Africa and in the USA as a nurse, a teacher, and an artist.

Eila graduated from Wellsville High School in 1962, attended Houghton College for two years and graduated with a B.S. Nursing from Columbia University School of Medicine in 1967. She also took evening classes at the Art Students League in NYC. She spent the 1970s working as a nurse in Sierra Leone, West Africa.  Returning to the USA primarily for health reasons, from 1982-1987 she worked part-time as a nurse while completing a second degree—a B.A. in Art from Houghton College. One semester was spent at Indiana Wesleyan University studying under notable nature watercolorist, Rod Crossman. Miss Shea’s Christ-motivated compassion for others and delight in God’s beauty in nature then merged with a nearly two-decade career teaching art and serving as school nurse at Houghton Academy. 

After retirement in 2011 she continued to nurse part-time and to paint, with her works displayed in homes, art shows and public spaces across the country.  She delighted in providing art therapy classes in several nursing homes in Allegany County, held weekly Bible studies at Allegany County Jail, and served alongside others in children and adult ministries at Franklinville First Baptist and Wellsville First United Methodist Churches over several decades.  

Surviving are brothers Jonathan (Pat) Shea of Sebring, FL, and Paul (Debbie) Shea of Houghton, five nieces and nephews, 12 grand nieces and nephews, and a host of friends who vouch that “she occupied a large part of my heart and life.”

Family and friends will gather at a date to be determined in the month of May at Houghton Wesleyan Church to celebrate a life that let her light shine and glorified her Heavenly Father. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

Memorials if desired may be designated to: Houghton Academy, Houghton College, and/or Kamawkie Wesleyan Hospital (Sierra Leone) through Global Partners of the Wesleyan Church.

Precious Ezekiel “Zeke” James Sardina, born April 28, 2016 passed peacefully into heavenly eternity on January 4, 2022 in the comfort of his loving home with his mother and father by his side and siblings close by.

He soaked in and gave love with his gentle eyes and radiant smile, captured the adoration of all with his chubby cheeks, smart glasses and the coolest curls. He had a spirit of goodness that could only be gifted by the Holy One. He was our “Zekers”, “Zeke-man”, and “Zeke-in-nator sweet potater”. He loved “shake a leg” to make him smile, video chats, legos and magic tricks with big bro and sis, hangin’ and gamin’ with his bigger big bros, being sung to, doted and loved on by his bigger sisters, “ugga-muggas”, and rockin’ in the “mama chair” gazing up at mom or dad. His life and story of adoption, despite what the world sees as weakness and burden, inspired more good and brought blessing to more people than we will ever know.

His life is celebrated, treasured, and survived by his father and mother, Christopher and Sarah Sardina; siblings Emily (Peter) Laurent, Jacob, Lily, Heidi, Simon, Henry, Jonah, and Eden Sardina; grandparents, Frank and Connie Sardina, Larry and Gena Baney; super nephews Eamon and Beau Laurent; aunts and uncles Rebekah (Jonathan) Brennan, Brian (Jenn) Baney, Caleb (Sarah) Baney, Heather (Wade) Fiegl, Jonathan (Sarah) Sardina; 17 cousins, many great aunts and uncles, our special “Auntie Teri”, along with many beloved friends, foster care and health care workers. He is being greeted in heaven by truly great-grandparents and many other beloved friends and family.

We are forever thankful for those who cared for him on his path to becoming our son; Mama TJ and Papa Carlos, and Mama Carolyn and Dex.

It was a privilege to get to be yours, Little Man. We will be together again soon, all of us beautifully whole, shining with the light and love of our Savior. “Sooner than we think, longer than we wish” John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress

Family and friends may gather from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore where a funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm. Zeke’s grandfather, Larry Baney and David Heizinga will co-officiate. Burial will be in Centerville Cemetery, Centerville.

Mary Adell Boomhower, 89, died peacefully at Wyoming County Community Hospital in Warsaw on Thursday morning, October 28, following a brief illness.  She was a longtime resident living independently in Houghton, having relocated from Eastern New York State in 1952, to accept a position on the Houghton College staff.

​Mary was the youngest of four children born to Raymond and Edna (Clark) Boomhower, in Catskill, NY.  Her three older brothers, Edmund, and twins, Arthur and Albert “Don” Boomhower, predeceased her, as did her parents.  She is survived by sisters-in-law, Marion Boomhower of Los Angeles, and Phyllis Boomhower of Catskill, and by her nephew, Timothy (Melody) Boomhower of Efland, North Carolina. She leaves several grand-nieces and nephews.

​Mary graduated from SUNY Cobleskill with an AA degree in nutrition and worked for the Houghton College food service for the first 25 years.  In the late 1970s the college began contracting with outside vendors to provide board plans, and Mary was offered the opportunity to retool and become part of the administrative support staff as a secretary/administrative assistant to several academic departments. With trepidation, she followed that path and flourished.  

She was a loved, respected, and valued member of the college support staff where she served for 45 years, retiring in 1997. In 1998, President Daniel Chamberlain established the Mary Boomhower Staff Excellence Award, which is still given annually from nomination by peers and faculty to one staff member who exemplifies the criteria for which Mary was known: strong work ethic, integrity, willing and loyal spirit, and dedication to serving others.

​Mary had varied hobbies and interests: she was a birder, of sorts, who loved domestic and wild birds and always had a parakeet to keep her company as a lifelong single person.  She was known for her exceptional and intricate needlework wall art, widely distributed Christmas batches of homemade peanut brittle, commitment to her women’s Bible study, and her quiet, guileless demeanor. 

She was a devoted parishioner at Houghton Wesleyan Church and continued her lifelong support of her home church, the Full Life [Wesleyan] Church in Catskill.   Mary touched many lives in the community by her humble, gracious, kind way of living and loving those in her orbit.  The sorrow of her loss gives way to the Blessed Hope by those of shared faith. Her friends call her Blessed for the godly, selfless, and faithful example she has modeled for us.

​She will be buried near her parents in the Catskill Rural Cemetery on Monday, November 8, at 11:00 a.m.  Pastor Craig Paczkowski of Full Life Church will officiate the graveside service. Then on Saturday, November 13, at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Wes Oden and the Houghton Wesleyan Church will host a celebration of Mary’s life. All are welcome.​

​Gifts in Mary’s memory, if desired, may be sent to Houghton College, Houghton Wesleyan Church, or Full Life Church in Catskill.

Surviving are two daughters, Brenda (Robert) Zimmerman of Norristown, Pennsylvania, Barbara (James) Caley of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, three grandchildren, Benjamin, Karissa, and Rachel (Jonathan) and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by four brothers and sisters: Betty (Tom) Davies, Margaret Mae, Donald (Kathryn) Byerly, and Anne (Charles) Moore.

Son of missionary parents, Robert and Jesse Glockler Byerly, Warren was born on August 2, 1924, in Beirut, Lebanon. Warren grew up speaking French, Arabic and English. The family lived in Sidon in the “house by the sea.” Fond childhood memories included swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, flying his kite on the flat roof of his family’s home, summer vacations in the Lebanese mountains, and eating Mediterranean foods. His love of kites continued into his adult years, flying his homemade kites at the Houghton airstrip.

At the age of eight, Warren attended boarding school located 30 miles north in Beirut. It was here he discovered his love for music and the violin. He was often asked to play for church services and special events with his wife, Marilyn accompanying him on the piano.

At the age of 15, his family left Lebanon and came to the United States. They experienced blackouts on the ship as they traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, arriving two days before the start of WWII. A year later his parents returned to Lebanon and Warren stayed behind to attend Stony Brook School for Boys on Long Island until graduation.

Though not thinking of himself as “college material”, close family friends encouraged and arranged for him to attend Houghton College, graduating at age 29. In 1956, Warren became an Allegany County social worker. In 1960, he was appointed to become the county’s first probation officer. Then from 1968 until 1985 when he retired, he was a probation officer for Cattaraugus County. On occasion, he brought a probationer home while waiting for an appropriate placement to open.

In 1964, Warren decided to buy a pop-up camper and the family enjoyed many wonderful vacations together. Each summer he would add a new improvement to the camper, and it soon became a deluxe pop-up camper. He enjoyed watching tennis, playing table games, writing, and photography. Warren was also an avid reader, interesting storyteller, and writer. He wrote a short note about each book he read including his reaction to it. He wrote several articles for the local paper and poems about his days in Lebanon. He committed several books of the Bible and long passages to memory, including Romans and Hebrews, following a monthly review plan to keep them fresh in his mind.

