Miss Marjorie L. Brown
July 29, 1926 -
August 21, 2005

 Miss Marjorie L. Brown, 79, died Sunday morning August 21, 2005 in the Oneida Healthcare Center Extended Care Facility where she had been a resident since January 7, 1994.

            Marjorie was born on July 29, 1926 in Vienna the daughter of David A. and Elvira M. Mott Brown. She attended Morrisville Eaton Central Schools.

Marjorie was the assistant of Brown’s Campground at Fish Creek Landing from 1960-1974.

            Marjorie moved to Oneida in 1976 from Fish Creek and resided at 516 Cleveland Avenue for many years. 

            She was a former member of the Vienna Methodist Church.     

            Surviving is one sister-in-law; Mary C. Brown of Canastota, three nephews; David Brown of Canastota, Dennis Brown of Peterboro, Dale Brown of Sylvan Beach and several cousins.  She was pre-deceased by her parents and  one brother, J. Silas Brown in 1974 and one sister, Louise D. Brown on June 13, 2002.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday August 24, 2005 from the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Neil D. Coe officiating.  Interment will be made in McConnellsville Cemetery.  Friends are invited and may call from 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home, 342 Main Street Oneida.  Memorial contributions in Marjorie’s memory may be made to the Resident’s Fund of the Oneida Healthcare Center Extended Care Facility 323 Genesee Street Oneida, NY 13421.

 Top

Beverly L. Collins
October 7, 1941 -
July 14, 2005

Beverly L. Collins, 63, of 226 Farrier Avenue died Thursday morning July 14, 2005 at the Martin Luther Nursing Home in Clinton where she had been a resident since February 16, 2005.

            Beverly was born on October 7, 1941 in Utica the daughter of Raymond and Isabelle Loveless Clinton. She graduated from Oneida High School and Onondaga Community College where she received her AAS Degree in human services.

            She resided in Syracuse until 1964 and then moved to Long Beach, CA where she worked as a caseworker in a drug rehabilitation center for thirty years until having to retire from a medical disability.  She then returned to Syracuse and then back to Oneida to assist her elderly mother with her sickness before she died in 1999.

            In the past Beverly enjoyed walks, camping and reading and in her later years enjoyed classical and country western music.

            Beverly is of the Presbyterian Faith.

            She was pre-deceased by her parents and two brothers Duane Moyer and Claude Moyer.  Her only survivors are several close friends.

 Top

Dorothy M. Diable
April 19, 1921 -
March 22, 2005

Dorothy M. Diable, 83, of 222 Hammonds Road, Athens Tennessee formerly of Munnsville, NY died Tuesday afternoon March 22, 2005 at the home of her daughter where she had resided since 1991.

            Dorothy was born on April 19, 1921 in Oneida the daughter of Harry and Marion Parkinson Arnold. She was a graduate of the Stockbridge High School class of 1940.

            She married Darwin L. Diable on July 17, 1940 in Durhamville. Mr. Diable died on April 17, 1987.

            She was a Catholic

            Surviving are three daughters and son-in-laws; Donna and Frederick Kiehn of Ocala, FL, Linda and Joseph Walker of Athens, TN, Harriet and Raymond Burgdoff Sr. of Ocala, FL, four sons and daughter-in-laws; Robert & Margaret Diable of Madison, Ray & Wilma Diable of Morrisville, Rick and Bonnie Diable of Munnsville and Arch and Joan Diable of Summerfield, FL, 26 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, two sister-in-laws; Genevieve and her husband LaVerne Harrington and Helena Arnold both of Oneida and several nieces and nephews.  She was pre-deceased by a son Darwin C. Diable on August 2, 1964.

Graveside services will be conducted 9:00 AM Saturday March 26, 2005 by Rev. Edmund A. Castronovo in the family lot in Stockbridge Cemetery.  Friends are invited and may call 7-9 PM Friday at the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. 342 Main Street Oneida, NY.

 Top

Kathryn Lorena Dorfer
March 9, 1910 -
August 31, 2005

Kathryn Lorena Dorfer, 95, of 422 Florence Avenue died Wednesday morning August 31, 2005 at the home of her daughter following a lengthy illness.

            Kathryn was born on March 9, 1910 in Sunbury, PA the daughter of Leon and Katie Mabel Harding Winston.

            Kathryn was a graduate of High School in Binghamton, NY and attended Nursing School in New York City. 

            She married Edward Paul Dorfer who died on October 9, 1976.

            Kathryn and her husband were self-employed real estate brokers in North Syracuse for many years.

            She was a long time member of the South Bay Chapel in Canastota.

            Surviving are two daughters and one son-in-law, Mable Ann Collins of Oneida and Kathleen P. and William Blair of Hilton Head, SC., three grand children, Richard Scott Collins of Portsmouth, NH, Kristine and her husband Ivan Galic of Bethesda, MD and Candace Blair of Zurich, Switzerland; two great grand-children Cameron and Malaina Galic; one sister, Martha Winston Hawk of Blossvale and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by one brother Frederick Winston.

