Obituaries 2022
Sharon Springs – Guy Bartlett, a lifelong resident of the area, died on Friday, December 23, 2022, at Mary Imogene Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. He was 92.
Born in Canajoharie on March 18, 1930, he was the son of the late E.G.‘Dutch’ and Myrtle (Conover) Bartlett.
Guy worked at the former Lifesavers factory in Canajoharie for thirty-eight years, retiring in 1988. He was a longtime member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ames.
Guy enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapshooting, and snowmobiling with the Sharon Pathfinders club. He was an accurate shooter earning him the nickname ‘deadeye.’ Also, he was a standout pitcher for the local town baseball team, and he played in local bowling
and softball leagues.
His favorite pastime was camping with his wife Lois all over the country, however, their favorite spot was at Roundout Valley Resort in Kingston. Guy married Lois Aker on June 17, 1950. She passed away on March 30, 2018.
Survivors include eight children; Bruce, Dennis, Donna, Bonnie (Bob), Dan (Theresa), Doug (Sally), Barry (Lori), and Daryl (Linda); a brother, Richard; a sister, Marion; and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by a son, Robert Bartlett on May 3, 2000; and three siblings, Lyman, Donald, and Joyce.
A visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:00 on Thursday, 12/29, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Interment will be at a later date in Slate Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, POB 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.
Ronald Vanderstad, a resident of Sharon Springs passed away at the age of 90 on December 22, 2022 at Robinson Terrace Nursing Home in Stamford, NY.
Ron was born on February 26, 1932 in Prospect Park NJ, the son of the late Ernest and Florence Vanderstad. He resided in Hawthorne, NJ before moving to Sharon Springs with his family in 1963. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Cobleskill.
Ron was a longtime mechanic and carpenter for the NY State Department of Parks and Recreation, primarily at Thatcher Park in Voorheesville. After retirement Ron worked for many years for the Sharon Springs Central School. He coached baseball and softball and was a teacher’s aid. The students affectionately called him “Mr. V”.
Ron’s hobbies included baseball, golf and horse racing. He also enjoyed summer vacations at the beach with his family.
Ron married his wife of fifty nine years, Doris Coleman, on November 22, 1952. He lovingly cared for her as she courageously battled a long illness until her death in 2012. Ron will be remembered as a kind soul with a smile for everyone he met.
Survivors include three daughters, Rhonda Wilty of Richmondville, Tracey Vanderstad of Bethlehem, PA, and Paula Bellinger of Cobleskill; a son, Matthew (Stephanie) Vanderstad of Glenville; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by five sisters, one brother, and two grandsons, Justin Cancelliere in 2014 and Garrett Wilty in 2021.
A service will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, December 29, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Calling is prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Interment will be at a later date in Sharon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon For A Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.
Albany – Daniel Manchester, a longtime resident of Albany and previously of Sharon Springs, died on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, New Jersey. He was 26.
Daniel was born in Albany on July 5, 1996, the son of Will Manchester of Sharon Springs and Trish Booth (John) of Roseboom, both survive.
Daniel was a 2017 graduate of the Kevin Langan Center for Disabilities School in Albany.
He enjoyed attending truck and tractor pulls at local fairs, and auto racing (dirt track and Nascar). Also, he was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. In 2012, Make a Wish Foundation awarded Daniel a two-day trip to New York City with VIP passes to a Yankees game. Also included in the trip was a tour of the stadium and dinner in the Yankees private dining room.
Survivors include two brothers; Mackenzie Manchester of Johnstown and Ayden Hickling of Roseboom; a sister, Ivory Manchester of Canajoharie; grandparents, Wilson and Irene Manchester of Sharon Springs; a niece and nephew, Summer and Finley Steidle, both of Canajoharie; a stepmom, Pam Ferry; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. All loved him dearly and will miss him.
A visitation will held on Saturday, January 14, from noon to 2:00pm at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. A reception will follow at the Canajoharie Eagles, Church Street.
Inurnment will be at a later date in Slate Hill Cemetery, town of Sharon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Make a Wish Foundation, online at wish.org (Northeast NY Region).
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Manchester, NH: Heather Pettengill, formerly of Cobleskill, passed away of a short illness on November 21, 2022, at Elliot Hospital in Manchester. She was 46.
Survivors include her mother, Renae (Bob) Govel; her father, Mark Pettengill; two daughters, Ashley Trafton and Emily Burnett; a son, Johnathon Philipp; a grandson, Mason Steidle; two sisters, Susan (Joe) Rorick, and Bonnie Pettengill; a niece and nephew, Rachel, and David Rorick; and several aunts and uncles.
A service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, December 7, at Faith Bridge Church, Manchester, NH.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, P.O. Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.
Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Jefferson – Frederick Black, a resident of the town of Jefferson for twenty years, died at his residence on Monday, September 26, 2022. He was 52.
Born in Redbank, New Jersey on October 28, 1969, he was the son of Frederick and Arlene (Trepp) Black, who survive.
Survivors besides his parents include three daughters; Kayla, Brittany, and Nicole; three sisters, Kelly, Shelly, and Denise; and seven grandchildren, Jesse, Journey, Daniel, Keith, Ryan, Aliyah, and Alex.
A memorial service will be held at 11:45 am Monday, October 10, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Visitation is prior to the service from 11:00 to 11:45.
Memorial contributions may be made to charity.
Sharon Springs – Susan Chetwynd Romeyn Belfance, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1986, died on Saturday September 17, 2022, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. She was 64.
Born in Gloversville on April 8, 1958, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Elizabeth (Carrol) Chetwynd.
Susan worked for twenty-five years at Wal Mart Distribution Center in Sharon Springs. She was working at the time of her death and had been head of the QA department at Wal Mart for many years.
Susan was the ‘best mom ever’ and a kind, loving, thoughtful person with a big heart. She enjoyed the warmth and nostalgia of campfires and spending time with her grandchildren.
Susan’s first husband whom she married in 1975, Ronald R. Romeyn, passed away accidentally in 1978.