He began running in his 40’s. In his 90’s, he kept his habit of keeping fit, religiously starting his mornings running/walking at the Houghton College indoor track.

In April 2002, Houghton College dedicated their new carillon to Warren and Marilyn Byerly. Warren volunteered many hours servicing the old carillon and researching a new one. After retirement, Warren was treasurer for the Cemetery Association and a local fire department.

Leonard Morris Watson, 84, of Belmont died on Saturday, January 9, 2021 in Guthrie Hospital, Sayre, PA. He was born on September 11, 1936 in Wellsville, a son of the late Lynn and Dorothy Baker Watson. On June 9, 1962 in Quakertown, PA he married Margaret Jenkins who survives.

Leonard attended school in a one room schoolhouse with four children, and when he was in second grade, the children were bussed to the old Belmont Central School. After graduation he attended Alfred State College for Agriculture.

Leonard and Margaret eventually purchased the 640-acre farm and the house from his parents where they raised their three children, Sharon, Brian, and Karen. Life revolved around the farm, church and family.

He served as the West Almond Town clerk for two years from 1965 to 1967. Encouraged by a friend, he ran for county office and eventually represented District 5 on the Board of Legislators where he served for 26 years, with two years as Chairman of the board. In 1976, he served on the building committee overseeing the new addition to the courthouse.

Leonard was the happiest and most comfortable in his shop at the house with his many woodworking projects which included building six grandfather clocks.

He was involved in many community projects including the renovation of the West Almond Community Building and was chairman of the committee to raise money for the street clock that stands in Angelica today. Leonard served on the Cuba Hospital Board as well as the Allegany County Republican Executive Committee.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a daughter, Sharon (Richard) Kiefner and their children Adam and Hope; a son Brian (Elena) Watson and their daughter Alyona; a daughter Karen Marquis and her children Ryder, Logan and Josephine; a brother, Lewis (Toni) Watson and several nieces and nephews.

A private gathering and funeral service will be held at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden, pastor of the Houghton Wesleyan Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Forrest Hills Cemetery, Belmont. A public celebration of life will be held later during summer 2021.

Memorials if desired to: Angelica Rescue Squad, 85 W Main Street, Angelica, NY 14709

Dr. Richard H. Fuller

Richard Harlow Fuller, 93, of Frankfort, went home to be with his Savior on October 21, 2020 at Wesley Manor Retirement Community.  He was born on June 10, 1927 in Syracuse, NY to Harlow Mercer and Mildred (Stewart) Fuller.  He married Lillian (Petzinger) Fuller on July 1, 1950.  Lillian passed away on December 24, 2018.

Richard graduated from Valley High School in Syracuse, NY and attended Hope College in Michigan before enlisting in the Navy near the end of World War II.  He served in the Pacific Fleet before returning home at war’s end. Upon his return, Richard completed a degree in optometry from Columbia University and was a practicing optometrist until his retirement in 1987, continuing a four-generation tradition started by his great-grandfather in Phoenix, NY.  He specialized in low vision work in addition to his regular practice and eventually completed his Doctor of Optometry degree through Boston University. The majority of his retirement years were spent in Houghton, NY, where he was an active volunteer at the Royal Family Kids Camp and Houghton College.

Richard will be remembered by his family as caring health care professional, a loving father and grandfather, a talented woodworker, a devoted Christ follower, a loyal Syracuse University fan and someone who loved a good laugh.  He served as a church board member for several congregations in Syracuse and served on the Town of Caneadea, NY board for several terms.

Dr. Fuller is survived by his three children:  Marilyn (Paul) Copeland of Frankfort, Timothy (Carol) Fuller of Indianapolis and Jonathan (Kate) Fuller of Phoenix, AZ; 8 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other family.

A memorial service is planned for the near future.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Houghton NY Wesleyan Church (https://www.hwchurch.org/giving/) and designated for the support of the Royal Family Kids Camp.

NORMAN PARKS

Norman H. Parks, MD,  82, of Crowfields Lane, Asheville died early Monday morning, October 5, 2020.

He was born in Olean, NY to a family of ten children, including Sandy Blake, Sally Johnson, and Paul Parks. His nine siblings were his dearest friends and have been a constant source of unconditional love and support throughout his life. Dr. Parks was a graduate of Houghton College and received his medical degree from Syracuse University.

Norm was a beloved pediatrician at Asheville Pediatrics, giving tender care and wise advice to children and their families for more than 30 years. He was an accomplished singer having trained at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. He performed extensively in concerts, on stage and in church. He was an elder at Arden Presbyterian Church and an avid hunter and outdoorsman. His calm, sage counsel was highly respected and sought by many. He will long be remembered by his family and community. He was a man of tremendous faith and is surely home.

He is survived by his wife of ten years, Carole Adams Parks; three children Cheryl Burleson, John Parks and Jennifer Boice; three sons-in-law Tony Burleson, Darren Boice and James Koon; five grandchildren Dustin Burleson, Grant Burleson, Connor Boice, Emmerette Boice and Westley Koon; two great-grandchildren Evie Burleson and Isla Burleson and all nine of his siblings. Carole’s three children Larry Adams, Lori Johnson and Tim Adams also loved Norm along with her six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of forty-four years, Joan Horsey Parks, and his daughter, Lenore Parks Koon.

Richard Stevenson Fero

Dick Fero passed away in the early morning hours of October 4th, surrounded by family members, from complications following a stroke. He and family were fortunate to share his last days in person and Zoom calls, singing, telling stories, and praying.

Dick was born in Plattsburgh, New York on New Year’s Eve 1936 to Homer J. Fero, DDS & Mildred S. Fero. The family moved to Houghton, New York where his father became the Dentist for the community and college there.

As a teenager, Dick dreamed of becoming a “crack pilot”. Like many family members, he enrolled and began studies at Houghton College. But, he finished his degree in Psychology at Alfred University then joining the US Air Force as a B52 crew member. Still pursing his dream, he left the Air Force for the US Army.

Based in California, he returned to New York on leave, meeting the daughter of his parents’ college friends. Edith & Alvin Densmore, DDS, had known Dick’s parents at Houghton College and now resided in neighboring Perry, New York where “Al” practiced Dentistry. Dick proposed to Annette and the two were married on October 31, 1964 in Mt. Morris with a reception at the Glen Iris Inn in Letchworth State Park.

Next, Dick traveled to Vietnam as a US Army Advisor to the South Vietnamese. The young couple was fortunate to meet in Hawaii for their honeymoon. Upon returning, Dick finally realized his dream to fly completing the US Army’s new helicopter school in Fort Rucker, Alabama. He returned to Vietnam for a second tour.

Dick’s US Army Aviation career took him to Savannah, Georgia, Seoul, Korea, and then to Shelbyville, Indiana as the Advisor to the Indiana National Guard. After a brief final assignment at Fort Hood, Texas, Dick retired from the US Army and accepted his next assignment as Personnel Director at W.S. Major Hospital where he spent the next nine years.

In Shelbyville, Dick began his commitment to community service joining many organizations and became a fervent Rotarian. He took on leadership roles in the Shelbyville community that were sometimes difficult. But Dick stayed focused on doing the right thing for the Shelbyville community. He served many organizations and boards with mission-like commitment, including the Shelby County Public Library & Foundation and Shelbyville Aviation Board. He spent an extremely rewarding 20+ years with the sheltered workshop, Shares Inc., finding work projects for clients and chaperoning annual trips.

Dick’s involvement in the community built an inner strength that motivated him to pursue political office, a surprise to some family members. He served as Shelby County Republican Chairman and was then elected to three terms as a City of Shelbyville Common Council Representative. Never deterred by work to meet an objective, Dick walked streets and neighborhoods meeting residents and asking for their vote. Dick truly believed in doing what he felt was right for the City of Shelbyville.

In 2014, Dick and Anne celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family at the Glen Iris Inn in NY. And last year, they moved to a retirement village in Indianapolis.

