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The Potter-Tioga Maple weekend is celebrating their 21st year of hosting the art of maple syrup creation. There are 17 participating farms and educational experiences throughout the two counties on March 15 and 16 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
List your Yard Sale FREE on our Auction & Yard Sale page: Send to shurfine40@gmail.com
The family of Dennis J. Bechtel wants to extend our sincere gratitude and thanks to all those who have reached out with cards, food offerings and kind words during our time of grief.
A special thanks to The Daily Bread (Spot and Ginny) for providing the luncheon after the funeral services. May GOD Bless and Keep you all in HIS loving arms.
Ellen Hays passed away peacefully at the age of 89 years on the morning of Sunday, Dec 10th, 2023 in Gerry, NY.
Ellen was born in Manhattan, NY to Guy V. Wilber and Mary Butler-Shaw on Nov. 14th, 1934. On June 26, 1954 she married her loving husband of 49 years, Donald J. Hays who predeceased her November 23, 2003.
Ellen went to Allegany School and lived in several places including Shinglehouse, Allegany, Olean, and Bradford. She was employed throughout her lifetime as a waitress with her mother in Bradford, worked at Corning Glass, a company called Spears, and then Line Material/McGraw Edison/Cooper Power and retired from Cooper after 35 years in 1996.
Amongst many things that she loved to do were playing cards, spending time with her friends at Cranberry Court, spending time with family, and life with her dog Bandit.
Surviving are her remaining children, Cheryl Underwood, of Chico, CA, Michael (Remilee) Hays of Russell, PA, and Donald R. (Brenda) Hays, of Oswayo, PA. She had 9 grandchildren: Tonie Columbia of Frankfort, KY, Pete Cunningham of Frankfort, KY, Dustin Underwood of Phoenix, AZ, Mike Underwood, of Chico, CA, Shawna Rothery of Tully, NY, Matt Hays of Meadville, PA, Mikela Davis of Gold, PA, Alex Hays of Oswayo, PA, and Nicholas Flamini of Oswayo, PA, and 20 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.
Along with her loving husband, Donald, Ellen was predeceased by; her parents; her daughter Patricia J. Cunningham; her sister, Joan (Ayers) Firkel.
Friends will be received at the Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 E. State St., on Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at which time a funeral service will be held. Deacon Matt Wenke will officiate. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. A memorial gathering in Ellen’s honor will be held at later date and time to be announced. Online condolences may be made at www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to any SPCA in her memory.
Jesse William Chaffee, age 91, of Elkland, PA passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.
Born January 26, 1932 in Mills, PA, he was the son of the late Clarence and Bessie (Sabin) Chaffee.
Jesse was a proud worker for the WAG Railroad. He enjoyed puzzles, reading, tinkering and building things. He was a simple man who loved his family, his grandkids and his animals.
David “Dave” Amidon, 81, a lifelong resident of Shinglehouse, PA passed away with his loving family by his side on Friday, December 8, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a short illness.
Born on Tuesday, June 2, 1942 in Wellsville, NY, he was a son of Lewis H. and Luella E. “Midge” Studer Amidon. On August 4, 1962 in Shinglehouse, he married Rachelann “Cookie” Bryant, who survives.
Dave was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. He was employed as a traveling supervisor for the former Market Basket grocery chain. He then was employed for over 34 years as a scheduler for the former Dresser Rand in Olean, NY. He later worked for Wending Creek Farms in Coudersport for almost 18 years.
Darrell E. (Sonny) Henry, age 83, died on December 7, 2023 at Valley View Nursing Home.
Born April 15, 1940 in Blossburg, PA and raised in Charleston Township, he was the son of the late Wayne Henry and Anna (Wagner) Henry. Darrell was the very beloved husband and soulmate of Susan (Wetmore) Henry for 42 years.
Darrell graduated from Wellsboro High School in 1958. Then he went into heavy construction with his dad, eventually becoming a diesel mechanic, then Master mechanic and sometimes equipment superintendent. He worked construction all over the United States and for many years, Susan went with him. He always was passionate about his work and loved his bulldozers and tractors.
Lydia G. Rich, 100, Warren, PA passed away on Thursday morning, December 7, 2023, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Rome, Italy on April 26, 1923. She completed her education at the University of Rome. On March 1, 1945, she married her husband, Frank Rich. She arrived in the United States in March of 1946. She retired from IPSCO, a drilling company owned by UGI Corporation, where she was employed for many years as an accountant.
