Obituaries 2021
Sharon Springs: Ken Sanders, a resident of Sharon Springs since 2015 and previously of Gloversville, died Tuesday December 21, 2021 at his residence. He was 74.
Born in Richland, Virginia on August 6, 1947, he was the son of the late Carl and Elsie (Kortles) Sanders.
Prior to relocating to Gloversville to live with his daughter, he was a longtime truck driver for Hooker’s Construction in the Williamsburg, VA area. Later, he was a short order cook for various restaurants and diners also in Williamsburg.
Survivors include a daughter, Cathy Lathey of Gloversville; two sisters, Linda, and Reba; two grandchildren, Destiny, and Alex; and four great grandchildren, Elijah, Lyric, Arianna, and Jace.
He was predeceased by four siblings: Bobby, Billy, Eugene, and Betty.
Services are private and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, POB 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs – John Olsen, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1960 and previously of Jamaica, NY, died at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center on Sunday December 26, 2021. He was 77.
Born in the Jamaica section of Queens on December 29, 1943, he was the son of the late Henning and Laila (Schwartz) Olsen.
The family relocated to Sharon Springs around 1960. Subsequently, John worked many years in the family construction business, Oley’s Construction, with his father and brothers. Later, he became a self-employed contractor and licensed electrician. He was a US Army veteran.
Survivors include his wife of fifty-one years; Melissa Olsen of Sharon Springs; a son, Eric Olsen of Sharon Springs; three brothers, Andy (Tina) Olsen of Sharon Springs, Danny (Donna) Olsen of Pawley’s Island, SC, and James Olsen of Port St. John, FL; two sisters, Susan Herman of Port St. John, and Gale Olsen of Santa Fe, NM; two grandchildren, Joshua, and Stephanie; and five great grandchildren, Bennett, Penelope, Karina, Airiana, and Ellie Mae.
A spring graveside service will be held in Slate Hill Cemetery, town of Sharon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad, POB 154, Sharon Springs, NY 13459.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Moreau – Cara Rumrill, a longtime resident of Moreau, passed away on Tuesday December 14, 2021, at Glens Falls Hospital after a long-term battle with cancer. She was 49.
Born in Glens Falls on October 24, 1972, she was the daughter of Herman Rumrill, and the late Gloria Bovey.
Cara was a 1990 graduate of Glens Falls High School. Eight years later, she began dating the love of her life, Christian Peper, and later they had two children
She had various jobs throughout her life, but most notable was when she worked in the C. R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital.
An amazing mother, aunt, and friend, she will be known for her humor, her intelligence, and her positive outlook on life. She enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and her cats Rocky, George, and Bex. She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.
Survivors include her fiancé, Christian Peper; their children, Ian and Jillian Peper; her father, Herman Rumrill and his wife Susan; her siblings, Greg, Todd, and Jennifer Rumrill; her nieces and nephews, Kaylee, Ryan, Noah, Mariah, Erin (Brandon), Hunter, and Sophia; her beloved great-nieces, Ava, Amelia, and Addeline; her stepsisters, Kathy (Bob), Jackie, Sue, and Carrie; her in-laws, Eric and Elizabeth Peper; and her close friends, Veronica, Danielle, Vern, and her tribe.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Tuesday, December 21, at Kilmer Funeral Home, South Glens Falls. Burial will be at a later date in Pine View Cemetery, town of Queensbury.
Memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA, 588 Queensbury Avenue, Queensbury, NY 12804.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Mary Merritt, nee Cooper, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1978, died on Saturday December 11, 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam. She was 57.
Born in Morristown, New Jersey on January 22, 1964, she was the daughter of the late James and Betty Cooper.
Mary was a graduate of Sharon Springs Central School and was a longtime bus driver for the district. She was a member of Calvary Assembly of God Church.
Mary was married to Lawrence Merritt on February 25, 1984. He died in 2005.
Survivors include two sons, Nathan Merritt of Richmondville, and Jordon Merritt of Mount Holly, NC; a daughter, Mackenzie Merritt of Sharon Springs; one brother; five sisters; and five grandchildren, Justin and Alexzina Merritt; Aiden Nelligan; and Zeke and Zane Mulkins.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, December 17, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Burial is private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Village of Sharon Springs Recreation center,
PO Box 217, Sharon Springs, NY 13459.
Sharon Springs: Milt Schilde, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1950 and previously of Paterson, New Jersey, died at his residence on Friday December 3, 2021. He was 86.
Born in Paterson on July 29, 1935, he was the son of the late Milton and Jennie (Spruit) Schilde.
Milt graduated from Sharon Springs Central School and then ran Sharon Orchards with his father until the early 1970’s. Subsequently, he became a Peace Corps volunteer for two years. He purchased Sunnycrest Orchards upon returning from the Corps in August 1975.
He married Carol Pearce on September 5, 1959, she passed in October 2018.
Survivors include three children, Laurie Schmitt of Richfield Springs, Thomas of Sharon Springs, and Tim of Seward; three siblings, Stephen, Elizabeth, and Evelyn; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by two siblings, Thomas, and Lois.
A Spring 2022 memorial service will be held in Sharon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad, POB 154, Sharon Springs NY 13459
Arrangements by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Cheryl Gilmour, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1981, died at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady on Tuesday November 30, 2021, after a short illness. She was 69.