 Memorial Services will be conducted at the convenience of the family. Interment will be made in North Bay Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. 342 Main Street Oneida, NY 13421.

 Top

Ela Feldman
May 25, 1911 -
April 25, 2005

Ela Feldman, 93, of 340 Genesee Street died Monday afternoon April 25, 2005 in the Oneida Healthcare Center Extended Care Facility where she had been a resident since February 1, 2005.

            Ela was born on May 25, 1911 in Susice, Czechoslovakia the daughter of Rudolf and Otilie Lowy Kline.  She attended graduated high school and then received her medical degree as a general practitioner from Charles University in Prague.

            She then became a resident in the local hospital and met Dr. Fred Feldman whom she married on September 1, 1945 in Klatovy, Czechoslovakia and worked in his office until June 1948.  In June 1948 they escaped to Bavaria (Germany) with their 10-month-old daughter and stayed in Displaced Persons Camp for seven months. When there was the danger of the blockade of Berlin they were moved to France, and after 17 months they were released back to Germany where 2 months later they immigrated to the United States.

            In 1952 Dr. Fred Feldman opened a medical practice in Munnsville, NY where his wife Ela assisted him. In 1973 they moved the office to the Orchard Hill Medical Building in Oneida and Dr. Feldman retired in 1980.  The loving couple enjoyed retirement until Dr. Feldman’s death on March 11, 1987.

            Surviving is one daughter and son-in-law; Jane F. and James Alexander of Westboro, MA, one grandson and his wife; Jason D. Alexander and Meghan McVety.

            Graveside Services will be held at the convenience of the family at the Ferncliff Cemetery Hartsdale, NY.  There will be no calling hours. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. 342 Main Street Oneida. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Oneida Healthcare Foundation P.O. Box 705 Oneida, NY 13421-0705.

 Top

Marguerite A. Fellows
January 28, 1907 -
January 4, 2005

Marguerite A. Fellows, 97, a resident of the Oneida Healthcare Center Extended Care Facility since January of 1996 died peacefully Tuesday morning January 4, 2005.

            Marguerite was born on January 28, 1907 in Paris, France the daughter of James D.  and Augustine Anne D’Obremer Sharon. Her family returned to her father’s hometown of Herkimer, NY after the death of her mother in 1926 and she attended and graduated from Marywood College in Scranton, PA and then received her Masters Degree in Education from Albany State Teachers College. She taught French at a number of private schools in New York State and the Mary Wheeler School in Providence, RI and the Kimberly School in Montclair, NJ

            Marguerite returned to Paris in 1937 and at the outbreak of the World War II in 1939 she declined to return to America despite the pleas of her father. When the fall of Paris in 1940 closed all of the escape routes from France she was on of 200 Americans trapped in Paris and the only resident of Herkimer County to live there throughout the German occupation. During that time she was given shelter by the painter Jeanne Marie Barbey all the while suffering much depravation. In 1944 she witnessed the liberation of France and recalled shaking the hand of General Charles de Gaulle on his entry down the Champs Elysees. She continued living in Paris and was companion to Mlle Barbey. She served as the Secretary of the Societe des Artistes Independants art museum for many years and was responsible for organizing the annual exhibition at the Grand Palais. In 1966 she was awarded the croix d’Honneur de Chevalier for public services and in 1983 she received two French Medals of Merit, one for Order of Merit and the other for Arts, Science and Letters.

She married Arnold E. Fellows, a retired English School teacher on June 26, 1965 in Paris.  Mr. Fellows died on September 16, 1973.

Marguerite returned to the United States in 1984 to live with her brother Rev. Andre Sharon and sister Cecil H. Sharon in Herkimer and then following the death of her brother she and her sister resided with their cousin Marion Woglum at 711 Sherrill Road in Sherrill, NY.

Marguerite always considered Paris her home, where she was greatly respected for acumen and energy in promoting the salon des Independants in the years after the war.

She was a member of St. Helena’s Church in Sherrill.

Surviving are distant relatives. 

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday January 8, 2005 from St. Helena’s Church Sherrill where the Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Richard Morisette.  Interment will be made in Roycroft Cemetery, Walsall England.  Friends are invited to visitation to pay their respects 10-11 AM prior to the service at the church 210 Primo Avenue Sherrill, NY. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. 342 Main Street Oneida, NY.

 Top

Mureta H. (Rita) Hanifin
January 15, 1914 -
August 13, 2005

Mureta H. (Rita) Hanifin, 91 formerly of 308 Williams Street died Saturday evening August 13, 2005 with her children at her side at Oneida Healthcare Extended Care Facility where she had been a resident since July 16, 2001.