Survivors include her husband of forty-five years, Alton Belfance of Sharon Springs; two daughters, Erin Belfance, and Katelyn (Steve) Pasternak; four sons, Troy Romeyn, Ronnie (Helen) Romeyn, Alton Belfance Jr., and Jared Belfance; and thirteen grandchildren.
She was predeceased by two brothers; Gary Lee and Jimmy.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will begin at 11:00am, Sunday October 2, at the Tryon Inn in Cherry Valley, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, online at diabetes.org.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Nancy Ann DiPace Pfau, 79, of Albany, NY, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 31, 2022.
Born in Albany on October 18, 1942 to Helen (Madison) and Vito Anthony Di Pace, she is survived by her husband of 58 years, Richard Pfau of Albany, her children Bradley of Bern, Switzerland, and daughter Aleksandra of Conway, AR, grandchildren Sebastian and Tobias Pfau of Bern, and brother Anthony DiPace of Sharon Springs. She was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Albany.
Nancy was a joyful, outward-facing person with a big, welcoming smile. She made friends easily and always found the good in others. Her father died in the Second World War when she was two, and she never got over it but thought of him all the time, wondering what would have been different had he lived. Her mother and grandmother, both widowed young, were role models of strength and compassion who believed in her and helped her to academic as well as social success. She was salutatorian of Sharon Springs Central School, completed her undergraduate education at Syracuse University, and earned a master’s from Columbia.
Nancy took special pride in her children. Both are teachers, Bradley at the University of Bern and Aleksandra at Hendrix College. Although she missed them, Nancy was glad they had gone out into the world on their own.
An inspirational teacher in five states and Tehran, Iran, Nancy developed her own student-centered philosophy, “well ahead of her time,” one student said.. She wanted her students to learn actively through discussion in small groups, debate, and reflection Rather than recite facts, Nancy made history live, and she stressed that people, with all their biases, create the stories of the past. Frequent family conversations about teaching and learning led her husband, son, and daughter to incorporate Nancy’s methods into their own teaching.
Many of Nancy’s students chose to teach. One, now a professor, told her she had helped them become “educated consumers of information.” Nancy was able to reach not only the most dedicated students but also troubled students, including one who murdered a relative and returned after his conviction to tell her he would miss her while in prison.
In addition to teaching, Nancy was an exemplary presidential spouse, a role model for many, at Illinois College and Averett University, organizing and hosting hundreds of events at her home and across the country. She always had time for students; “I remember every interaction,” one said, “She is the sweetest and kindest woman ever!”
All her life Nancy loved reading. She wrote two books of her own, Sharon and Sharon Springs, a history, published by Acadia Press in 2015, and The Illinois College President’s Home: Traditions for Dining, published by Morris Press in 2000. She also edited The Chatter, a quarterly newsletter for Sharon Springs. As well did she love music, particularly Irish and Scottish songs, and sang in church choirs.
Nancy consistently reached out to those she regarded as unfairly treated, notably LGBT persons, native Americans, and African Americans. Before it was commonplace, she bravely led the successful effort to remove the Confederate flag from her high school in Virginia, despite personal threats from the Ku Klux Klan. A highlight of her life was spending a morning alone with Coretta Scott King, chatting about life, children, and Martin’s work.
Travel was another of Nancy’s passions. She especially enjoyed Switzerland where her son and his family live, and also her trips to Finland, Sweden, England, and Scotland.
Forty-four years after leaving her home in Sharon Springs, Nancy returned for 12 happy years, until a stroke forced her move to a retirement community.
A private burial will be scheduled in Sharon Cemetery. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Donations to Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, 855 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206 Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd, Albany, NY 12205, would honor Nancy.
Sharon Springs – Edward Carrow, a resident of Sharon Springs since 2012, passed away on Tuesday August 23, 2022, at his residence. He was 58.
Born in Albany, NY on September 16, 1963, he was the son of the late Clifford and Karin (Buege) Carrow.
Eddie worked in transportation for the Golub Corporation in Rotterdam for 13 years and previously for Hutchinson’s in Vermont.
Edward was a longtime member of both the Colonie Fire Company and the Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Department, where he was affectionately known as Eddie and Bubba throughout the department.
Survivors include his children; Lucas, Oliver, Aubree, and Piper; and their mother, Jenessa Cummings, all of Sharon Springs; two daughters, Brittany, and Caitlin; four siblings, Jeffrey, Susan, Brenda, and Michele; and three grandchildren, Hailey, Colton, and Caleb.
He was predeceased by his sister, Lora Ann.
Private interment will be at a later date in Memory Gardens Cemetery and Memorial Park, Colonie.
Contributions may be made to the Colonie Fire Company, 1631 Central Avenue, Colonie, NY 12205, or to the Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Department, 550 Albany Shaker Road Loudonville, New York 12211.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
On August 17, 2022 at AO Fox Nursing Home, Oneonta NY, at the age of 95. Charles France was born in Seward, NY. Predeceased by parents (Harold and Doris France), wife of 54 years (Lorraine McMahon France), daughter (Colleen VanVechten), and brother (Carleton France). He is survived by his daughter, Charlaine (Donald) Neill of Henrietta, NY, grandchildren Michelle (Richard) Hodge, Jennifer (Gregory) Kinslow and Jeffrey (Holly) Neill, and great-grandchildren Faith (John) Thelin, Samantha Hodge, Erin, Lauren, and Megan Kinslow, and Caleb and Leah Neill who affectionately called him ”Super Papa.” He is also survived by nephews and dear friends in the Schoharie and Otsego County areas.
Charlie lived most of his years in Sharon Springs. He was an alumnus of Sharon Springs Central School, a WWII Army Corps Veteran, and a former member of the Sharon Springs Fire Department, American Legion, and Masons. Charlie was the Postmaster in Sharon Springs for over 25 years and became friends with everyone in town.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. Charlie loved to be outdoors—wandering in the woods with his father, brother, and their beagles or deer hunting. Others saw him on Summit Lake or in a stream fishing. He told stories of racing down big hills in the snow with his brother. And as a young father, he shoveled off Bowmaker’s pond so his children could skate and built snow forts for friends to enjoy. In addition to constructing his house in the rock ledge on his property, he built a water wheel for his pond; friends and travelers would stop to take pictures. When his grandchildren visited, they looked forward to the adventures he’d take them on and eagerly watched for him to walk up the hill during his lunch break from the post office. He and Lorraine liked to travel to Myrtle Beach and Florida for vacations. He spent many hours on the golf course and loved playing with the people he met. Charlie always had a story to tell and was ready to share his experiences and knowledge with others.