Cheryl was born in Auburn (Cayuga County) on September 20, 1952, the daughter of the late Morgan and Sarah (Reynolds) Gilmour.
She was an LPN and had worked for Mercy Rehab Center in Auburn many years prior to coming to Sharon Springs and working twenty-four years for the former Bean Farms with longtime partner, Leonard Bean. The farm was sold in 2005. Leonard died November 25, 2007.
Survivors include three brothers, Thomas of Marcellus, James of Holliston, MA, and Richard of Chapel Hill, NC.
She was predeceased by one brother, Michael, in June 2007.
A graveside service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, December 11, at Slate Hill Cemetery, town of Sharon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad, POB 154, Sharon Springs NY 13459
Arrangements by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs – Peter Irwin, 74, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1981, died on Thursday September 23, 2021, at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, after a long illness. Services are private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Free Library, POB 268, Sharon Springs, NY 13459.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Cobleskill – Dorothy Laidlaw, a longtime resident of Cobleskill, died on Friday September 10, 2021, at her residence. She was 96.
Born in Staten Island on February 6, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Richard Fox and Belle (Metcalf) Allen.
She was a graduate of Curtis High School on Staten Island and a homemaker her entire life.
She was married to her first husband, James Brady Jr., on September 8, 1945, he died August 25, 1972. Her second husband, Clifford Laidlaw, died in 1984 after seven years of marriage.
Survivors include two daughters; Eileen Pixley of Cobleskill, and Kathleen Brady of Colorado Springs; a son, Jay Brady of Germany; two grandchildren, Tom and Sara; and two great grandchildren.
Besides her parents and husbands, she was predeceased by a son; Arthur Brady in 1986, and two brothers; Herbert, and Richard.
Services are private. Interment will be at a later date in Moravian Cemetery, Staten Island.
Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, online at habitat.org/donate.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Glens Falls- Gloria Bovey, a longtime resident of Glens Falls, passed away with her family by her side on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Saratoga Hospital after a short illness. She was 74.
Born in Glens Falls on her older sister’s birthday, August 27, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Russell and Gladys (Saville) Carpenter.
She was a 1964 graduate of Glens Falls High School. Subsequently, she settled down with her first husband, Herman Rumrill, in South Glens Falls, and they had four children. In 1988, she met the love of her life, Edward Bovey. They lived in Glens Falls until Ed passed in May 2019.
Gloria was a teaching assistant for over twenty-seven years in the South Glens Falls School District, and the love of her students lasted well beyond her retirement. Her commitment to the school and the community were evident in her unwavering support of the annual South High Marathon Dance charity fundraising event. Later in life, she went on to work at the Broad Street Hannaford, retiring in 2012.
An amazing mother and grandmother, Gloria will be remembered for her laughter, her spunkiness, and her “give-it-to-them” attitude. One of her favorite pastimes was going to garage sales and driving a hard bargain. She loved watching Hallmark Movies, Animal Planet, and the series Bluebloods. Gloria’s love of animals was epitomized through her devotion to her dog, Lily.
Survivors include four children: two daughters, Jennifer (Travis Madden) Rumrill of Glens Falls and Cara (Chris Peper) Rumrill of Moreau; two sons, Greg, and Todd Rumrill, both of Hudson Falls; a sister, Joan VanGarderen of Rockledge, FL; a brother, Michael (Cindy) Carpenter of South Glens Falls; nine grandchildren, Kaylee, Ryan (Crystal), Mariah, Noah, Erin (Brandon), Hunter, Ian, Jillian, and Sophia; three great-grandchildren, Ava, Amelia, and Addeline; extended family, Danielle, Ally, and Aaron; and very close friends, Mary Margaret, and Sue.
Besides her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by a brother, Russell Carpenter, Jr. in 1943.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, 8/19, at Kilmer Funeral Home, SGF. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 am prior to the service. Interment will be in Pineview Cemetery followed by a reception at the family home.
The family is grateful for the excellent care given by both Saratoga Hospital and her caregivers, Danielle, Erin, Kaylee, Veronica and especially Brandon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the South High Marathon Dance, online at www.shmd.org.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Albany: Garrett Wilty, a resident of Albany, died suddenly at home on Sunday August 1, 2021. He was 31.
Born in Cobleskill on April 5, 1990, the son of surviving parents, Rhonda (Vanderstad) Wilty of Sharon Springs and Gary Wilty of Carlisle.
He was a 2008 graduate of Cobleskill Richmondville High School and had attended SUNY Cobleskill in the culinary arts program.
Garrett was a supervisor for Century Linen and Uniform in Albany.
Garrett’s passion was music. He learned to play guitar and it became a favorite pastime he could nurture and share with family and friends.
Survivors besides his parents include his companion Paulina McGiver and their children; Iris and Paulie, all of Albany; two sisters, Leah Wilty of Hemet, CA, and Tara Wilty of East Worcester; and a maternal grandfather, Ron Vanderstad of Sharon Springs.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, 2601 E. Chapman Ave. Suite 204, Fullerton CA, 92831 or donate online at sweetrelief.org.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs
Obituary Notice: Cheryl A. Hemmes Seward – Schoharie County
Seward: Cheryl Hemmes (Diamond), a resident of Seward since 2006 and previously of East Worcester, died suddenly on Friday June 25, 2021, at her residence. She was 68.