Patricia Lee (Beers) Brill, 74, of Wellsboro, PA passed away on December 9, 2023, at Valley View Nursing Center in Montoursville.
She was born in Jorhat, Assam in India to Richard and Ann Elizabeth (Baker) Beers on January 30, 1949. She married Donald Lee Brill on January 16, 1970, having shared more than 53 years together.
Patricia was an Elementary Crisis Counselor for The Phoenixville School District in Phoenixville, PA. She was a member of The American Baptist Women’s Ministry Program and The First Baptist Church of Wellsboro for many years, where she took on many roles within the church. Aside from founding The Sleighton School Chaplaincy Program, she was also a very active volunteer within her community having sung in numerous chorus and choirs over the years and enjoyed teaching Christian education.
Cheryl Anne “Baha” Zero, 72, of Russell, PA, formerly of Goodyear, AZ, passed away on Saturday, December 09, 2023, surrounded by her family in her home.
She was born in Lander, Wyoming, on October 3, 1951, the daughter of the late Robert Wilson and Joyce Parks. Cheryl was a graduate of Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, AZ. She worked as a merchandiser, dental technician and loan officer, however her true passion in life was crafting. Cheryl spent her later years devoted to creating unique greeting cards that she not only shared with family and friends, but also donated to bring joy to those in need. Cheryl was a loving mother and grandmother who shared very special bonds with her children and grandchildren.
On January 17, 1987, she married Alan Zero in Tucson, AZ, and they enjoyed 36 years of blissful marriage.
Sandra L Taylor Holt, 72, of Knoxville, TN passed away at home on November 26, 2023 following a lengthy illness.
She was born December 19, 1950 in Port Allegany, PA to the late Harold W. Taylor and Cinderella L. Taylor and grew up in Betula, PA.
She is survived by her children, Tina M. Knight (Mitchell Bentley) of Mascot, TN, Paul Knight of Mascot, TN and Richard Knight of Clifton, TN, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and her dear friend Paul Knight of Mascot, TN
Douglas L. Nelson, 67, of Osceola, PA, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.
Born May 6, 1956 in Wellsboro, PA, he was a son of the late Lester and Helen (Himes) Nelson.
Doug was a 1975 Graduate of Elkland High School. He was a Veteran having served in the United States Air Force. On January 12, 1980 in Knoxville, PA, he married the former Lisa Baker, who survives.
Doug worked at Carbaugh Tool in Horseheads for 25 years and then was a machinist at Corning, INC for 17 years before retiring.
Doug was a past member of the Osceola Fire Department, a past attendant for the Osceola Ambulance and a former Osceola Township Supervisor.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed fishing, woodworking and carpentry.
Dorothy “Dot” Sluga, 94, formerly of 12 Anderson St. Mount Jewett, PA, passed away Monday, Dec. 4, 2023 in the Lutheran Home at Kane.
Born December 31, 1928 in Kane, she was the daughter of Victor R. and Besse (Watterson) Lantz. On June 5, 1948, in Mount Jewett, she married William “Bill” Sluga, who passed away June 4, 2019.
Mrs. Sluga attended Mount Jewett School and worked for many years at Stackpole Corp. in Kane. She attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Mt. Jewett.
David “Dave” Amidon, 81, a lifelong resident of Shinglehouse, PA passed away with his loving family by his side on Friday, December 8, 2023, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a short illness.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
Gary Edward FANTON, 80, of Cabot, PA, formerly of Wellsville, NY, died Wednesday, December 6, 2023 in Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Butler, PA.
Born October 17, 1943, in Wellsville, he was the son of Lyle V. and Lucille M. Flynn Fanton. A graduate of Wellsville Central School and Alfred State College graduate, he served honorably with the U.S. Army from 1965—1968. He was stationed at Ahn Khe, Vietnam with the 1st Air Cavalry Division from July 1966—July 1967.
On June 4, 1966, in Hallsport, NY, he married the former Gloria J. Smith, who survives.
Gary was employed by National Fuel in Wellsville as a serviceman and regulator technician for 38 years, retiring in 2003. He was a member of Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702 in Wellsville and past assessor for the Towns of Willing, Independence, Alma, and Wellsville.