Three weeks ago, Dick was so pleased to have a long visit with his granddaughter, Ellen Fero, who is a Freshman student-athlete and pursuing a degree in Psychology at Indiana State University. He is survived by his two sons, John (wife, Ilyse Hillebrand) of Indianapolis and Steven (Suzanne Thomas) of Fishers, his granddaughter, Ellen Fero of Terre Haute, and her mother Lisa Fero of Fishers. Dick is also survived by his three sisters, Nancy (Arne) Dahl of East Patchogue, New York, Virginia (Marty) French of Alexandria, Virginia, and Deborah (Paul) Young of Houghton, New York.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 11 AM at the Houghton Wesleyan Church in Houghton, New York with burial in Freedom Cemetery, NY.

Robert L. Cummings

Funeral Service: June 27, 3:00 p.m. at Kopler Williams Funeral Home HERE

Burial Service: June 29, 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery
(both services will be live-streamed to the Kopler-Williams Facebook page)

 Robert L. Cummings of 9881 Seymour Street died Saturday, June 13, 2020 in the Houghton Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility. He was born on February 12, 1923 in Clayton, a son of the late Malcolm and Charlotte Robinson Cummings. On July 31, 1948 in Hubbardsville he married Marion E. Thornton who predeceased him on January 5, 2011.

Bob was a United States Army veteran serving during World War II. He was also a former professor at Houghton College where he taught German.

He was a member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church and the D. Victor Thomas Post 1155 of Fillmore. Bob enjoyed writing letters and stories which included 20 unpublished books.

Surviving are his children, Stephen (Kathleen) Cummings of Gainesville, Virginia, Brenda (Daniel) Dix of Ft. Myers, Florida, five grandchildren, Stephen Cummings II, David Cummings, Rebecca Dix, David Dix, and Michael Dix, nine great-grandchildren with three more expected this year and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents he was predeceased by five siblings.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 3:00 pm at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore.  The public is also invited to attend the graveside service on Monday, June 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.  in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton. Paul Shea, assistant pastor at the Houghton Wesleyan Church, will officiate. Both services will be live-streamed on the Kopler Williams Facebook page.

Memorials if desired to: Houghton Wesleyan Church, c/o Missions Fund

Rolland L. Fletcher

Visitation: Thursday, November 21, 9:00-11:00 am here at the church
Memorial Service: Thursday, November 21, 11:00 am here at the church

David A. Howard

Professor of History, Houghton College

• Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. at Grace United Church, Wellsville, on Saturday (June 15, 2019) with a memorial service following at 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Sergei Nikolaev will officiate. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody, Mass.

Dr. David Allyn Howard, 76, of Houghton, NY, died peacefully at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY, Sunday, June 9, 2019, after an unexpected illness; he was the loving husband of 50 years to Dr. Irmgard (Irma) Keeler Howard. He had taught history at Houghton College, Houghton, NY for 48 years. David was the eldest son of Martha and William (Al) Howard of Salem, Massachusetts. He graduated from Salem High School and Gordon College (Wenham, MA). He earned his master’s degree and doctorate from Duke University. He met his wife, Irma, through Intervarsity Christian Fellowship while they were both graduate students at Duke; she played the organ at Blacknall Memorial Presbyterian Church and he sang in the choir. As professor at Houghton College, Dr. Howard taught classes in Latin American History, African History, British History, The Reformation, and History for Science Honors, among others. He advised hundreds of students pursuing careers in the humanities, law, and sciences and was known, according to Dr. Paul Young, for his “perspicacious” insights and a deep, but subtle, sense of humor.   He is the author of two books: The Royal Indian Hospital of Mexico City and Conquistador in Chains: Cabeza de Vaca and the Indians of the Americas. For more than 30 years he sang in the choir at Grace United Church (formerly First Congregational), Wellsville, NY, where Irma played the organ.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by a brother, Philip (Shirley); four children: Deborah (Sergei), Bill (Deniz), Eleanor (Patrick) Henebury, and Stephen (April); eight grandchildren: Ekaterina, Alex, Andrew, Allison, Davyd, Clyde, Samuel, and Daniel; and a nephew, Robert. He was predeceased by his parents and a nephew, Philip W. Howard. Memorials may be made to the Liberal Arts Scholarship at Houghton College (Houghton, NY) or Grace United Church (Wellsville, NY).

Roselyn Ballard Danner

Roselyn Lorraine Ballard Danner, 80, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 13, 2019 at her home, Yorkwood, in Houghton.

She was born on November 27, 1938 in Tappan, a daughter of the late Mary Amanda Bomberger and Clayton Arthur Ballard. On June 18, 1960 she married Lieutenant Colonel Robert Fiske Danner, US Army, Retired, who survives, at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Pearl Street, Wellsville.

Her early schooling through grade 8 was in Belmont where the Ballard family lived for a number of years. Roselyn is a 1956 graduate of Wellsville High school; a 1959 graduate of the West Suburban Hospital School of Nursing, Oak Park, IL; a 1961 graduate in nursing of Wheaton College, IL; and a 1984 graduate in art of Houghton College.

As a Wellsville High School student she played in that school’s excellent musical groups and she and Bob met in the Wheaton College Concert Band. After 20 years of following Bob around during a full Army career, during which they often moved, she raised their children and began her long interest in painting, studying with two New York City Art Student’s League painters during an extended tour at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Upon moving to Houghton, she enrolled at the college as an art student. Upon graduation she took over management of the college art display gallery program, contributing to that program through many years including being instrumental in the design of the Ortlip Family Art Gallery, Center for the Arts, opening in 2000. Concurrently, she began an inventory of the art collection, managing that collection until her retirement. In 2002, Roselyn was the “14th recipient of the President’s Advisory Board Award of individuals who have made significant contributions to Houghton College through time, talents and resources.”

She is a long-time member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church where she served for many years on the Board of Trustees, the first woman to be elected to that board.

 In addition to her husband, she is survived by her four children: David Ballard Danner of Terre Haute, IN; Maribeth Hope Danner Jennings (Joseph) of Eden; Nathan Fiske Danner (Casda) of Houghton; Amy Ruth Danner Sperry (David) of Waxhaw, NC; her sister Marilyn Adele Ballard Hiler of Houghton; and a number of other relatives. The Danners have 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm on Friday, April 19, 2019 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore and from 10:00 am to 11:00 am Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the Houghton Wesleyan Church where a funeral will follow at 11:00 am. Rev. Dr. Wesley D. Oden will be officiant. Burial will be in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

Memorials if desired, to the Houghton Wesleyan Church or to the Art Department at Houghton College.

Don Eckler

HARRY “DON” ECKLER, STAUNTON, VA.

Don went home to be with his Lord Jesus, December 8^th, 2018. He was born in Sandusky, Ohio, March 31^st,1930, to his parents Harry J. Eckler and Beulah W. Eckler. Don attended The Stony Brook School in Stony Brook, NY and later graduated from Houghton College in Houghton, NY. It was at Houghton College that he met his wife, Lois. Don served in the Naval Reserve from January 1951 through January 1959.

As a young man, Don began his career painting alongside his father in the Eckler painting business. He was later a teacher and school principal, an educational textbook representative and after retirement he established the Eckler Microscope Company, traveling the northeastern states visiting schools to service and repair microscopes. Don had many hobbies. He was a small plane pilot, an amateur ham radio operator, he enjoyed metal detecting, and hunting for Indian artifacts. He became very involved in finding and researching ancient inscriptions found on rocks. In his retirement years, Don also participated as an amateur archaeologist on several digs out west.

Surviving is his wife, Lois, of 66 years, and four children, Michael (Martha) Eckler, Schuyler Falls, NY; Marcelyn (John) Johnson, Staunton, VA; Mark (Laura) Eckler, Avoca, NY; and Marianne (Dan) Lihos, Staunton, VA. Seven grandchildren, Andrew (Thess) Eckler, William (Rachel) Eckler, Michal Eckler, Rachel Eckler, Kristen Lihos, Brian (Jennifer)Roscher, and Erich (Samantha) Roscher. Ten great grandchildren, Anna Belle, Audrey, Joseph, Janelle, Samuel and Asher Lihos, Shiloh Roscher, Eliza and Eli Roscher, and Avett Eckler. Don is also survived by his special friend and brother in law, Jim Fenton of IL. Don was predeceased by his sister, Audrey Fenton and his granddaughter, Tina Marie Gagliardi.