Born in Cobleskill on November 30, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Ruth (Moore) Diamond.
She was a graduate of Duanesburg Central School and then worked locally at General Electric in Schenectady, the former EK diner in Duanesburg and as a home health aide.
She enjoyed floral design, arts and crafts, making quilts, and spending time with family. She was a longtime active member of Fusion Community Church in Cobleskill.
Survivors include her husband, whom she married December 23, 1972, Cornelis Hemmes; a daughter, Yvonne (Jeff) VanPatten of Sharon Springs; two sons, Shawn (Amanda) Hemmes of East Worcester, and Joseph (Christina) Hemmes of Seward; five siblings; Charles, George, Helen, Barbara, and Kelley; and five grandchildren, Paige, Clayton, Destiny, ShellyAnn, and Skyla; two stepsons, Derrek, and Scott; and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a brother, Theodore.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, July 3, at Fusion Community Church, Cobleskill. Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 prior to the service. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, POB 268, Warnerville NY 12187.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Glens Falls: Kenneth Dudley, a longtime resident of Glens Falls, NY and of Palmetto, FL from 2003 to 2015, died on Sunday May 16, 2021 at Barnwell Nursing and Rehab Center in Valatie, NY. He was 78.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on January 11, 1943, he was the son of the late Henry and Annette (Hallberg) Dudley.
Ken was a graduate of Westfield High School in New Jersey and then graduated from aviation maintenance school in Utica. He was a gifted mechanic who could fix anything. Eventually, he started KC Services, a forklift sales and service dealership located in Smith’s Basin, town of Kingsbury. The business closed in the mid 1980’s. Subsequently, he worked for Peckham Materials in Hudson Falls and then was a mechanic for UPS in Bound Brook, NJ, retiring around 2003. He then relocated to Palmetto, Fl and returned to Glens Falls around 2015.
Survivors include two sons, Daniel Dudley of Queensbury, and Chris Dudley of Bradenton, FL; a daughter, Arlene Tobias of Glens Falls; a brother, Henry Dudley; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Services are private and at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Marjorie Parsons, nee Smith, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1955, died at her residence on Tuesday May 18, 2021. She was 100.
Marge was born in Washington Mills, an unincorporated area within the town of New Hartford, on November 30, 1920, the daughter of the late George and Mary (Morse) Smith. She was a graduate of the nearby Sauquoit Valley High School.
She met her husband, Ernest Parsons, in Cherry Valley. They married on August 22, 1942 and later relocated to Sharon Springs where they lived out their lives. Ernest died March 24, 1979.
Marjorie was a manager of the cafeteria at Sharon Springs Central School for many years and had retired from the district.
She was actively involved in the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, the Sharon Springs Volunteer Fireman’s Auxiliary, Sharon Springs post #1269 American Legion Auxiliary, Rebecca’s Lodge, and the local Silver and Gold club.
Survivors include six sons, Wesley (Carol), Tom (Fran), Ken (Barb), Dick (Kathie), Ray (Mary), and David (Peggy), two brothers, Louis, and Kenneth; fifteen grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
She was predeceased by four siblings; Lucille, Evelyn, Merritt, and Edward; and two grandchildren, Kevin, and Josh.
A service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, May 22, at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Sharon Cemetery. Visitation is Friday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Fire Department, POB 336, Sharon Springs NY 13459, or to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Sharon Springs: Barbara J. Hall, nee Herklotz, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1966 and previously of Franklin (Delaware County), died on Thursday April 22, 2021 at Mountain Valley Hospice in Gloversville. She was 83.
Born in Dover, New Jersey on June 22, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Herman and Arvilla (Reed) Herklotz.
Barbara completed high school a year early and then graduated from the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in Montclair, New Jersey. Locally, Barbara owned and operated a dairy farm with her husband from 1966 until selling the farm in 1988. Additionally, she was a longtime secretary for both SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Oneonta, retiring from Oneonta in 2001.
Barbara was a longtime member of the Schoharie County chapter of the DAR and the Sharon Reformed Church, serving as church organist. She loved to sew and quilt and would eventually start Sharon Hill Crafts with her daughter and husband. The business continues today. Her favorite pastimes were following her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s sports programs and scholastic activities, and baking pies for family gatherings.
Survivors include her husband of sixty-five years, Harold Hall, four daughters, Jean Yaro, Shirley Hall-Garner, Patti (Tim) Everett, and Linda (Daryl) Bartlett; a son, John Hall; a sister, Ruth Sickler; five grandchildren, Jason, Randi, Amy, Zachary, and Jacob; and ten great grandchildren, Thomas, Devin, Maya, Kaden, Isabella, Mason, Raelynn, Wyatt, Rhett, and Emma.
Services are private and at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Slate Hill Cemetery, town of Sharon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville NY 12078, or to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad, POB 154, Sharon Springs NY 13459.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Daniel Trafton, 74, a resident of Sharon Springs since 2016 and previously of Cobleskill, died on Thursday April 1, 2021 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown after a brief illness. He was 74.
Born in Little Falls on October 26, 1946, he was the son of the late Wallace and Norma (Layman) Trafton.