Charlie wanted to thank all who have sent cards, notes, visits, and phone calls with him over the past few years. He cherished his friendships with you.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Heritage at the Plains in Oneonta and AO Fox Nursing Home for the care they gave to him during the past year.
As a tribute to him, please spend time on a walk with your family. Listen to birds, watch animals, and wander through the woods. He loved the outdoors and wanted to share it with all.
There will be a private family service for him to be held at a later date.
Sharon Springs: A memorial service will be held for Gloria Santillo, 84, at 11:00 am Saturday August 27, 2022, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Gloria, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1982, passed on January 24, 2021, after a long illness. She had been a resident of Sharon Springs since 1982 and was active in several local organizations.
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.
Contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders USA,
P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030; or online at doctorswithoutborders.org.
Sharon Springs -Joseph Hartlieb, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1967 and most recently of Palatine Nursing Home since July 13 this year, died suddenly on Friday, July 22, 2022, at the home. He was 68.
Born in Poughkeepsie on April 25, 1954, he was the son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Cole) Hartlieb.
Joe was a longtime manager for FGI Industries in Amsterdam, retiring when the plant closed in 2016. Joe took pride in caring for and maintaining the appearance of his yard and overall grounds. During retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family.
Survivors include a daughter, Amy Hartlieb; a son, Joseph Hartlieb, both of Sharon Springs; a brother, Michael Hartlieb of Canajoharie; a sister, Catherine Clark of Richmondville; and four grandchildren, Cadance, Haydn, Ahzeilia, and Sofia.
He was predeceased by a brother, Tim Hartlieb, in 2012.
A memorial service will be held at 7:00 pm Monday, August 1, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Calling hours will be from 5:00 to 7:00 prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 1269, POB 273, Sharon Springs, NY 13459.
Sharon Springs – Beatrice Sellers, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1995, died on Wednesday June 15, 2022, at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. She was 78.
Born in Brooklyn on June 2, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Beatrice (Alence) Flaviani.
Beatrice was a longtime communicant of the former St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Sharon Springs and St. Thomas the Apostle in Cherry Valley. Also, she was a member of the parish council and served as eucharistic minister for the homebound.
Beatrice was a foster parent to nine children for Kidspeace International and Catholic Family and Community services, Cobleskill.
She loved all animals and had a passion to reduce animal suffering privately through her animal rights activism.
Survivors include two sons, Thomas Sellers of Queens and Eric Sellers of N. Fort Myers, FL; a stepdaughter, Karen Plew of Pleasant Valley; two brothers, Vincent Flaviani of Houston and James Flaviani of Warner Robbins, GA; five grandchildren, Kristiana, Dakota, E.J., Brook Lynn, and Lars; and four great grandchildren, Alivia, Liam, Grayson, and Elaina.
A Funeral Mass will be held at11:00 am Saturday June 18 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Cherry Valley. Calling is prior to Mass from 10:00-11:00 at the church. Repast will follow the Mass in Kateri Hall next to the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, P.O. Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187, or to the church at P.O. Box 246, Cherry Valley NY 13320.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs – Loren O. Hall, a lifelong resident of Sharon Springs, died on Tuesday April 19, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam after a short illness. He was 82.
Loren was born on September 11, 1939, in a farmhouse on the former Engleville Pond Road (now Mill Pond Road), the son of the late Raymond and Mabel (Herman) Hall.
Loren and his older brother, Ronald, both attended school on Englevillle Pond Road. Ronald passed on July 7, 2010.
Loren’s passion was motorcycles, cars, and dirt track racing. Loren was a kind, loving and generous person. His friendly sarcasm and the occasional sarcastic tone will be missed by those who knew him.
He was a caretaker for the Wasserman, Corn, and Rothenberg families in the village for over sixty-three years. The families remained involved in his life until his passing.
Loren was a very important member of the Barbic family, and they survive; William IV (2), Olive (4), Zarie (12), Peyton (13), Sonia (32), and William Barbic III (28).
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Monday, April 25, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Burial will be at a later date in Sharon Cemetery, Hwy Route 20, town of Sharon.
Sharon Springs – Maurice Masse, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1973 and most recently of Seward, died at his residence on April 15, 2022, after a long illness. He was 80.
Born in Addison, Vermont on January 30, 1942, he was the son of the late Leopold and Simone (Charlebois) Masse.
Maurice was raised in Old Chatham (Columbia County) and was a graduate of New Lebanon High School.
Maurice moved to the area from West Sand Lake with his wife Annette about 1973 after purchasing a dairy farm on Button Street in the town. The farm was sold in 2017. Annette Masse, nee Groves, passed on January 14, 2016.
Survivors include three sons; Maurice (J.R.) Masse Jr. of East Greenbush, Darin Masse of Averill Park, and Richard Masse of Johnstown; two daughters, Nicole Amanatides of Seward, and Jodi Masse of Johnstown; four siblings; Robert, Roger, Jeanne-Lucille, and Lorraine; five grandchildren, Darin, Austin, Jacob, Dylan, and Matthew; and three great-great grandchildren, Maci, Colton, and Paislee.
Besides his wife, he was predeceased by two siblings, Raymond and Theresa.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Monday April 18, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Contributions may be made to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, PO Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092
Cherry Valley – Raymond F. Yerdon Sr., a longtime resident of Cherry Valley, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday April 15, 2022. He was 87.
Born in Middlefield Center on August 24, 1934, he was the son of the late Ceylon and Mabel (Laymon) Yerdon.