Don’s family would like to thank the following for their attention and special care: Royal Care, Brightview Baldwin Park, Dan Lihos and Gary Michael. Don’s children have always said that their father was the best father a kid could have.

If desired, memorials may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators, the American Bible Society or to the Alzheimer Association. Funeral services will be private.

Lillian Fuller

Lillian Fuller of Wesley Manor in Frankfort, IN, went home to be with her Savior on December 24, 2018.  She was born Lillian Edith Petzinger in Paterson, NJ, on June 10, 1925.  She is survived by her husband, Richard Fuller, her sister (Ethel DeSee of Wyckoff, NJ), three children (Marilyn (and Paul) Copeland of Frankfort, IN, Timothy (and Carol) Fuller of Indianapolis, IN, and Jonathan (and Kate) Fuller of Phoenix, AZ), eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other family.  She was predeceased by a son, Stephen Richard Fuller, in 1951.  A graduate of Eastern Christian High School (NJ) and Wheaton College (IL), Lillian was a high school science teacher before retiring to focus on family.  Lillian will be remembered by her family as a loving mother and grandmother, a devoted Christ follower, a diligent student of the Bible, a faithful prayer warrior, a kind and wise counselor and a joyful observer of all aspects of God’s creation.  She taught women’s Bible studies for decades, bringing practical applications of God’s Word to several generations.  In retirement Lillian and Richard found great joy in serving as grandparents for the Royal Family Kids Camp sponsored by the Houghton (NY) Wesleyan Church, a ministry to abused and neglected children.  She loved to sew and made her own clothes throughout much of her life.  Her quilts and quilted wall hangings are treasured by family and friends.  In lieu of flowers, her family requests memorial gifts be made to Royal Family Kids Camp (www.rfk.org).

Monica L. Bramer

Age 40, of Portageville, NY passed away on December 19, 2018 at home.

She was born February 20, 1978 in Buffalo, NY daughter of Robert and Bonnie Elliott Funke of Collins, NY. Monica was employed for several years as a substitute teacher at Letchworth Central School. She loved the outdoors and exercising. Monica was a kind, generous, giving person who enjoyed donating to charities and working with children. She was devoted to her family and loved spending time with her children. Monica was a member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church. Surviving along with her parents are her loving husband, Warne Bramer; her cherished children, Talon L. Bramer, Dakota L. Bramer and Sierra L. Bramer all at home; her in laws, Warne Craig and Linda Bramer of Portageville, Marlene and Eric Shock of Florida; her siblings, Derric (Renee) Funke of Otto, NY, Mandie (Tom) Funke of Eden, NY; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Wednesday, December 26 from 5 – 8 PM at Robinson & Hackemer Funeral Home, 246 N. Main St., Warsaw. Monica’s memorial service will be held Thursday, December 27 at 11 AM at the Houghton Wesleyan Church, 9712 Route 19, Houghton, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family c/o Warne Bramer, 6258 Devaney Rd., Portageville, NY 14536, to be used to benefit Monica’s children.

Geraldine May Elrod Heinz

Geraldine “Gerry” May Elrod Heinz of Salemburg, North Carolina and a former resident of Houghton went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 16, 2018. She was born on May 7, 1925 in Akron, Ohio, a daughter of the late William and Flossie Elrod. In 1944 she married Rev. Dr. Daniel Heinz who was the District Superintendent of The Western New York District from 1960-1988, who predeceased her in November of 1996. Gerry attended Houghton College where she met and married Daniel Alexander Heinz. She was a dedicated pastor’s wife who enjoyed working with the music programs in each of the churches that they served together in from 1944 to 1993. In 1993, Gerry and Dan moved to North Carolina to be near their grandchildren who they loved spending time with. Gerry was an active member of the local church in Salemburg, NC, the garden club, and the women’s bible study group.

Surviving are two children, Dan (Kaye) Heinz of Salemburg, North Carolina, Don Heinz of Rochester, three grandchildren, Daniel and his wife Melissa, Allyson, and Anna all of North Carolina. In addition to her husband and parents she was predeceased by daughter, Barbara Kathleen Heinz in 1996, two sisters, Eunice Barnes and Kathleen Barnes and a brother Bennett Elrod.

A private ceremony will be held at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

Memorials if desired to: Houghton College, Daniel A. Heinz Ministerial Scholarship Fund

Shirley Jacobson

A Celebration of Shirley Jacobson’s Life will take place in the church Community Room on the evening of November 30 beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a time of visitation with her family followed by the Celebration from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.  Our condolences to her husband Jake and family at Shirley’s death on November 17.

Doris Essepian

Doris Anne Tysinger Essepian went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 24, 2018. She died peacefully at home. Doris was born in Clyde, N.C., on May 21, 1933, the eldest daughter of Rev. James Walden Tysinger and Rosemary Bumgarner Tysinger, graduating high school as Salutatorian of Cool Springs High School in Forest City, N.C., in 1951. Doris met the love of her life, John Essepian, her freshman year at Houghton College and graduated in 1955 with a BA in music. Doris and John were married at Brant Lake Wesleyan Church on August 25, 1956. Doris leaves her husband of 62 years, Dr. John P. Essepian; daughter, Rosemary E. Burgher (John); and sons, Dr. John P. Essepian III (Kelley) and Charles H. Essepian (Donna). Her beloved nine grandchildren, John H. Burgher, III (Ginny), Lindsay G. Burgher Seddon (Paul), Rosemary A. Burgher, Harriet A. Burgher, Margaret I. Essepian, Kathryn A. Essepian, John (Jack) P. Essepian IV, Nicholas C. Essepian, and Lilianna G. Essepian. Doris was very dedicated to her church, Loudonville Community, serving in many capacities including music director and circle leader and, taught music at the Loudonville Christian School. She also was active in many missionary and Christian women’s organizations. Doris always offered her warm and gracious home to those charitable causes that glorified God. Funeral services and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Houghton College, 1 Willard Avenue, Houghton NY, 14744. Please visit bowenandparkerbros.com to leave a message of sympathy for the Essepian family.

Mildred Berry

Hudson Hess

ELLA WOOLSEY

Gerry Alderman

Dr. Kay Lindley

Dr. Richard A. Gould

Professor Richard A. Gould, age 78 of Belfast, NY and formerly of Dexter, NY, passed away January 5^th shortly after his brother Thomas passed at Absolute at Houghton Nursing Care Facility.  He had been a patient there since August of 2014.

Richard was born August 22, 1939 in Watertown, the son of David and Esther Jolly Gould.  He graduated from Dexter High School as Valedictorian, Houghton College and received his PhD from Princeton University.

Richard was Emeritus Professor of Classics at Houghton College where he taught Greek and Latin from 1968 until his retirement in 2009. He also designed and taught courses in modern mythology, classics in translation, and English as a second language. A meticulous scholar, he was known for his thorough, detailed presentations.

He was a generous friend to colleagues and students, and he frequently hosted gourmet dinners featuring menus influenced by his travels in Great Britain, Italy, Greece, and China. He often traveled to visit his niece, Julie Gould, and nephew, David Gould in Lodi, Wisconsinto show them various tourist and historical sites around Southern Wisconsin. He is survived by his sister-in-law Sylvia Gould of Waunakee, Wisconsin and her children, Julie Repka (Gould) of Stoughton, Wisconsin, and David Gould of Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico. He was predeceased by a brother Paul Gould of Waunakee, Wisconsin in 2013, a sister Barbara Gould in 2006 and his brother Thomas two hours and 45 minutes prior to his death.

Friends in the Houghton area will be gathering at Houghton Wesleyan Church on the morning of April 27 to celebrate his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held April 28^th from 12-2pm at the Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter, NY with a burial to follow at Dexter Cemetery. There will also be a brunch immediately after the burial with details to be announced later. There will be no calling hours.

Online condolences may be made to dexterfuneralhome.com.

Tom Gould

Thomas D. Gould, 84 of Belfast, NY; formerly of Dexter, NY passed away January 4^th, 2018 at 11:55 PM.  He was a patient at Absolute at Houghton Nursing Care Facility since August of 2017.

Thomas was born September 2, 1933 in Watertown, the son of David and Esther Jolly Gould.  He graduated from Dexter High School as Valedictorian, and received a BA degree from Cornell University.  He served in the US Army for 2 years.