Most recently, Daniel worked at the Wal Mart distribution center in Sharon Springs, retiring about ten years ago due to his health.
Daniel was a longtime practicing Jehovah Witness. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and taking care of his dogs, cats, chickens, and rabbits.
Survivors include his wife, Loretta Trafton, nee Mickle, of Sharon Springs; three sons, Daniel (Shawn) Trafton Jr. of Rochester, Andrew (Angie) Harrington of Cobleskill, and David (Trish) Harrington of Esperance; three sisters, Sylvia Duda of Cooperstown, Joyce Lawyer of Howes Cave, and Donna Loce of Richmondville; ten grandchildren, Danny III, Nate, Treasure, Josh, Kira, Tori, Sean, Sara, Ryan and Dre; and several great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by three siblings: Gary, Marianne, and Cyndie.
Services will be announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Shelter of the Schoharie Valley, POB 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Dianna L. Nolette, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1986, died on Wednesday March 31, 2021 at her residence after a long illness. She was 70.
Born in Little Falls on July 2, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Helmuth and Lula (Woodbeck) Miller.
Dianna was gifted at the delicate art of crocheting. She used this near lifelong skill to make numerous beautiful afghans and other gifts for her loved ones and close friends. She also enjoyed following her grandchildren’s scholastic activities and their sports programs. Her beloved dog Scout was always nearby and was a constant joy in her life. Going to Turning Stone casino was another pastime.
Her husband, Benjamin Nolette, whom she married November 28, 1970, died August 26, 2012.
Survivors include a daughter, Molly Empie (Paul) of Sharon Springs; a son, Benjamin Nolette of West Leyden (Lewis County); a sister, Brenda Deer of Fonda; and five grandchildren; Gabrielle, Lucas, Matthew, and Kaitlyn Roosevelt, all of Sharon Springs, and Benjamin Nolette of Clayton.
Visitation will be held from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Tuesday, April 6, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Interment will be in Slate Hill Cemetery, town of Sharon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Sharon Springs: Roland Heacox, a resident of Marchand Manor in the village since 2014 and previously of Altamont, died Monday February 8, 2021 at Cobleskill Regional Hospital of a short illness. He was 89.
Born in Altamont on October 26, 1931, he was the son of the late Roland E. and Leila Heacox.
Roland was both a new and used car salesman in the Albany-Schenectady market for many years.
Roly was an auto enthusiast who totally enjoyed sports cars, their history, and their speed. He attended races throughout the area, and if not at a race, his topic of conversations usually included sports cars! Roly had been active in the Mohawk-Hudson Region Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) for sixty-three years. His long tenure with the club included officer positions and racing official positions. Greg Rickes of SCCA stated, “Roly was one of the pioneers among local sports car enthusiasts, from the 1950’s into the 21st century. He was dedicated to good organization, safety, and most of all, fun. The friendships he formed lasted a lifetime.”
Roland was passionate about wine and he developed a deep knowledge of the subject. Selecting a proper wine for meals was his forte. Dining out with friends and loved ones was always on his to do list, with many meals being enjoyed at his favorite place of all time, the Scholz-Zwicklbauer-Hofbrau on Warners Lake. Antiquing, cooking, and card games were other pastimes.
Survivors include many friends at SCCA; Nancy and John Liddle, Robert Gaige, all of Schoharie; and Ethel and Robert Benninger and family, Central Bridge.
Spring inurnment will be private in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Guilderland.
Memorial contributions may be made to the SCCA Foundation, Box 299, Topeka, KS 66619.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Seward: Mary Lighthall, nee Garlock, a resident of Seward since 1980 and most recently of Palatine Bridge Nursing Home since August 2020, died on Monday January 25, 2021 at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville. She was 80.
Born in Sharon Springs on May 11, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Schuyler and Leda (Bordell) Garlock.
Mary was a 1958 graduate of Sharon Springs Central School and subsequently worked a longtime at Harva Company in Schoharie, retiring in 2002.
Her husband of sixty-two years, James Lighthall Sr., died in July 2020.
Survivors include five children; Cristi, James Jr., Robert, William ‘Bill’ and Mark; two sisters, Vivian, and Susan; a brother, Jason; ten grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
She was predeceased by a brother, Schuyler Jr.
Services are private.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Gloria Santillo, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1982 and most recently of Palatine Nursing Home since 2017; died at the home on Sunday January 24, 2021 after a long illness. She was 84.
Gloria received her masters degree in social work from New York University and worked many years for the New York City Bureau of Child Welfare.
She was a longtime member of the Unitarian church on Staten Island. Locally, she was a member of the Sharon Springs Emergency Rescue Squad, the Sharon Historical Society, the Sharon Springs Free Library Board, and the Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Survivors include her husband of thirty-nine years, C. Alfred Santillo of Sharon Springs; two daughters, Katherine Miller, and Deborah Miller; son-in-law, Robin MacDuffie; and a grandson, Patrick Miller.
She was predeceased by two siblings: Robert and Janice.
Currently, there are no services scheduled, but the family is anticipating a Celebration of Life for Gloria later in the Spring.
Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030; or online at doctorswithoutborders.org.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Ken Sanders, a resident of Sharon Springs since 2015 and previously of Gloversville, died Tuesday December 21, 2021 at his residence. He was 74.