Raymond was a hard worker his whole life. When he was younger, he worked for Yerdon Brothers Dairy Farms in Middlefield. For thirty years, he was a heavy equipment operator for a local road construction company. Lastly, he worked for Yerdon Construction which was owned by his son.
His pastimes included hunting, bowling at the Route 80 Bowl in Van Hornseville, and attending the races at Fonda Speedway.
Survivors include four children: Tim (Alberta), Raymond Jr., Cindy (Dan), and Michael (Helen), a daughter-in-law, Shirley; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Marian; his parents, a son, Rick; and a grandson, Adam.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Interment will be private in Cherry Valley Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cherry Valley Assembly of God, PO Box 524, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
South Valley - Barbara Lane, nee Jones, a longtime resident of South Valley and Cherry Valley and most recently of the Wilkinson Health Care Facility in Amsterdam, died on March 9, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam. She was 87.
Barbara was a tender loving mother of all eight of her children and had lots of wisdom. She was a praying mother and attended the Assembly of GodChurch in Cherry Valley after giving her life to Christ. She taught Sunday school to many local children and made a Godly impact on their lives, including her own children. Barbara was also involved in woman’s ministry there. She later joined the United Pentecostal church in Cobleskill. After being involved in that ministry, she continued to serve the Lord at Life Christian Center in Johnstown, NY in prayer and continued to lead a life of consistent prayer for her children and grandchildren.
Barbara was born on May 18, 1934, on the Jones family farm on Buttermilk Hill Road in South Valley, NY. She was the daughter of the late William and Cora (Brown) Jones.
Barbara attended Cherry Valley Central School. Subsequently, she was a longtime nurse’s aide at the Fly Creek nursing home and a home health aide throughout the local area.
Barbara married Haskell West Sr. in 1949. After Haskell died, she married Donald B. Lane of South Valley in 1974. Donald died in November of 1991.
Survivors include three daughters, Jaceda (Chickie) West of Johnstown, Bonnie LaFreniere of Fultonville, and Melodie VanAlstyne of Fonda; a son, Donald Lane Jr.; a sister, Irma Bates of Richmondville; nine grandchildren, Michelle, Michael, Kirk, Royce, Corrissa, Monica, Jason, Russell, and Gabriel; nine great grandchildren, Steffanie, Benjamin, Angelique, Ethan, Mariah, Royce III, Brittney, Courtney, and Elizabeth; and two great-great grandchildren, Danielle, and William.
She was predeceased by three sons; Haskell Jr., Timothy, and Darrell West; a daughter, Pamela Ryan; nine siblings; and a grandson, Jason Bright.
A service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday March 11, at Cherry Valley Assembly of God, 37 Alden Street, Cherry Valley. Visitation is prior to the service from 12:00 to 1:00. The celebration service and fellowship will immediately follow at the Tryon Inn, Cherry Valley. Burial will be at a later date in South Valley Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the church at P.O. Box 524, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Ivan Darvey Bosma, 63, took his own life on January 25, 2022, after a long period of psychological
and physical decline.
Darvey was born June 23, 1958, in Oswego, the son of the late Clarence and Doris (Widmeyer) Bosma.
He was a 1976 graduate of Canajoharie High School. Later, he served in the Army as a paratrooper and was awarded a
Commendation Medal. He attended Fulton-Montgomery Community College and transferred to SUNY Oneonta to study Hydrology.
Darvey worked as a heavy equipment operator for the town of Cherry Valley Highway Department for many years.
He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had been a member of the Cherry Valley Fire
Department and the Cherry Valley Fish and Game Club.
Darvey is lovingly remembered by his wife, Deborah Horvath and children, Dana Ripley, Dillon Matthew, and Daniel Beck.
He was most proud of being a grandfather to Hazel Mae, Colden Finley, and Skyler Hudson.
Friends are invited to visit with his family at 1 Bosma Lane, Cherry Valley on Saturday, January 29th from noon to 5:00 PM.
The family would appreciate visitors wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the National Suicide
Prevention Hotline (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/donate/).
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: It is with sadness and heavy hearts we announcec the passing of our beloved mother, mama, grandmother, great, and great-great grandmother, and friend, Beulah Waid, peacefully on January 20, 2022, at her residence. She was 90.
Born in the town of Middlefield on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Lee and Frances (Bostwick) Roberts.
She will be remembered as a strong, determined, and special lady. Beulah always showed much love to her family and friends and lived life her own way.
At the age of sixteen, she was married to Albert Waid on April 15, 1947. Soon after they had five children: Clifford, Debbie, Dawn, Edward, and Francis. For twenty-five years, she owned Waid’s Poultry Farm with her husband in Sharon Hill. She delivered eggs all over the area.
Know as the ‘Poppy Lady’, Beulah collected thousands of dollars for area veterans and their families. Also, she was the founder of the local ‘Flags on the Streets’ program, and a fifty-year member of the Ladies American Legion Auxiliary Post #1269, and a thirty plus year volunteer for the county election board.
Survivors include four children; several grandchildren (great and great-great); cousins; and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Albert; a son, Clifford; and two grandchildren.
Calling will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Sunday, January 23, at Lappeus Funeral Home.
A service will immediately follow at 4:00pm. Spring burial will be in Slate hill Cemetery, town of Sharon.
Sharon Springs: Geraldine Dunne, a resident of Sharon Springs since 2003, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at her residence. She was 81.
Born in Chicago, IL on November 15, 1940, she was the daughter of the late John and Helen (Myles) Bigda.
Prior to relocating from Brooklyn to Sharon Springs, Geri worked many years for Homeland Security in NYC as an immigration officer focusing on certifying marriages.
Survivors include a sister, Susan Zeffield of Mt. Prospect, IL; a brother, George Bigda of Palatine, IL; and two nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, John (Jack) Dunne, on January 27, 2018.
Calling will be held from 5:00 to 6:00pm on Friday, January 28, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Memorial contributions may be made to charity.
Arrangements by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs – Guy Bartlett, a lifelong resident of the area, died on Friday, December 23, 2022, at Mary Imogene Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. He was 92.