Thomas taught high school at General Brown Central for three years; teaching Agricultural Shop.  He also owned and operated a dairy farm in Dexter. He milked 40-50 cows on his farm, and saw his profession of farmer as a vocation rather than just a job.

Tom was very active in his local Presbyterian Church, and was the Treasurer for many years.

His niece Julie Gould, and nephew, David Gould travelled with his brother Paul and wife Sylvia Gould from Lodi, Wisconsin annually for many years to visit Tom, and help on the farm. Throughout their childhood, Julie and David looked forward to this summer trip throughout the year.

Tom is survived by his sister-in-law Sylvia Gould of Waunakee, Wisconsin and her children, Julie Repka (Gould) of Stoughton, Wisconsin, and David Gould of Taos, New Mexico. Thomas was predeceased by a brother Paul Gould in 2013, a sister Barbara Gould in 2006 and his brother Richard A. Gould passed away 2 hours and 45 minutes after Thomas passed.

Friends in the Houghton area will be gathering at Houghton Wesleyan Church on the morning of April 27 to celebrate his life.

A Celebration of Life will be held April 28^th from 12-2pm at the Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter, NY with a burial to follow at Dexter Cemetery. There will also be a brunch immediately after the burial with details to be announced later. There will be no calling hours.

Online condolences may be made to dexterfuneralhome.com.

 

WARREN M. WOOLSEY

Warren M. Woolsey of Houghton died Sunday, December 24, 2017 in the Absolute at Houghton Nursing Home. Family and friends may gather from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, Fillmore and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on December 27, 2017 at the Houghton Wesleyan Church, where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m.  Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton. He was born on April 2, 1922 in Marion, Indiana, a son of the late Pierce and Mildred Morris Woolsey. On August 23, 1946 in Indian Falls he married Ella Phelps who survives.

As a young child Dr. Woolsey moved with his parents to Houghton, where he and his younger sister Martha (Wacker) grew up.  He attended Houghton College and became an Air Cadet in 1942.  He graduated in absentia in 1943 after he was called into training for active service in the Army Air Force.

Following extensive training as a bombardier he traveled by Liberty ship to Naples, Italy, then by truck to Grotagglie Army Air base in southern Italy.  Assigned to the 15th Air Force, 449th Bomb Group, 717th Squadron, he and his crew flew in large formations of four-engine B-24 heavy bombers on 30 missions.  Their targets included southern Germany and German-occupied Austria, as well as the Po River valley in northern Italy.  A Christmas day 1944 mission over the Brenner Pass between Italy and Germany almost proved fatal to the whole crew when their aircraft was hit by heavy flak.

After V-E Day Dr. Woolsey and his crew flew their aging bomber back to the United States. Following his discharge from service in October 1945 he briefly attended Columbia University, then Princeton and Biblical Seminaries, on the G.I. Bill.  Along with his wife and partner in mission Ella he ministered in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky after graduating from seminary.  In 1950 they accepted a call to missionary service in Sierra Leone, West Africa, where they devoted themselves tirelessly to evangelism and Biblical education until 1966.  Dr. Woolsey was the first president of Sierra Leone Bible College, now the Evangelical College of Theology, near Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Upon his return to the United States with his family in 1966 Dr. Woolsey joined the faculty of Houghton College, where he taught highly regarded courses in New Testament and missiology until his retirement in 1992.  Generations of students described his classes as life-changing.  After retiring from Houghton College Dr. Woolsey taught for a year at Kingsley College in Melbourne, Australia.

Dr. Woolsey wrote Bible commentaries on First and Second Thessalonians, published by the Wesleyan Publishing House.  He was honored by the Houghton College Department of Religion and Philosophy with the establishment of the Woolsey Lecture series in Theology and Culture, an annual program featuring leading scholars exploring multiple connections between theology, mission, and global Christianity.

Surviving in addition to his wife are their children, Stephen (Linda) Woolsey of Rushford, Matthew (Barbara) Woolsey of Houghton, Ruth (Stephen) Strand of Buffalo, a daughter-in-law Kathleen Woolsey of Connecticut, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a son, Daniel P. Woolsey on October 21, 2017 and a granddaughter, Molly Woolsey in 2016.

Memorials if desired to: the Houghton Wesleyan Church, Global Partners, or the International Bible Society.

Storer Emmett

 Dr. Storer Emmett died Friday, August 25. Visitation will take place on Saturday, September 2, 4-7pm at Kopler-Williams Funeral Home in Fillmore, NY. The service will take place at the church on Sunday, September 3, at 2pm at Houghton Wesleyan Church.

Medical missionary and world traveler, Dr. Storer William Emmett, embarked on his final journey Friday, August 25, 2017. Storer, referring to himself as Tody Will, was born on September 9, 1932 in Crystal, Maine, a son of the late Stora and Elva Main Emmett. On September 1, 1956 in Old Town, Maine he married Wilma Monroe, who survives.

When he was still a young boy, the family moved to Old Town, Maine where Storer became very active in community and church life. He joined his first church choir at age 13.

High school accomplishments included being a track star, playing on the football team (resulting in becoming a champion church supper eater for necessary weight gain), participating as a valued member of the debate club, playing cello in the orchestra, and earning the top academic honor of his high school class. His greatest high school accomplishment, however, was courting his childhood sweetheart and bride to be, Wilma Monroe.

Storer was saved at a young age and felt God’s call to medical missions as a teen. With this focus in mind, he worked toward attending a good medical school and was accepted to Johns Hopkins in 1954 following his bachelor degree work at the University of Maine.

After completing advanced training in medicine and surgery, Storer and Wilma, along with their daughter, Bethany, left on their first missionary voyage to work at a mission hospital in Southern Rhodesia during the fall of 1960. Dr. Emmett also served as a medical officer for the government of Southern Rhodesia. Soon after arriving in Rhodesia, Storer was ordained by the Reformed Baptist Alliance of Canada to enhance his opportunities to administer to not only physical needs but also spiritual needs.

The next missionary voyage took Storer, Wilma, and their four children to Haiti in August 1968. He worked as a doctor and frequently performed emergency surgeries at the Wesleyan hospitals throughout Haiti. His other ministries included traveling and preaching the gospel to churches all over the country.

Dr. Emmett journeyed next to Houghton, NY where he spent 13 years as a family practitioner with the Northern Allegany Medical Group. During this time he also served as the physician for Houghton College. Always having a heart for missions, Storer, soon after arriving, established the Houghton Medical and Dental team returning to serve the people of rural Haiti on short term mission trips.

In 1988, Storer and Wilma, traveled to Sierra Leone on their third missionary journey. Dr. Emmett worked at the Kamakwie Hospital and ministered to the physical and spiritual needs of the people there for three years.

Storer’s final missionary journey as a full time worker for Wesleyan World Missions was to Zambia near Victoria Falls coming almost full circle to where he began his medical mission work.

During retirement, Dr. and Mrs. Emmett spent several months at a time serving in Haiti, Zambia, or Sierra Leone as needed. Storer also became the director of the Wesleyan Medical Fellowship to encourage and increase awareness of medical missions. His quarterly newsletters were always highly anticipated and enjoyed. In appreciation of his 16 years as director, the Wesleyan Church presented Dr. and Mrs. Emmett with a trip to Myanmar where he was able to visit and participate in yet another medical clinic for which he was instrumental in founding.

One of Dr. Emmett’s great loves was gardening. He had a garden and planted a tree everywhere he lived. Storer loved the beauty (despite his color blindness) and creative expression afforded by the hobby. This past summer saw hours of enjoyment of his flower garden at his new and final home in Cooperstown, NY.

Surviving in addition to his wife are their children, Bethany (Bob) Harter, Esther (Will) Slauson, Bill (Sandy) Emmett and Faith (John) Fisk; his grandchildren, Brittany Harter (Ben) Keith, William Slauson, Wesley Slauson, Kendra (Andrew) Emmett-Goldwasser, Rebekah (Philip Tumbaga) Harter, Kira Emmett (Tyler) Logan, Kasey Emmett, Christianna Fisk and Alexi Fisk; great grandchildren Caleb Keith and Seth Keith; nieces Cathy Emmett (Joe) Stewart, Stephanie Emmett (Johann) Paschalis, and nephew Joshua (Angie) Emmett and cousins.