Born in Richland, Virginia on August 6, 1947, he was the son of the late Carl and Elsie (Kortles) Sanders.
Prior to relocating to Gloversville to live with his daughter, he was a longtime truck driver for Hooker’s Construction in the Williamsburg, VA area. Later, he was a short order cook for various restaurants and diners also in Williamsburg.
Survivors include a daughter, Cathy Lathey of Gloversville; two sisters, Linda, and Reba; two grandchildren, Destiny, and Alex; and four great grandchildren, Elijah, Lyric, Arianna, and Jace.
He was predeceased by four siblings: Bobby, Billy, Eugene, and Betty.
Services are private and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, POB 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs – John Olsen, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1960 and previously of Jamaica, NY, died at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center on Sunday December 26, 2021. He was 77.
Born in the Jamaica section of Queens on December 29, 1943, he was the son of the late Henning and Laila (Schwartz) Olsen.
The family relocated to Sharon Springs around 1960. Subsequently, John worked many years in the family construction business, Oley’s Construction, with his father and brothers. Later, he became a self-employed contractor and licensed electrician. He was a US Army veteran.
Survivors include his wife of fifty-one years; Melissa Olsen of Sharon Springs; a son, Eric Olsen of Sharon Springs; three brothers, Andy (Tina) Olsen of Sharon Springs, Danny (Donna) Olsen of Pawley’s Island, SC, and James Olsen of Port St. John, FL; two sisters, Susan Herman of Port St. John, and Gale Olsen of Santa Fe, NM; two grandchildren, Joshua, and Stephanie; and five great grandchildren, Bennett, Penelope, Karina, Airiana, and Ellie Mae.
A spring graveside service will be held in Slate Hill Cemetery, town of Sharon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad, POB 154, Sharon Springs, NY 13459.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Moreau – Cara Rumrill, a longtime resident of Moreau, passed away on Tuesday December 14, 2021, at Glens Falls Hospital after a long-term battle with cancer. She was 49.
Born in Glens Falls on October 24, 1972, she was the daughter of Herman Rumrill, and the late Gloria Bovey.
Cara was a 1990 graduate of Glens Falls High School. Eight years later, she began dating the love of her life, Christian Peper, and later they had two children
She had various jobs throughout her life, but most notable was when she worked in the C. R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital.
An amazing mother, aunt, and friend, she will be known for her humor, her intelligence, and her positive outlook on life. She enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and her cats Rocky, George, and Bex. She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.
Survivors include her fiancé, Christian Peper; their children, Ian and Jillian Peper; her father, Herman Rumrill and his wife Susan; her siblings, Greg, Todd, and Jennifer Rumrill; her nieces and nephews, Kaylee, Ryan, Noah, Mariah, Erin (Brandon), Hunter, and Sophia; her beloved great-nieces, Ava, Amelia, and Addeline; her stepsisters, Kathy (Bob), Jackie, Sue, and Carrie; her in-laws, Eric and Elizabeth Peper; and her close friends, Veronica, Danielle, Vern, and her tribe.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Tuesday, December 21, at Kilmer Funeral Home, South Glens Falls. Burial will be at a later date in Pine View Cemetery, town of Queensbury.
Memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA, 588 Queensbury Avenue, Queensbury, NY 12804.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Mary Merritt, nee Cooper, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1978, died on Saturday December 11, 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam. She was 57.
Born in Morristown, New Jersey on January 22, 1964, she was the daughter of the late James and Betty Cooper.
Mary was a graduate of Sharon Springs Central School and was a longtime bus driver for the district. She was a member of Calvary Assembly of God Church.
Mary was married to Lawrence Merritt on February 25, 1984. He died in 2005.
Survivors include two sons, Nathan Merritt of Richmondville, and Jordon Merritt of Mount Holly, NC; a daughter, Mackenzie Merritt of Sharon Springs; one brother; five sisters; and five grandchildren, Justin and Alexzina Merritt; Aiden Nelligan; and Zeke and Zane Mulkins.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, December 17, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Burial is private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Village of Sharon Springs Recreation center,
PO Box 217, Sharon Springs, NY 13459.
Sharon Springs: Milt Schilde, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1950 and previously of Paterson, New Jersey, died at his residence on Friday December 3, 2021. He was 86.
Born in Paterson on July 29, 1935, he was the son of the late Milton and Jennie (Spruit) Schilde.
Milt graduated from Sharon Springs Central School and then ran Sharon Orchards with his father until the early 1970’s. Subsequently, he became a Peace Corps volunteer for two years. He purchased Sunnycrest Orchards upon returning from the Corps in August 1975.
He married Carol Pearce on September 5, 1959, she passed in October 2018.
Survivors include three children, Laurie Schmitt of Richfield Springs, Thomas of Sharon Springs, and Tim of Seward; three siblings, Stephen, Elizabeth, and Evelyn; five grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by two siblings, Thomas, and Lois.
A Spring 2022 memorial service will be held in Sharon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad, POB 154, Sharon Springs NY 13459
Arrangements by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Cheryl Gilmour, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1981, died at Ellis Hospital in Schenectady on Tuesday November 30, 2021, after a short illness. She was 69.