Born in Canajoharie on March 18, 1930, he was the son of the late E.G.‘Dutch’ and Myrtle (Conover) Bartlett.
Guy worked at the former Lifesavers factory in Canajoharie for thirty-eight years, retiring in 1988. He was a longtime member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ames.
Guy enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapshooting, and snowmobiling with the Sharon Pathfinders club. He was an accurate shooter earning him the nickname ‘deadeye.’ Also, he was a standout pitcher for the local town baseball team, and he played in local bowling
and softball leagues.
His favorite pastime was camping with his wife Lois all over the country, however, their favorite spot was at Roundout Valley Resort in Kingston. Guy married Lois Aker on June 17, 1950. She passed away on March 30, 2018.
Survivors include eight children; Bruce, Dennis, Donna, Bonnie (Bob), Dan (Theresa), Doug (Sally), Barry (Lori), and Daryl (Linda); a brother, Richard; a sister, Marion; and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by a son, Robert Bartlett on May 3, 2000; and three siblings, Lyman, Donald, and Joyce.
A visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:00 on Thursday, 12/29, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Interment will be at a later date in Slate Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, POB 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.
Ronald Vanderstad, a resident of Sharon Springs passed away at the age of 90 on December 22, 2022 at Robinson Terrace Nursing Home in Stamford, NY.
Ron was born on February 26, 1932 in Prospect Park NJ, the son of the late Ernest and Florence Vanderstad. He resided in Hawthorne, NJ before moving to Sharon Springs with his family in 1963. He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Cobleskill.
Ron was a longtime mechanic and carpenter for the NY State Department of Parks and Recreation, primarily at Thatcher Park in Voorheesville. After retirement Ron worked for many years for the Sharon Springs Central School. He coached baseball and softball and was a teacher’s aid. The students affectionately called him “Mr. V”.
Ron’s hobbies included baseball, golf and horse racing. He also enjoyed summer vacations at the beach with his family.
Ron married his wife of fifty nine years, Doris Coleman, on November 22, 1952. He lovingly cared for her as she courageously battled a long illness until her death in 2012. Ron will be remembered as a kind soul with a smile for everyone he met.
Survivors include three daughters, Rhonda Wilty of Richmondville, Tracey Vanderstad of Bethlehem, PA, and Paula Bellinger of Cobleskill; a son, Matthew (Stephanie) Vanderstad of Glenville; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by five sisters, one brother, and two grandsons, Justin Cancelliere in 2014 and Garrett Wilty in 2021.
A service will be held at 11:30 am on Thursday, December 29, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Calling is prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Interment will be at a later date in Sharon Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon For A Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.
Albany – Daniel Manchester, a longtime resident of Albany and previously of Sharon Springs, died on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, New Jersey. He was 26.
Daniel was born in Albany on July 5, 1996, the son of Will Manchester of Sharon Springs and Trish Booth (John) of Roseboom, both survive.
Daniel was a 2017 graduate of the Kevin Langan Center for Disabilities School in Albany.
He enjoyed attending truck and tractor pulls at local fairs, and auto racing (dirt track and Nascar). Also, he was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and the New York Giants. In 2012, Make a Wish Foundation awarded Daniel a two-day trip to New York City with VIP passes to a Yankees game. Also included in the trip was a tour of the stadium and dinner in the Yankees private dining room.
Survivors include two brothers; Mackenzie Manchester of Johnstown and Ayden Hickling of Roseboom; a sister, Ivory Manchester of Canajoharie; grandparents, Wilson and Irene Manchester of Sharon Springs; a niece and nephew, Summer and Finley Steidle, both of Canajoharie; a stepmom, Pam Ferry; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. All loved him dearly and will miss him.
A visitation will held on Saturday, January 14, from noon to 2:00pm at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. A reception will follow at the Canajoharie Eagles, Church Street.
Inurnment will be at a later date in Slate Hill Cemetery, town of Sharon.
Memorial contributions may be made to Make a Wish Foundation, online at wish.org (Northeast NY Region).
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Manchester, NH: Heather Pettengill, formerly of Cobleskill, passed away of a short illness on November 21, 2022, at Elliot Hospital in Manchester. She was 46.
Survivors include her mother, Renae (Bob) Govel; her father, Mark Pettengill; two daughters, Ashley Trafton and Emily Burnett; a son, Johnathon Philipp; a grandson, Mason Steidle; two sisters, Susan (Joe) Rorick, and Bonnie Pettengill; a niece and nephew, Rachel, and David Rorick; and several aunts and uncles.
A service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, December 7, at Faith Bridge Church, Manchester, NH.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, P.O. Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.
Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Jefferson – Frederick Black, a resident of the town of Jefferson for twenty years, died at his residence on Monday, September 26, 2022. He was 52.
Born in Redbank, New Jersey on October 28, 1969, he was the son of Frederick and Arlene (Trepp) Black, who survive.
Survivors besides his parents include three daughters; Kayla, Brittany, and Nicole; three sisters, Kelly, Shelly, and Denise; and seven grandchildren, Jesse, Journey, Daniel, Keith, Ryan, Aliyah, and Alex.
A memorial service will be held at 11:45 am Monday, October 10, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Visitation is prior to the service from 11:00 to 11:45.
Memorial contributions may be made to charity.
Sharon Springs – Susan Chetwynd Romeyn Belfance, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1986, died on Saturday September 17, 2022, at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown. She was 64.
Born in Gloversville on April 8, 1958, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Elizabeth (Carrol) Chetwynd.
Susan worked for twenty-five years at Wal Mart Distribution Center in Sharon Springs. She was working at the time of her death and had been head of the QA department at Wal Mart for many years.
Susan was the ‘best mom ever’ and a kind, loving, thoughtful person with a big heart. She enjoyed the warmth and nostalgia of campfires and spending time with her grandchildren.
Susan’s first husband whom she married in 1975, Ronald R. Romeyn, passed away accidentally in 1978.
