Gail E. Bartas:  Loving Mother, Grandmother, Friend

Gail E. Bartas, 85, of Friendship, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

Born on November 3, 1938, in Lackawanna, she was the daughter of Gordon B. and Betty G. (Taylor) Chilcott.

Gail was a graduate of Orchard Park Central School and Alfred State University where she received a degree in Animal Husbandry. 

She had been employed by Acme Electric in Cuba and later worked for Friendship Dairies as a Lab Technician prior to her retirement.

Gail was a member of the Allegany County Saddle Dusters and was their trail boss for many years, was active with the Cuba Driftbusters Snowmobile Club where she served on the Board of Directors for 20 plus years and also was also part of the sign crew in Friendship with her longtime friend Joe Hurtubise.  She served as President of the Allegheny County Federation of Snowmobilers for 15 years and just recently stepped down to Vice President.  One of her greatest accomplishments was being named 2018 Snowmobiler of the year by the NYS Snowmobile Association.  For many years she delivered meals on wheels, was involved with the Friendship Senior Citizens, and was a pitcher for a Woman’s softball league.

She loved horseback riding, snowmobile riding, reading, traveling in her younger years and spending time with all of her friends.

Gail is survived by

A Son                         Steven (Joan) Bartas                      East Smethport, PA

3 Daughters            Donna (Steve) Bunce                     Spencer, NY

                                    Joyce (Kelly) McGarry                   Wind Gap, PA

                                    Carol Brown                                     Limestone

8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren & was expecting a great grandson any day, 2 great great grandchildren with on one the way.

A Brother                  Alton Chilcott                                  Orchard Park

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street Cuba, on Monday, October 7, 2024 from 5-7 P.M.  A brief committal service will be held at 7 P.M. in the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cuba Driftbusters or Allegheny County Federation of Snowmobilers, P.O. Box 11, Cuba, New York 14727. Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com