Cheryl was born in Auburn (Cayuga County) on September 20, 1952, the daughter of the late Morgan and Sarah (Reynolds) Gilmour.
She was an LPN and had worked for Mercy Rehab Center in Auburn many years prior to coming to Sharon Springs and working twenty-four years for the former Bean Farms with longtime partner, Leonard Bean. The farm was sold in 2005. Leonard died November 25, 2007.
Survivors include three brothers, Thomas of Marcellus, James of Holliston, MA, and Richard of Chapel Hill, NC.
She was predeceased by one brother, Michael, in June 2007.
A graveside service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, December 11, at Slate Hill Cemetery, town of Sharon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad, POB 154, Sharon Springs NY 13459
Arrangements by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs – Peter Irwin, 74, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1981, died on Thursday September 23, 2021, at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, after a long illness. Services are private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Free Library, POB 268, Sharon Springs, NY 13459.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Cobleskill – Dorothy Laidlaw, a longtime resident of Cobleskill, died on Friday September 10, 2021, at her residence. She was 96.
Born in Staten Island on February 6, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Richard Fox and Belle (Metcalf) Allen.
She was a graduate of Curtis High School on Staten Island and a homemaker her entire life.
She was married to her first husband, James Brady Jr., on September 8, 1945, he died August 25, 1972. Her second husband, Clifford Laidlaw, died in 1984 after seven years of marriage.
Survivors include two daughters; Eileen Pixley of Cobleskill, and Kathleen Brady of Colorado Springs; a son, Jay Brady of Germany; two grandchildren, Tom and Sara; and two great grandchildren.
Besides her parents and husbands, she was predeceased by a son; Arthur Brady in 1986, and two brothers; Herbert, and Richard.
Services are private. Interment will be at a later date in Moravian Cemetery, Staten Island.
Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, online at habitat.org/donate.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Glens Falls- Gloria Bovey, a longtime resident of Glens Falls, passed away with her family by her side on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at Saratoga Hospital after a short illness. She was 74.
Born in Glens Falls on her older sister’s birthday, August 27, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Russell and Gladys (Saville) Carpenter.
She was a 1964 graduate of Glens Falls High School. Subsequently, she settled down with her first husband, Herman Rumrill, in South Glens Falls, and they had four children. In 1988, she met the love of her life, Edward Bovey. They lived in Glens Falls until Ed passed in May 2019.
Gloria was a teaching assistant for over twenty-seven years in the South Glens Falls School District, and the love of her students lasted well beyond her retirement. Her commitment to the school and the community were evident in her unwavering support of the annual South High Marathon Dance charity fundraising event. Later in life, she went on to work at the Broad Street Hannaford, retiring in 2012.
An amazing mother and grandmother, Gloria will be remembered for her laughter, her spunkiness, and her “give-it-to-them” attitude. One of her favorite pastimes was going to garage sales and driving a hard bargain. She loved watching Hallmark Movies, Animal Planet, and the series Bluebloods. Gloria’s love of animals was epitomized through her devotion to her dog, Lily.
Survivors include four children: two daughters, Jennifer (Travis Madden) Rumrill of Glens Falls and Cara (Chris Peper) Rumrill of Moreau; two sons, Greg, and Todd Rumrill, both of Hudson Falls; a sister, Joan VanGarderen of Rockledge, FL; a brother, Michael (Cindy) Carpenter of South Glens Falls; nine grandchildren, Kaylee, Ryan (Crystal), Mariah, Noah, Erin (Brandon), Hunter, Ian, Jillian, and Sophia; three great-grandchildren, Ava, Amelia, and Addeline; extended family, Danielle, Ally, and Aaron; and very close friends, Mary Margaret, and Sue.
Besides her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by a brother, Russell Carpenter, Jr. in 1943.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, 8/19, at Kilmer Funeral Home, SGF. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 am prior to the service. Interment will be in Pineview Cemetery followed by a reception at the family home.
The family is grateful for the excellent care given by both Saratoga Hospital and her caregivers, Danielle, Erin, Kaylee, Veronica and especially Brandon.
Memorial contributions may be made to the South High Marathon Dance, online at www.shmd.org.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Albany: Garrett Wilty, a resident of Albany, died suddenly at home on Sunday August 1, 2021. He was 31.
Born in Cobleskill on April 5, 1990, the son of surviving parents, Rhonda (Vanderstad) Wilty of Sharon Springs and Gary Wilty of Carlisle.
He was a 2008 graduate of Cobleskill Richmondville High School and had attended SUNY Cobleskill in the culinary arts program.
Garrett was a supervisor for Century Linen and Uniform in Albany.
Garrett’s passion was music. He learned to play guitar and it became a favorite pastime he could nurture and share with family and friends.
Survivors besides his parents include his companion Paulina McGiver and their children; Iris and Paulie, all of Albany; two sisters, Leah Wilty of Hemet, CA, and Tara Wilty of East Worcester; and a maternal grandfather, Ron Vanderstad of Sharon Springs.
Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, 2601 E. Chapman Ave. Suite 204, Fullerton CA, 92831 or donate online at sweetrelief.org.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs
Obituary Notice: Cheryl A. Hemmes Seward – Schoharie County
Seward: Cheryl Hemmes (Diamond), a resident of Seward since 2006 and previously of East Worcester, died suddenly on Friday June 25, 2021, at her residence. She was 68.