Survivors include her husband of forty-five years, Alton Belfance of Sharon Springs; two daughters, Erin Belfance, and Katelyn (Steve) Pasternak; four sons, Troy Romeyn, Ronnie (Helen) Romeyn, Alton Belfance Jr., and Jared Belfance; and thirteen grandchildren.
She was predeceased by two brothers; Gary Lee and Jimmy.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will begin at 11:00am, Sunday October 2, at the Tryon Inn in Cherry Valley, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, online at diabetes.org.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Nancy Ann DiPace Pfau, 79, of Albany, NY, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 31, 2022.
Born in Albany on October 18, 1942 to Helen (Madison) and Vito Anthony Di Pace, she is survived by her husband of 58 years, Richard Pfau of Albany, her children Bradley of Bern, Switzerland, and daughter Aleksandra of Conway, AR, grandchildren Sebastian and Tobias Pfau of Bern, and brother Anthony DiPace of Sharon Springs. She was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Albany.
Nancy was a joyful, outward-facing person with a big, welcoming smile. She made friends easily and always found the good in others. Her father died in the Second World War when she was two, and she never got over it but thought of him all the time, wondering what would have been different had he lived. Her mother and grandmother, both widowed young, were role models of strength and compassion who believed in her and helped her to academic as well as social success. She was salutatorian of Sharon Springs Central School, completed her undergraduate education at Syracuse University, and earned a master’s from Columbia.
Nancy took special pride in her children. Both are teachers, Bradley at the University of Bern and Aleksandra at Hendrix College. Although she missed them, Nancy was glad they had gone out into the world on their own.
An inspirational teacher in five states and Tehran, Iran, Nancy developed her own student-centered philosophy, “well ahead of her time,” one student said.. She wanted her students to learn actively through discussion in small groups, debate, and reflection Rather than recite facts, Nancy made history live, and she stressed that people, with all their biases, create the stories of the past. Frequent family conversations about teaching and learning led her husband, son, and daughter to incorporate Nancy’s methods into their own teaching.
Many of Nancy’s students chose to teach. One, now a professor, told her she had helped them become “educated consumers of information.” Nancy was able to reach not only the most dedicated students but also troubled students, including one who murdered a relative and returned after his conviction to tell her he would miss her while in prison.
In addition to teaching, Nancy was an exemplary presidential spouse, a role model for many, at Illinois College and Averett University, organizing and hosting hundreds of events at her home and across the country. She always had time for students; “I remember every interaction,” one said, “She is the sweetest and kindest woman ever!”
All her life Nancy loved reading. She wrote two books of her own, Sharon and Sharon Springs, a history, published by Acadia Press in 2015, and The Illinois College President’s Home: Traditions for Dining, published by Morris Press in 2000. She also edited The Chatter, a quarterly newsletter for Sharon Springs. As well did she love music, particularly Irish and Scottish songs, and sang in church choirs.
Nancy consistently reached out to those she regarded as unfairly treated, notably LGBT persons, native Americans, and African Americans. Before it was commonplace, she bravely led the successful effort to remove the Confederate flag from her high school in Virginia, despite personal threats from the Ku Klux Klan. A highlight of her life was spending a morning alone with Coretta Scott King, chatting about life, children, and Martin’s work.
Travel was another of Nancy’s passions. She especially enjoyed Switzerland where her son and his family live, and also her trips to Finland, Sweden, England, and Scotland.
Forty-four years after leaving her home in Sharon Springs, Nancy returned for 12 happy years, until a stroke forced her move to a retirement community.
A private burial will be scheduled in Sharon Cemetery. Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Donations to Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, 855 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206 Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd, Albany, NY 12205, would honor Nancy.
Sharon Springs – Edward Carrow, a resident of Sharon Springs since 2012, passed away on Tuesday August 23, 2022, at his residence. He was 58.
Born in Albany, NY on September 16, 1963, he was the son of the late Clifford and Karin (Buege) Carrow.
Eddie worked in transportation for the Golub Corporation in Rotterdam for 13 years and previously for Hutchinson’s in Vermont.
Edward was a longtime member of both the Colonie Fire Company and the Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Department, where he was affectionately known as Eddie and Bubba throughout the department.
Survivors include his children; Lucas, Oliver, Aubree, and Piper; and their mother, Jenessa Cummings, all of Sharon Springs; two daughters, Brittany, and Caitlin; four siblings, Jeffrey, Susan, Brenda, and Michele; and three grandchildren, Hailey, Colton, and Caleb.
He was predeceased by his sister, Lora Ann.
Private interment will be at a later date in Memory Gardens Cemetery and Memorial Park, Colonie.
Contributions may be made to the Colonie Fire Company, 1631 Central Avenue, Colonie, NY 12205, or to the Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Department, 550 Albany Shaker Road Loudonville, New York 12211.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
On August 17, 2022 at AO Fox Nursing Home, Oneonta NY, at the age of 95. Charles France was born in Seward, NY. Predeceased by parents (Harold and Doris France), wife of 54 years (Lorraine McMahon France), daughter (Colleen VanVechten), and brother (Carleton France). He is survived by his daughter, Charlaine (Donald) Neill of Henrietta, NY, grandchildren Michelle (Richard) Hodge, Jennifer (Gregory) Kinslow and Jeffrey (Holly) Neill, and great-grandchildren Faith (John) Thelin, Samantha Hodge, Erin, Lauren, and Megan Kinslow, and Caleb and Leah Neill who affectionately called him ”Super Papa.” He is also survived by nephews and dear friends in the Schoharie and Otsego County areas.
Charlie lived most of his years in Sharon Springs. He was an alumnus of Sharon Springs Central School, a WWII Army Corps Veteran, and a former member of the Sharon Springs Fire Department, American Legion, and Masons. Charlie was the Postmaster in Sharon Springs for over 25 years and became friends with everyone in town.