Family and friends may gather from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the Kopler- Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore. A funeral service will be at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at the Houghton Wesleyan Church. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant cemetery, Houghton.

Memorial if desired to: Global Partners, P.O. Box 50434, Indianapolis IN 46250.

 

Alyce Brown

Visitation at Houghton Wesleyan Church  2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Mon., Aug. 07, 2017
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Mon., Aug. 07, 2017

Funeral Service at Houghton Wesleyan Church at 11:00 AM Tue., Aug. 08, 2017

Alyce K. Brown of 9845 Meadow Lane died, Friday, August 4, 2017 at the Absolut at Houghton Nursing Home. She was born on Mar 31, 1937 in Iowa City, Iowa, a daughter of the late Edwin and Margaret Dunkel Hawkins. On August 26, 1956 in Marengo, Iowa she married Jerry D. Brown who survives.

Alyce was a member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church, the P.E.O sisterhood and for many years the United Methodist Women. She loved being a pastor’s wife, her family and gardening.

Surviving in addition to her husband are two daughters, Cindy (Wes) Oden of Houghton, Annette (Scott) Sayers of W. Union, Iowa, five grandchildren, Tiffany, Michelle, Jennifer, John and Andrew, 11 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Annetta Grant of Iowa, Nancy Hall of Texas and several nieces and nephews.

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Dr. John M. Andrews II

Rev. Clair Day                                  Viewing: Friday, 4-7pm    Obituary

                                                           Funeral: Saturday, January 28, 2017,  10 a.m. at Mallory Wesleyan Church, 5 Baum St., Mallory, NY 13013

Rev. Bob Miller

Rev. Robert F. Miller of Houghton died Saturday, December 31, 2016. He was born on August 24, 1925 in Napoleon, Ohio a son of the late Kenneth Emiheizer and Mabel Miller. He married Ruth Negley who survives.

Bob was a Navy veteran and served during World War II and also was a member of the American Legion Post No. 1155 of Fillmore.  He was a former employee of Houghton College serving as an electrician for over 30 years. Bob also served as a pastor for several churches in New York and Pennsylvania.

Surviving in addition to his wife are their children, Roger Miller of Houghton, David (Beatrice) Miller of Houghton, Cheryl (Samuel) Hollingshead of Holley, eight grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Houghton Wesleyan Church. Al Gurley of Houghton will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Memorials if desired to: Buffalo City Mission, 100 E. Tupper Street, Buffalo, NY 14203

Dr. William Allen

Dr. William Timberlake Allen of 9816 Seymour Street, died Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Olean General Hospital. He was born on June 2, 1926 in Aberdeen, South Dakota, the son of the late Walter J. and Jeannette T. Allen. On July 28, 1962 he married Jane McMahon Allen, who survives.

 At age 8 he started piano lessons and quickly began composing music. His classical training was influenced by contemporary sounds.  After graduating from Aberdeen Central High School (1944), he spent 2 years in the Army in Japan, later attended Northern State University, graduated from Northwestern University (BA 1951, MM 1952) and Eastman School of Music (PhD 1954).

 Bill taught 38 years at Houghton College. He was Professor of Piano and Theory, and later Composer in Residence. He wrote for orchestral instruments, piano, organ, voice, and chorus. His piano recitals frequently ended with a few minutes of improvisation. He especially enjoyed creating musical comedies based on campus life and cultural issues. In 1983 he wrote an opera, Young John Wesley, which was commissioned for the 100th anniversary of the founding of Houghton College. His many settings of hymns revealed his genuine Christian commitment.

 Bill loved to be creative with language, frequently making word-plays and puns. He also enjoyed writing letters and poems. He dearly loved his family and, most importantly, the Lord. He was a member of Houghton Wesleyan Church for more than 50 years. He sought to build relationships with everyone around him. He was a peacemaker who helped people feel loved and respected. While we celebrate his new life with Jesus, his presence will still be missed.

 Surviving in addition to his wife are their children Elisabeth (Elieser) Algarin, William A. (Kristen) Allen, and Rebecca (Jose M.) Reyes, grandchildren Emily, Katherine, and William R. Allen, Antonio Reyes, and step grandchildren Jose, Kevin, and Manuel Reyes.

 In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his three sisters Barbara Wegner, Harriet Andrews, and Joan Dunn.

 Family and friends may gather from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm on Friday, January 6, 2017 and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at the Houghton Wesleyan Church, where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

Memorials if desired to: Houghton College, One Willard Avenue, Houghton, NY 14744, or Houghton Wesleyan Church, 9712 Route 19, Houghton, NY 14744.

Blanche A. Weaver

Blanche A. Weaver of 7817 Tucker Hill Road went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at home. She was born on April 1, 1936 in Sutherland, Nebraska, a daughter of the late Oscar and Hazel Cather. She married Glenn O. Weaver who predeceased her on April 6, 2011.

Mrs. Weaver taught a range of school grades and subjects in Colorado, California, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and North Carolina. She was a member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church.

Surviving are her children, Robert (Lorie) Weaver of Piscataway, NJ, Jon (Susan) Weaver of Fairview, NC, Gwen (David) Mercer of Houghton, Karen (Mitchell) Liddick of Fillmore, nine grandchildren, a brother, James Cather of Manitou Springs, CO and several nieces and nephews.

 

Jill Kingdon Tyson Memorial Service

                Jill Kingdon Tyson died Wednesday, August 31. 2016. A memorial service will take place Sunday, September 4 at 3:00 pm at the Houghton Wesleyan Church sanctuary.

Bruce Brenneman Obituary

Bruce N. Brenneman of 9790 Circle Drive went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 22, 2016 in his home. He was born on December 25, 1939 in New Castle, PA, a son of the late John and Geraldine Newton Brenneman. On August 20, 1965 he married Kathleen Wimer who survives.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 26, 2016 at the Houghton Wesleyan Church sanctuary where funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate. The service will be live-streamed from the church website for those who are at a distance and will be archived for later viewing as well.
(http://www.hwchurch.org/sermons-and-worship-services/)

 Albert Sadler Obituary

Albert Sadler of 7481 Centerville Road died Sunday, March 6, 2016 in the Absolut at Houghton nursing home. He was born on May 24, 1927 in Jamestown, a son of the late Walter and Ethel Fuller Sadler. On June 16, 1951 in the Rushford Baptist Church he married Bess Hall who predeceased him on March 11, 2003.  

Albert was a member of the Rushford Baptist Church and was a veteran of World War II. He was an avid learner, scripture scholar and farmer. Albert helped many individuals in the Rushford community with their computers and was actively involved in the Rushford Free Library.

 Albert obtained his Bachelor’s Degree from Houghton College, three Master’s Degrees from Tennessee Temple University and was currently working on his Doctorate of Ministry.

Surviving are three children, S. Jeannette Sadler of Los Angeles, CA, Hamilton (Julie) Sadler of Wabash, IN, Sylvia (John) Christensen of Houghton, eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild, two sisters-in-law, Jeanne Sadler of Cortland, Grace Elsea of Upland, CA and several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the Rushford Baptist Church. Pastor Jonathan Findley and Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will co-officiate. Burial will be in White Cemetery, Rushford.

Memorials if desired to: Wycliffe Bible Translators, P.O. Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862

 

Horace Emmons Obituary

Horace Nason Emmons of 7753 Tucker Hill Road went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 19, 2015 in his home. He was born on July 22, 1919 in Lyman, Maine, the youngest son of the late Alfred and Carrie Nason Emmons. He married Mertice Wentworth who predeceased him on August 24, 1972. He then married Diane Lytle, on December 26, 1973, who survives.

After his father died Horace’s mother supported the family members by selling timber, raising Boston Terrier puppies, selling eggs, and taking in boarders. Horace attended a one-room schoolhouse until age 11 when he enrolled at Waterboro town school from which he graduated in 1937.

Horace met Mertice when she came from Rangely, Maine to teach Bible class in the area. After they were married Horace was drafted into the US Army and served in the Pacific during World War II. While Horace was overseas Mertice worked as a welder in a California shipyard. Following the war they settled back on the family farm in Maine. In October of 1947 a huge forest fire destroyed much of southern Maine and left a gaping hole where the Emmons’ farmhouse stood. While rebuilding their lives, Horace and Mertice drove school bus and managed the school lunch program to supplement Horace’s work as a night watchman and custom tractor driver. In 1960 they left Maine and moved their four children to Beverly, Massachusetts where Horace worked in food services at Gordon College.