Born in Cobleskill on November 30, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Theodore and Ruth (Moore) Diamond.
She was a graduate of Duanesburg Central School and then worked locally at General Electric in Schenectady, the former EK diner in Duanesburg and as a home health aide.
She enjoyed floral design, arts and crafts, making quilts, and spending time with family. She was a longtime active member of Fusion Community Church in Cobleskill.
Survivors include her husband, whom she married December 23, 1972, Cornelis Hemmes; a daughter, Yvonne (Jeff) VanPatten of Sharon Springs; two sons, Shawn (Amanda) Hemmes of East Worcester, and Joseph (Christina) Hemmes of Seward; five siblings; Charles, George, Helen, Barbara, and Kelley; and five grandchildren, Paige, Clayton, Destiny, ShellyAnn, and Skyla; two stepsons, Derrek, and Scott; and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a brother, Theodore.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, July 3, at Fusion Community Church, Cobleskill. Visitation will be 1:00 to 2:00 prior to the service. A reception will immediately follow the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, POB 268, Warnerville NY 12187.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Glens Falls: Kenneth Dudley, a longtime resident of Glens Falls, NY and of Palmetto, FL from 2003 to 2015, died on Sunday May 16, 2021 at Barnwell Nursing and Rehab Center in Valatie, NY. He was 78.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on January 11, 1943, he was the son of the late Henry and Annette (Hallberg) Dudley.
Ken was a graduate of Westfield High School in New Jersey and then graduated from aviation maintenance school in Utica. He was a gifted mechanic who could fix anything. Eventually, he started KC Services, a forklift sales and service dealership located in Smith’s Basin, town of Kingsbury. The business closed in the mid 1980’s. Subsequently, he worked for Peckham Materials in Hudson Falls and then was a mechanic for UPS in Bound Brook, NJ, retiring around 2003. He then relocated to Palmetto, Fl and returned to Glens Falls around 2015.
Survivors include two sons, Daniel Dudley of Queensbury, and Chris Dudley of Bradenton, FL; a daughter, Arlene Tobias of Glens Falls; a brother, Henry Dudley; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
Services are private and at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Marjorie Parsons, nee Smith, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1955, died at her residence on Tuesday May 18, 2021. She was 100.
Marge was born in Washington Mills, an unincorporated area within the town of New Hartford, on November 30, 1920, the daughter of the late George and Mary (Morse) Smith. She was a graduate of the nearby Sauquoit Valley High School.
She met her husband, Ernest Parsons, in Cherry Valley. They married on August 22, 1942 and later relocated to Sharon Springs where they lived out their lives. Ernest died March 24, 1979.
Marjorie was a manager of the cafeteria at Sharon Springs Central School for many years and had retired from the district.
She was actively involved in the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, the Sharon Springs Volunteer Fireman’s Auxiliary, Sharon Springs post #1269 American Legion Auxiliary, Rebecca’s Lodge, and the local Silver and Gold club.
Survivors include six sons, Wesley (Carol), Tom (Fran), Ken (Barb), Dick (Kathie), Ray (Mary), and David (Peggy), two brothers, Louis, and Kenneth; fifteen grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
She was predeceased by four siblings; Lucille, Evelyn, Merritt, and Edward; and two grandchildren, Kevin, and Josh.
A service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, May 22, at the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Sharon Cemetery. Visitation is Friday from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Fire Department, POB 336, Sharon Springs NY 13459, or to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Sharon Springs: Barbara J. Hall, nee Herklotz, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1966 and previously of Franklin (Delaware County), died on Thursday April 22, 2021 at Mountain Valley Hospice in Gloversville. She was 83.
Born in Dover, New Jersey on June 22, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Herman and Arvilla (Reed) Herklotz.
Barbara completed high school a year early and then graduated from the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in Montclair, New Jersey. Locally, Barbara owned and operated a dairy farm with her husband from 1966 until selling the farm in 1988. Additionally, she was a longtime secretary for both SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Oneonta, retiring from Oneonta in 2001.
Barbara was a longtime member of the Schoharie County chapter of the DAR and the Sharon Reformed Church, serving as church organist. She loved to sew and quilt and would eventually start Sharon Hill Crafts with her daughter and husband. The business continues today. Her favorite pastimes were following her grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s sports programs and scholastic activities, and baking pies for family gatherings.
Survivors include her husband of sixty-five years, Harold Hall, four daughters, Jean Yaro, Shirley Hall-Garner, Patti (Tim) Everett, and Linda (Daryl) Bartlett; a son, John Hall; a sister, Ruth Sickler; five grandchildren, Jason, Randi, Amy, Zachary, and Jacob; and ten great grandchildren, Thomas, Devin, Maya, Kaden, Isabella, Mason, Raelynn, Wyatt, Rhett, and Emma.
Services are private and at the convenience of the family. Interment will be in Slate Hill Cemetery, town of Sharon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville NY 12078, or to the Sharon Springs Volunteer Rescue Squad, POB 154, Sharon Springs NY 13459.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Daniel Trafton, 74, a resident of Sharon Springs since 2016 and previously of Cobleskill, died on Thursday April 1, 2021 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown after a brief illness. He was 74.