He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer. Charlie loved to be outdoors—wandering in the woods with his father, brother, and their beagles or deer hunting. Others saw him on Summit Lake or in a stream fishing. He told stories of racing down big hills in the snow with his brother. And as a young father, he shoveled off Bowmaker’s pond so his children could skate and built snow forts for friends to enjoy. In addition to constructing his house in the rock ledge on his property, he built a water wheel for his pond; friends and travelers would stop to take pictures. When his grandchildren visited, they looked forward to the adventures he’d take them on and eagerly watched for him to walk up the hill during his lunch break from the post office. He and Lorraine liked to travel to Myrtle Beach and Florida for vacations. He spent many hours on the golf course and loved playing with the people he met. Charlie always had a story to tell and was ready to share his experiences and knowledge with others.
Charlie wanted to thank all who have sent cards, notes, visits, and phone calls with him over the past few years. He cherished his friendships with you.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Heritage at the Plains in Oneonta and AO Fox Nursing Home for the care they gave to him during the past year.
As a tribute to him, please spend time on a walk with your family. Listen to birds, watch animals, and wander through the woods. He loved the outdoors and wanted to share it with all.
There will be a private family service for him to be held at a later date.
Sharon Springs: A memorial service will be held for Gloria Santillo, 84, at 11:00 am Saturday August 27, 2022, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Gloria, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1982, passed on January 24, 2021, after a long illness. She had been a resident of Sharon Springs since 1982 and was active in several local organizations.
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.
Contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders USA,
P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030; or online at doctorswithoutborders.org.
Sharon Springs -Joseph Hartlieb, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1967 and most recently of Palatine Nursing Home since July 13 this year, died suddenly on Friday, July 22, 2022, at the home. He was 68.
Born in Poughkeepsie on April 25, 1954, he was the son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Cole) Hartlieb.
Joe was a longtime manager for FGI Industries in Amsterdam, retiring when the plant closed in 2016. Joe took pride in caring for and maintaining the appearance of his yard and overall grounds. During retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family.
Survivors include a daughter, Amy Hartlieb; a son, Joseph Hartlieb, both of Sharon Springs; a brother, Michael Hartlieb of Canajoharie; a sister, Catherine Clark of Richmondville; and four grandchildren, Cadance, Haydn, Ahzeilia, and Sofia.
He was predeceased by a brother, Tim Hartlieb, in 2012.
A memorial service will be held at 7:00 pm Monday, August 1, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Calling hours will be from 5:00 to 7:00 prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 1269, POB 273, Sharon Springs, NY 13459.
Sharon Springs – Beatrice Sellers, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1995, died on Wednesday June 15, 2022, at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown. She was 78.
Born in Brooklyn on June 2, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Beatrice (Alence) Flaviani.
Beatrice was a longtime communicant of the former St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Sharon Springs and St. Thomas the Apostle in Cherry Valley. Also, she was a member of the parish council and served as eucharistic minister for the homebound.
Beatrice was a foster parent to nine children for Kidspeace International and Catholic Family and Community services, Cobleskill.
She loved all animals and had a passion to reduce animal suffering privately through her animal rights activism.
Survivors include two sons, Thomas Sellers of Queens and Eric Sellers of N. Fort Myers, FL; a stepdaughter, Karen Plew of Pleasant Valley; two brothers, Vincent Flaviani of Houston and James Flaviani of Warner Robbins, GA; five grandchildren, Kristiana, Dakota, E.J., Brook Lynn, and Lars; and four great grandchildren, Alivia, Liam, Grayson, and Elaina.
A Funeral Mass will be held at11:00 am Saturday June 18 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Cherry Valley. Calling is prior to Mass from 10:00-11:00 at the church. Repast will follow the Mass in Kateri Hall next to the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, P.O. Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187, or to the church at P.O. Box 246, Cherry Valley NY 13320.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs – Loren O. Hall, a lifelong resident of Sharon Springs, died on Tuesday April 19, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam after a short illness. He was 82.
Loren was born on September 11, 1939, in a farmhouse on the former Engleville Pond Road (now Mill Pond Road), the son of the late Raymond and Mabel (Herman) Hall.
Loren and his older brother, Ronald, both attended school on Englevillle Pond Road. Ronald passed on July 7, 2010.
Loren’s passion was motorcycles, cars, and dirt track racing. Loren was a kind, loving and generous person. His friendly sarcasm and the occasional sarcastic tone will be missed by those who knew him.
He was a caretaker for the Wasserman, Corn, and Rothenberg families in the village for over sixty-three years. The families remained involved in his life until his passing.
Loren was a very important member of the Barbic family, and they survive; William IV (2), Olive (4), Zarie (12), Peyton (13), Sonia (32), and William Barbic III (28).
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Monday, April 25, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs. Burial will be at a later date in Sharon Cemetery, Hwy Route 20, town of Sharon.
Sharon Springs – Maurice Masse, a resident of Sharon Springs since 1973 and most recently of Seward, died at his residence on April 15, 2022, after a long illness. He was 80.
Born in Addison, Vermont on January 30, 1942, he was the son of the late Leopold and Simone (Charlebois) Masse.
Maurice was raised in Old Chatham (Columbia County) and was a graduate of New Lebanon High School.
Maurice moved to the area from West Sand Lake with his wife Annette about 1973 after purchasing a dairy farm on Button Street in the town. The farm was sold in 2017. Annette Masse, nee Groves, passed on January 14, 2016.
Survivors include three sons; Maurice (J.R.) Masse Jr. of East Greenbush, Darin Masse of Averill Park, and Richard Masse of Johnstown; two daughters, Nicole Amanatides of Seward, and Jodi Masse of Johnstown; four siblings; Robert, Roger, Jeanne-Lucille, and Lorraine; five grandchildren, Darin, Austin, Jacob, Dylan, and Matthew; and three great-great grandchildren, Maci, Colton, and Paislee.
Besides his wife, he was predeceased by two siblings, Raymond and Theresa.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Monday April 18, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Contributions may be made to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, PO Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092
Cherry Valley – Raymond F. Yerdon Sr., a longtime resident of Cherry Valley, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday April 15, 2022. He was 87.
Born in Middlefield Center on August 24, 1934, he was the son of the late Ceylon and Mabel (Laymon) Yerdon.