The family once again moved in 1963 to Houghton where they managed East Hall Kitchen and Dining Hall at Houghton College. Each summer after the college closed, the Emmons family returned to New England to cook at various children’s camps. On August 24, 1972 as the family left the camp and traveled through an intersection in Hollis, Maine, their car was hit broadside by a driver who failed to stop at a stop sign. Mertice died at the scene of the accident. Forced to continue on without Mertice, Horace returned a week later to work at Houghton College where another major change awaited; the Campus Center opened that fall, permanently merging the kitchens of East Hall and Gayodeo.

He continued working in food service for Houghton College, Saga, and Pioneer Foods until his retirement in 1987. Together Horace and Diane built a home on Tucker Hill Road and enjoyed 30 trips back to Maine and all around the U.S.

Horace served as a member of the Houghton Fire Department, Fillmore American Legion, Post 1155, and the Houghton Wesleyan Church. He especially enjoyed training Boston Terriers, playing cribbage, and operating his John Deere tractor. Horace will be remembered for his unwavering faith in God’s provision for each new day along with his distinctive “Maine” humor and desire to help others experience the joy of living.

Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Robert (Harriet) Emmons of Cuba, Virginia (Leonard) Cross of Bennington, VT, Alfred (LeeAnn) Emmons of Russell, KS, Beth Emmons of Hibbing, MN, seven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many special friends.

Family and friends may gather from 11:00 to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at the Houghton Wesleyan Church where a medley of hymns will begin at 12:30 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

Memorials if desired to: Houghton Wesleyan Church or Houghton College.

Carol McNiel Obituary

Carol Ann McNiel of Rochester and a former resident of Fillmore, died Sunday, December 13, 2015 in her home. She was born on December 19, 1933 in Roanoke, VA, a daughter of the late Edward and Zella Halstead Laity. She married Harold E. McNiel who predeceased her on July 15, 2010.

Carol was a member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church and the church choir, a former teacher at Fillmore Central School and was involved in the finance department at Houghton College. She loved to needle point and play Sudoku.

Ted Hopkins Obituary

Theodore L. “Ted” Hopkins, 70, retired dairy farmer and Allegany County Legislator, died peacefully in his home, Saturday, November 21, 2015. A successful dairy farmer for 40 years, he also served his community and county as Hume Township Supervisor for 24 years and as Allegany County District 1 Legislator for 10 years. Born March 20, 1945, he lived his life by the Golden Rule and was a beloved and respected member of his community.

Ted’s lifelong goal was to be a dairy farmer. Growing up in East Aurora, he traveled each summer to Fillmore to learn farming from his grandfather. In sixth grade he traveled the 55-mile trip from East Aurora to Fillmore by bicycle, with nothing more than an odometer, 5 candy bars, and a rain slicker. He made it before lunch.

As a young man, Ted enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as an Agricultural Economics major at Cornell University, where he would meet Judith Dodds Hopkins, his devoted wife and constant friend. An active member of Alpha Zeta fraternity, Ted served as House Manager for two years. By the time he graduated, Ted had purchased the Fillmore farm from his grandparents Lester and Bernice (Smith) Rees.
Ted and Judy were married in 1968 and have made their home in Fillmore for 47 years. Now in its fifth generation, Riverland Dairy Farms, Inc, has been a continuously working farm for one hundred years.

In forty years of farming, Ted received numerous dairy production awards and was selected as the 1984 Young Dairyman of the Year and the 1976 Conservation Farmer of the Year. He was a 1991 graduate of LEAD NY, the Empire State agricultural leadership institute. He served on the Board of Directors of Farm Credit of Western New York for 25 years and the Farm Service Agency for 17 years.

Son of John and Josephine [nee Rees] Hopkins of East Aurora, NY, Ted and his family attended Baker Memorial United Methodist Church. Mr. Hopkins graduated in 1963 from Iroquois Central High school, where he was Junior and Senior Class Treasurer. As a high school athlete, he earned the prestigious distinction of being an 8-Letter Varsity Sports Athlete, recognizing achievement in eight separate varsity sports teams over four years. Ted was captain of several teams, including football, basketball, and baseball. He was a fierce competitor and proud teammate, remembered with admiration by lifelong friends.

Elected to the Allegany County Legislature in 2005, Mr. Hopkins served as Majority Leader as well as Chairman and Vice Chair for several committees including Ways & Means, Planning & Economic Development, Budget, Public Safety, Public Works, Court Facilities and County Space Needs, Compensation & Benefits, Court Facilities Financial Impact, and Planning Board, where he was charged with identifying the scope and format of the County’s Comprehensive Planning Process.

Prior to election to the Allegany County Board of Legislators, Mr. Hopkins was a member of the County Agricultural & Farmland Protection and Development Advisory Boards. As Legislator, he continued to serve on the Board of Directors for the Soil & Water Conservation District Board, as a member of the Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Development Board, Allegany County Industrial Development Agency, Allegany County Industrial and Commercial Incentive Board, County Comprehensive Planning Committee, and the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Group.

Mr. Hopkins was a 2010 graduate of the NYS Dennis A. Pelletier County Government Institute, member of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Taxation & Finance Committee, member of the NYSAC Blue Ribbon Task Force. Southern Tier West Regional Planning & Development Board presented him with the Local Government Award and the Marden B. Cobb Award, which are given for outstanding service and support in achievement of regional goals.

In the early 80’s, Mr. Hopkins was elected Town Supervisor of Hume Township, an office he served for 24 years. Under his leadership, the Town of Hume and Village of Fillmore combined and centralized services to increase efficiency and reduce government costs.

Lifelong friend William Byrnes offered the following statement to explain why Ted was so loved and respected by all: “For a fairly complex man in some ways, it was the basic things about Ted which drew others to him.

“His honesty was absolute; he did not lie, or even shade the truth. He never spoke unkindly of others, even about those with whom he disagreed. His smile was captivating and his laughter was contagious.

“No matter how bad or good one might have felt, if you were around Ted, you felt better. His work ethic was truly remarkable. If something needed doing, Ted simply did it; quietly, expertly and without fanfare.

“Ted always had time for his friends even though making his family business a success often had him working well before sun up and well after sundown. Ted made and kept so many friends over so many decades because those who knew him were made better, simply because ‘we knew him’.”

Mr. Hopkins is survived by his wife and children, Matthew D. Hopkins (Cristin Winegard), Peter A. Hopkins (Amber Belford) of Fillmore, and Patricia M. Hopkins Hutchinson (Mark Hutchinson) of Ellicottville, NY.  Mr. Hopkins was especially proud of his eight grandchildren: Hunter, Dalton, Raena, Emma, Olivia, Ashley, Petey, Christian. He is also survived by his brother J. Stephen Hopkins, (Anne M.) of Hopkinton, NY, and extended family including aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27, 2015 at the Houghton Wesleyan Church where a memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Fillmore.

Memorials if desired to: the Houghton Wesleyan Church or Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo.

Audio of Ted’s Memorial Service: CD1 and CD2

Obituary for Vernelle Shannon

Vernelle S. Shannon of 1000 Maplewood Drive, Bridgeport, WV and a former resident of Houghton died November 21, 2015, in Bridgeport, WV, following a brief illness.  She was born Feb. 19, 1927, in Waynesburg, KY, the first of five daughters of H. Clifton Stonesifer and Elgie Singleton Stonesifer. On December 21, 1957 in Akron, OH she married Frederick D. Shannon who survives.

She was a graduate of Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) and the University of Akron.  She served 34 years as a public elementary school teacher, first in Akron, OH, later in Rushford and Fillmore, NY.  She and Fred lived in Houghton, NY, most of her adult life; the past few months she resided in Bridgeport, WV.

Vernelle was an active member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church and Sunday school.  She was also active in the Houghton Area Senior Citizens group and the Fillmore Central School retired teachers group.  She enjoyed traveling with her husband and they often traveled with friends or other family members to Ireland and many places in the U.S. and Canada.  She was an avid reader, with interests in history, theology, and biographies.  She was a keen observer and lover of nature, especially birds and wildflowers.  She loved to cook and entertain, offering gracious hospitality to hundreds of visitors to their home.