Born in Little Falls on October 26, 1946, he was the son of the late Wallace and Norma (Layman) Trafton.
Most recently, Daniel worked at the Wal Mart distribution center in Sharon Springs, retiring about ten years ago due to his health.
Daniel was a longtime practicing Jehovah Witness. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and taking care of his dogs, cats, chickens, and rabbits.
Survivors include his wife, Loretta Trafton, nee Mickle, of Sharon Springs; three sons, Daniel (Shawn) Trafton Jr. of Rochester, Andrew (Angie) Harrington of Cobleskill, and David (Trish) Harrington of Esperance; three sisters, Sylvia Duda of Cooperstown, Joyce Lawyer of Howes Cave, and Donna Loce of Richmondville; ten grandchildren, Danny III, Nate, Treasure, Josh, Kira, Tori, Sean, Sara, Ryan and Dre; and several great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by three siblings: Gary, Marianne, and Cyndie.
Services will be announced at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Shelter of the Schoharie Valley, POB 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Dianna L. Nolette, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1986, died on Wednesday March 31, 2021 at her residence after a long illness. She was 70.
Born in Little Falls on July 2, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Helmuth and Lula (Woodbeck) Miller.
Dianna was gifted at the delicate art of crocheting. She used this near lifelong skill to make numerous beautiful afghans and other gifts for her loved ones and close friends. She also enjoyed following her grandchildren’s scholastic activities and their sports programs. Her beloved dog Scout was always nearby and was a constant joy in her life. Going to Turning Stone casino was another pastime.
Her husband, Benjamin Nolette, whom she married November 28, 1970, died August 26, 2012.
Survivors include a daughter, Molly Empie (Paul) of Sharon Springs; a son, Benjamin Nolette of West Leyden (Lewis County); a sister, Brenda Deer of Fonda; and five grandchildren; Gabrielle, Lucas, Matthew, and Kaitlyn Roosevelt, all of Sharon Springs, and Benjamin Nolette of Clayton.
Visitation will be held from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Tuesday, April 6, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Interment will be in Slate Hill Cemetery, town of Sharon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Sharon Springs: Roland Heacox, a resident of Marchand Manor in the village since 2014 and previously of Altamont, died Monday February 8, 2021 at Cobleskill Regional Hospital of a short illness. He was 89.
Born in Altamont on October 26, 1931, he was the son of the late Roland E. and Leila Heacox.
Roland was both a new and used car salesman in the Albany-Schenectady market for many years.
Roly was an auto enthusiast who totally enjoyed sports cars, their history, and their speed. He attended races throughout the area, and if not at a race, his topic of conversations usually included sports cars! Roly had been active in the Mohawk-Hudson Region Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) for sixty-three years. His long tenure with the club included officer positions and racing official positions. Greg Rickes of SCCA stated, “Roly was one of the pioneers among local sports car enthusiasts, from the 1950’s into the 21st century. He was dedicated to good organization, safety, and most of all, fun. The friendships he formed lasted a lifetime.”
Roland was passionate about wine and he developed a deep knowledge of the subject. Selecting a proper wine for meals was his forte. Dining out with friends and loved ones was always on his to do list, with many meals being enjoyed at his favorite place of all time, the Scholz-Zwicklbauer-Hofbrau on Warners Lake. Antiquing, cooking, and card games were other pastimes.
Survivors include many friends at SCCA; Nancy and John Liddle, Robert Gaige, all of Schoharie; and Ethel and Robert Benninger and family, Central Bridge.
Spring inurnment will be private in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Guilderland.
Memorial contributions may be made to the SCCA Foundation, Box 299, Topeka, KS 66619.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Seward: Mary Lighthall, nee Garlock, a resident of Seward since 1980 and most recently of Palatine Bridge Nursing Home since August 2020, died on Monday January 25, 2021 at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville. She was 80.
Born in Sharon Springs on May 11, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Schuyler and Leda (Bordell) Garlock.
Mary was a 1958 graduate of Sharon Springs Central School and subsequently worked a longtime at Harva Company in Schoharie, retiring in 2002.
Her husband of sixty-two years, James Lighthall Sr., died in July 2020.
Survivors include five children; Cristi, James Jr., Robert, William ‘Bill’ and Mark; two sisters, Vivian, and Susan; a brother, Jason; ten grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
She was predeceased by a brother, Schuyler Jr.
Services are private.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: Gloria Santillo, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1982 and most recently of Palatine Nursing Home since 2017; died at the home on Sunday January 24, 2021 after a long illness. She was 84.
Gloria received her masters degree in social work from New York University and worked many years for the New York City Bureau of Child Welfare.
She was a longtime member of the Unitarian church on Staten Island. Locally, she was a member of the Sharon Springs Emergency Rescue Squad, the Sharon Historical Society, the Sharon Springs Free Library Board, and the Sharon Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Survivors include her husband of thirty-nine years, C. Alfred Santillo of Sharon Springs; two daughters, Katherine Miller, and Deborah Miller; son-in-law, Robin MacDuffie; and a grandson, Patrick Miller.
She was predeceased by two siblings: Robert and Janice.
Currently, there are no services scheduled, but the family is anticipating a Celebration of Life for Gloria later in the Spring.
Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030; or online at doctorswithoutborders.org.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