Raymond was a hard worker his whole life. When he was younger, he worked for Yerdon Brothers Dairy Farms in Middlefield. For thirty years, he was a heavy equipment operator for a local road construction company. Lastly, he worked for Yerdon Construction which was owned by his son.
His pastimes included hunting, bowling at the Route 80 Bowl in Van Hornseville, and attending the races at Fonda Speedway.
Survivors include four children: Tim (Alberta), Raymond Jr., Cindy (Dan), and Michael (Helen), a daughter-in-law, Shirley; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife, Marian; his parents, a son, Rick; and a grandson, Adam.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Interment will be private in Cherry Valley Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cherry Valley Assembly of God, PO Box 524, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
South Valley - Barbara Lane, nee Jones, a longtime resident of South Valley and Cherry Valley and most recently of the Wilkinson Health Care Facility in Amsterdam, died on March 9, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam. She was 87.
Barbara was a tender loving mother of all eight of her children and had lots of wisdom. She was a praying mother and attended the Assembly of GodChurch in Cherry Valley after giving her life to Christ. She taught Sunday school to many local children and made a Godly impact on their lives, including her own children. Barbara was also involved in woman’s ministry there. She later joined the United Pentecostal church in Cobleskill. After being involved in that ministry, she continued to serve the Lord at Life Christian Center in Johnstown, NY in prayer and continued to lead a life of consistent prayer for her children and grandchildren.
Barbara was born on May 18, 1934, on the Jones family farm on Buttermilk Hill Road in South Valley, NY. She was the daughter of the late William and Cora (Brown) Jones.
Barbara attended Cherry Valley Central School. Subsequently, she was a longtime nurse’s aide at the Fly Creek nursing home and a home health aide throughout the local area.
Barbara married Haskell West Sr. in 1949. After Haskell died, she married Donald B. Lane of South Valley in 1974. Donald died in November of 1991.
Survivors include three daughters, Jaceda (Chickie) West of Johnstown, Bonnie LaFreniere of Fultonville, and Melodie VanAlstyne of Fonda; a son, Donald Lane Jr.; a sister, Irma Bates of Richmondville; nine grandchildren, Michelle, Michael, Kirk, Royce, Corrissa, Monica, Jason, Russell, and Gabriel; nine great grandchildren, Steffanie, Benjamin, Angelique, Ethan, Mariah, Royce III, Brittney, Courtney, and Elizabeth; and two great-great grandchildren, Danielle, and William.
She was predeceased by three sons; Haskell Jr., Timothy, and Darrell West; a daughter, Pamela Ryan; nine siblings; and a grandson, Jason Bright.
A service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday March 11, at Cherry Valley Assembly of God, 37 Alden Street, Cherry Valley. Visitation is prior to the service from 12:00 to 1:00. The celebration service and fellowship will immediately follow at the Tryon Inn, Cherry Valley. Burial will be at a later date in South Valley Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to the church at P.O. Box 524, Cherry Valley, NY 13320.
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Ivan Darvey Bosma, 63, took his own life on January 25, 2022, after a long period of psychological
and physical decline.
Darvey was born June 23, 1958, in Oswego, the son of the late Clarence and Doris (Widmeyer) Bosma.
He was a 1976 graduate of Canajoharie High School. Later, he served in the Army as a paratrooper and was awarded a
Commendation Medal. He attended Fulton-Montgomery Community College and transferred to SUNY Oneonta to study Hydrology.
Darvey worked as a heavy equipment operator for the town of Cherry Valley Highway Department for many years.
He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had been a member of the Cherry Valley Fire
Department and the Cherry Valley Fish and Game Club.
Darvey is lovingly remembered by his wife, Deborah Horvath and children, Dana Ripley, Dillon Matthew, and Daniel Beck.
He was most proud of being a grandfather to Hazel Mae, Colden Finley, and Skyler Hudson.
Friends are invited to visit with his family at 1 Bosma Lane, Cherry Valley on Saturday, January 29th from noon to 5:00 PM.
The family would appreciate visitors wear a mask. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the National Suicide
Prevention Hotline (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/donate/).
Arrangements are by Lappeus Funeral Home Sharon Springs.
Sharon Springs: It is with sadness and heavy hearts we announcec the passing of our beloved mother, mama, grandmother, great, and great-great grandmother, and friend, Beulah Waid, peacefully on January 20, 2022, at her residence. She was 90.
Born in the town of Middlefield on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Lee and Frances (Bostwick) Roberts.
She will be remembered as a strong, determined, and special lady. Beulah always showed much love to her family and friends and lived life her own way.
At the age of sixteen, she was married to Albert Waid on April 15, 1947. Soon after they had five children: Clifford, Debbie, Dawn, Edward, and Francis. For twenty-five years, she owned Waid’s Poultry Farm with her husband in Sharon Hill. She delivered eggs all over the area.
Know as the ‘Poppy Lady’, Beulah collected thousands of dollars for area veterans and their families. Also, she was the founder of the local ‘Flags on the Streets’ program, and a fifty-year member of the Ladies American Legion Auxiliary Post #1269, and a thirty plus year volunteer for the county election board.
Survivors include four children; several grandchildren (great and great-great); cousins; and nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Albert; a son, Clifford; and two grandchildren.
Calling will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Sunday, January 23, at Lappeus Funeral Home.
A service will immediately follow at 4:00pm. Spring burial will be in Slate hill Cemetery, town of Sharon.
Sharon Springs: Geraldine Dunne, a resident of Sharon Springs since 2003, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at her residence. She was 81.
Born in Chicago, IL on November 15, 1940, she was the daughter of the late John and Helen (Myles) Bigda.
Prior to relocating from Brooklyn to Sharon Springs, Geri worked many years for Homeland Security in NYC as an immigration officer focusing on certifying marriages.
Survivors include a sister, Susan Zeffield of Mt. Prospect, IL; a brother, George Bigda of Palatine, IL; and two nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, John (Jack) Dunne, on January 27, 2018.
Calling will be held from 5:00 to 6:00pm on Friday, January 28, at Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
Memorial contributions may be made to charity.
Arrangements by Lappeus Funeral Home, Sharon Springs.