Gary was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be remembered for his sense of humor and sense of responsibility to always lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Kennth James Vogt, Sr., 70, of St. Marys, PA passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 with his wife and brother, Dale, by his side at Jefferson Manor following complications with Alzheimer’s.
Ken was born on October 21, 1953 in St. Marys, the fourth son of late Robert “Fish” and Joyce Wehler Vogt.
On June 18, 1977 Ken married his sweetheart and wife of more than 46 years, Geraldine Donachy Vogt.
He was a 1973 graduate of Elk County Christian High School. Ken was an avid Steeler fan and enjoyed spending time in nature. He was a multi-talented athlete of baseball, softball, karate, bowling, and golf. He loved the outdoors, animals, sports, and his family. He enjoyed umpiring and working with kids.
John L. “Jack” Green, 86, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, after a brief illness.
Jack was born on May 12, 1937, in Philipsburg, PA to the late Charles Leroy “Roy” Green and Bertha Seabolt Green. He graduated from BCI High School in 1955 and received his degree in education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He returned to BCI as a teacher, where he met his future wife, Rosemarie.
Dean R. Holmes, 79, of Farmersville, NY went home to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Buffalo General Hospital surrounded by his family.
Born on June 5, 1944 in Franklinville, he was a son of Elwyn and Helen Tarbell Holmes. On October 5, 1968, in Rushford, he married the former Susan E. Clark, who survives. After marriage they moved to Farmersville where he resided until his passing.
He was graduate of Franklinville Central Schools Class of 1962 and worked with his father on the Holmes Dairy Farm and after losing his parents he continued to manage the Farm until 2011 when he retired. He was proud that his daughter Bridget joined him in working on the family farm.
Dean was active in the community, attending the Farmersville Center Community Church where he served in several capacities including trustee. He also was a member of the Farmersville Fire Department until his death, he and his wife provided the firemen with their needs on fire scenes.
He was especially proud to receive the 100-year Century Farm Award for farming continuously for 100 years.
Rev. Robert Edward ANDERSON, Jr., 63, of Ulysses, PA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
Born December 24, 1959, in Adrian Hospital, Punxsutawney, he was the son of Robert and Rose Mary Johnston Anderson.
A 1977 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a Master of Science in Chemistry from Penn State University, a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY, and his teaching certificate from Clarion University.
On August 18, 1979, in Punxsutawney, he married his high school sweetheart, Melanie Copenhaver, who survives. They celebrated 44 years of marriage this past August.
Rob was a beloved pastor of multiple churches during his lifetime in Franklin, Galeton, Ulysses, and Genesee. He was currently serving as pastor of the Ulysses Methodist Church and Genesee Community Church. Rob would often say that his teaching career supported his preaching habit as he was an adored chemistry teacher for Coudersport High School in Coudersport. He loved to read, learn, teach, and mentor.
Michael Eric Barber, of Buffalo, NY passed in his sleep Thursday (Nov. 28, 2023), one day shy of his 61st birthday.
Michael was born in Cuba on Nov. 29, 1962, and spent most of his life in the Allegany County area of Western New York. The son of Odis Lee Barber Sr. and Eunice Julia Barber, he was raised in Friendship.
As a youth, he was a star athlete in baseball, soccer and basketball, winning multiple awards.
After graduating Friendship Central High School in 1981, he pursued a career in the armed forces, serving in the Special Forces Division of the U.S. Army. Private First Class (PFC) Barber will have a full military salute as a part of his homegoing services.
He was a lifelong member of the Friendship Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Friendship.
Portville- Walter B. Atkinson, passed away Sunday (December 3, 2023) at his home on Goss Avenue, Portville, NY after a long illness.
Walt was born June 9, 1928, in Vineland, N.J., he was the son of the late William A. and Marion Ellis Atkinson. On December 8, 1951, he married the former Lois D. Bowker, who predeceased him on July 23, 2016.
Walt was a 1946 graduate of Athens Area High School, Athens P.A. He attended college in Rochester at the Rochester Business Institute, and Kings College in New Castle, DE. Walt worked for Cutco/Alcas in Olean.
He worked at the Hamlin Bank in Eldred, PA., as bank President, and as Manager for the First National Bank in Portville, he also worked in the Olean bank. He worked in accounting at Acme Electric in Cuba.