Surviving in addition to her husband are a son, Dale (Robynn) Shannon of Buckhannon, WV, four younger sisters, Willena (John) Rawdon of Akron, OH, Agnes Marks of Akron, OH, Shirley (Phil) Rohrbough of Muskegon, MI, Waneta Alexander of Spring Lake, MI, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, November 27, 2015 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N. Genesee Street, Fillmore. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Houghton Wesleyan Church. Rev. Dr. Wesley Oden, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

Memorial gifts if desired to: Houghton Academy, Houghton College, or Houghton Wesleyan Church.

Obituary for Roger Olsen

Roger B. Olsen of 9823 School Farm Road went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 25, 2015 in his home.  He was born on January 22, 1922 in Trappe, Maryland, a son of the late Henry and Mary Brown Olsen. In September of 1946 he married his beloved wife and life-partner, in all circumstances and adventures, Virginia Elizabeth Boel who predeceased him in 2009.

He was a member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church. Roger loved to read, sing, watch golf and tennis and talk with people.

Surviving are his children, Jo-Anne Young of Houghton, Christina (John) O’Neill of San Mateo, CA, Constance (John) Kennedy of Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada, David (Donna Lee) Olsen of Kennesaw, GA, nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and many friends.

In addition to his parents and wife he was predeceased by four brothers, Paul Olsen, Lt. Col. C.A. Olsen, Francis Olsen, Alvin Olsen and a sister, Mary Conklin.

A memorial service will be held the afternoon of September 5 at Houghton Wesleyan Church. Burial will be in Memory Gardens, Albany, NY.

Memorials if desired to: LATCOM Missions, 4133 Ellwood Road, New Castle, PA or Houghton Wesleyan Church Missions.

Memorial for Ruth Shea Willett

Ruth Shea Willett at the age of 95 in Dahlonega, Georgia, July 12, 2015, after a brief illness. A memorial service was held August 1 at Houghton Wesleyan Church.

She was known and loved by many for her creativity, her hospitality, her wry sense of humor, her nurturing and encouraging spirit, her listening ear, her Christian wisdom, and her gifts of teaching, both of the English language and of the Bible.

Born in Houghton, NY, on January 18, 1920, of Canadian parents, she grew up in Ottawa, Canada, Jersey City, NJ, and Syracuse, NY. Her father, the Rev. Adam Joseph Shea, and her mother, Maude Mary Whitney Shea, served pastorates in each city. She graduated from Houghton (NY) College in 1941. That same year, she married Edward J. Willett of Syracuse, NY, who served in World War II. Following 20 years in business, the family moved to Houghton, NY, where Edward became Professor of economics at the College from which both of them had graduated.

Four children were born to the family: Daniel Starbuck Willett, who married the former Karen Mikesell (now Mrs. Wally Lorimar) and worked for Syracuse University until his death at 47 in 1989; Thomas Leslie Willett, a linguist now based in Tucson, AZ, who with his wife, Elizabeth Remington Willett, has served with Wycliffe bible translators for 40 years; Rev. Christine W. Greenwald, assistant Pastor at the Dahlonega United Methodist Church, who came to Dahlonega in 1997 with her husband, the Rev. Gary Greenwald (now retired), upon his appointment to serve as Director/Manager at Camp Glisson; and Holly Beth Willett Gillette, who was a faithful pastor’s wife to the Rev. John R. Gillette (now pastor of the Mooers, NY, Wesleyan Church), until her death at age 41.

In addition to her parents, husband, son, and daughter, Ruth was also predeceased by her seven siblings: Pauline Shea Lusk, Gerald Whitney Shea, Mary Shea Robinson, George Beverly Shea, Alton James Shea, Lois Shea Wright, and Grace Shea Baker.

A sister-in-law, Karlene Shea, of Montreat, NC, eleven grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces survive.

Memorials may be sent to the Dahlonega United Methodist Church, or to the Daniel S. Willett scholarship fund, Houghton College, Houghton, NY 14744

Obituary for Gary Fiegl

GARY FIEGL FAMILY–VISITATION & FUNERAL SATURDAY (7-11) AT HOUGHTON WESLEYAN CHURCH
Gary Fiegl went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday July 7, 2015 in Hart Comfort Home in Wellsville. He was born on February 23, 1940 in the Town of Centerville, a son of the late Robert and Clydice Higgins Fiegl Sr. On August 13, 2005 in Island Pond, Vermont he married Linda Newman who survives.

Gary was a member of the Hume Baptist Church. Gary operated many forms of heavy equipment in the course of his career. He retired from Houghton College in 2001. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1961 to 1963.

Obituary for Alton Shea

Alton James Shea of 9876 Luckey Drive passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2015, just six days after his 101st birthday. He was born on January 11, 1914 in Winchester, Ontario, Canada, the third son of the late Adam Joseph Shea and Maude Whitney Shea. He married Aileen Ortlip who predeceased him in 2007.

Rev. Shea and artist wife, Aileen, served Christ’s Kingdom in a variety of ways and places for over 60 years. Rev. Shea graduated from Houghton College in 1936 and began further theological studies at Biblical Seminary in New York City. Alton and Aileen married in 1938 and commenced pastoral ministry at Gates Wesleyan Church, being ordained a minister in the Wesleyan Methodist denomination in 1940. Subsequently Pastor Shea served congregations in Painted Post, Canisteo, Houghton, Wellsville, Alfred, and Oramel, New York.

In 1970, after fourteen years of local church and weekly radio broadcast ministries in Wellsville, the Sheas traveled to Sierra Leone, West Africa to spend seven years in gospel radio production in several local languages for airing over Radio ELWA in Liberia. Their lifelong ministry embraced preaching, singing, and chalk-art as well as pastoral work. Rev. Shea had a life-long interest and prayer concern for God’s Kingdom at home and around the world. He desired everyone to experience God’s love and care through a relationship with Christ Jesus.

Surviving are three children: Jonathan (Pat) Shea of Rock Hill, SC, Eila Shea of Belmont, Paul (Debbie) of Houghton, 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, a sister, Ruth Willett of Dahlonega, GA, and several nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by siblings Pauline Lusk, Whitney Shea, Mary Robinson, George Beverly Shea, Lois Wright, and Grace Baker.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2015 at Houghton Wesleyan Church where a memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. Wes Oden will officiate. Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

Memorials if desired to: Wesleyan Christian College, Gbendembu, Sierra Leone through Houghton Wesleyan Church.

Congratulations

Amanda and Kelly Myers and big sister Maddalin on the birth of Zander Scott on February 10.

Mitch and Karen Liddick on the birth of Gavin Ryker on January 30. Brothers are Nicholas, Ethan, Justin, Booker, Colyn, and Dominic.

Buddy and Monica Bramer on the birth of Sierra Lydia on Dec 22nd. She joins big sisters Talon and Dakota

Souly and Kristen Sanasith on he birth of Cora Talay on Nov 29th. She joins big brothers Layton, Carson and Kallan

Nathan and Eileen Jacoby on the birth of Elizabeth Holbrook on Dec 2nd

Condolences ~ We send our love and sympathy to

The Family of Doris Wells; obituary is HERE

Jim and Karen Szymanski. Bonnie’s arrangements are HERE and the bulletin is HERE

Kristen Sanasith and her family at the death of her maternal grandfather George L. Branch, who died March 2 at the age of 93.

Carol Castor at the death of Steve Castor (September 27, 1930—January 2, 2014); the memorial service was held March 1 (10:00 AM); view/download the bulletin

The family of Ruth Hutton (February 10, 1922–February 14, 2014). Her obituary is HERE. Listen to funeral service HERE and view/download the bulletin.

The family of Isobel Alexander (November 16, 1921–January 31, 2014). Her obituary is HERE; listen to her funeral service and view/download the bulletin

Tammy (and Steve) Dunmire at the death of her grandparents, Dana and Ruth Brown who died on Jan 15th and Jan 17th

Bruce Brenneman and family at the death of his brother, Jarvis Brenneman, on Jan 10th

The family of Ruth Tucker; Ruth died on Dec 28th. Her January 4th funeral service and bulletin are posted on the church services page.

MaryAnn Horstmann and her family at the death of her daughter, Sara Marie Schoonmaker on Dec 8th. She is survived by her husband James and children, Gregory, Logan, Lilli and Noah