Rita was born on January 15, 1914 in Blossvale the daughter of Edward and Louise Adelaide Hubbard Hatzinger.  She was a graduate of Camden High School.

At one time she had been employed as a secretary at Harden Furniture Company in McConnellsville.

She married E. Bart Hanifin on June 26, 1943 in St. John’s Church Camden.  Bart died on May 7, 1990.

Rita was a member of St. Joseph’s Church Oneida and its Altar and Rosary Society.  She was also a member of Court of Our Lady #1250 Catholic Daughters of America and the Oneida Healthcare Center Ladies Auxiliary.

Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Rodney Kent of Oneida Castle; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Kevin B. Hanifin and Edward F. (Ted) and Ann Hanifin both of Oneida, eleven grandchildren, Kristin Kent, Geoff Kent, Michael Kent, Lisa Harris, Chad Hanifin, Megan Finley, Craig Hanifin, Kyle Hanifin, Jason Hanifin, Kevin Hanifin and Tara Anderson; five great grandchildren one brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Dorothy Hatzinger of Blossvale and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by a daughter, Mary H. Anderson on January 22, 1989.

 Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM Wednesday August 17, 2005 from St. Joseph’s Church 121 St. Joseph’s Place Oneida with Rev. Msgr. Matthew C. Luczycki officiating.  Interment will be made in St. Patrick’s Cemetery Oneida. At Rita’s request there will be no calling hours. In Rita’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to either the Oneida Healthcare Center ECF Patients Fund 323 Genesee Street Oneida, NY 13421 or St. Joseph’s Church Memorial Fund 121 St. Joseph’s Place Oneida, NY 13421.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. 342 Main St. Oneida.

 Top

Claire K. Hayes
June 5, 1928 -
December 27, 2005

 Claire K. Hayes, 77, formerly of Oneida died Tuesday morning December 27, 2005 in the Parsons Hill Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center Worcester, MA where she had been a resident since September 1, 2005.

            Mrs. Hayes was born on June 5, 1928 in Jersey City, New Jersey, the daughter of Charles and Lena Wehlau Koetter.  She married Kenneth V. Hayes on December 29, 1957 in Marlboro, New Jersey.

            Mrs. Hayes was employed by the Town of Marlboro, NJ as their Registrar of Vital Statistics, retiring in 1976.

            Mrs. Hayes moved to Canastota in August of 1976 and then to Oneida in September of 1993.  She moved to Worcester, Massachusetts in September of 2005.

            Mrs. Hayes was a member of the New Beginnings Free Methodist Church in Wampsville.  She was a charter member of the Oneida Canastota Christian Women’s Club and a former member of its Executive Board.  Mrs. Hayes was also a volunteer for the Oneida Healthcare Center Auxiliary for over 25 years.           

 Memorial Services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, December 30, 2005 from the First Presbyterian Church Broad & Stone Streets Oneida with Rev. Ralph Jordan officiating.  There will be no calling hours.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Oneida Healthcare Center Auxiliary 301 Genesee Street Oneida.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. 342 Main Street Oneida. 

 Top

George Lawrie
December 15, 1923 -
April 1, 2005

George Lawrie, 81, of 206 Daniels Drive died Friday afternoon April 1, 2005 at his residence with his loving family at his side.

George was born on December 15, 1923, in Oneida, the son of James and Isabelle Edgar Lawrie.  A life long resident of the area he was a graduate of Oneida High School and he has resided in Wampsville since 1973.

            He married Ruth E. Stoddard on January 25, 1947, in the First United Methodist Church in Oneida.

            George was employed with Oneida Limited Silversmiths for 43 years retiring in 1985.

            He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Oneida, the Oneida American Legion Post #169, and the Board of Directors for the Merrillsville Cemetery Association where he served as Secretary/Treasurer for 23 years.  He also served as trustee of the Wampsville Village Board until illness forced his resignation on December 20, 2004.  George served as square dance caller for the Bells and Boughs in Oneida and the Hilltop Squares in Peterboro for many years.

            George proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.

            Surviving is his loving wife Ruth, one son Dana G. Lawrie of Jamesville, one daughter-in-law Janet M. Lawrie of Wampsville, three grandchildren Scot and Hollie Lawrie of Hampton, VA, Heather Piper of Hickman, KY, Rob Lawrie of Wampsville, three great grandchildren Jacob, Emily, and Timothy Piper, four nephews and four nieces.

             Funeral services will be held 10 AM Tuesday April 5, 2005 from Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Betsye Mowry officiating.  Interment will be made in Sunnyside Cemetery, Merrillsville.  Friends are invited and may call Monday, April 4, 2005 from 5-8 PM at the funeral home, 342 Main St. Oneida.  Memorial contributions may be made to either Merrillsville Cemetery Association c/o Dawn Ranz RD 1 Box 271 Oneida, NY, 13421 or the First Untied Methodist Church 116 West Grove St. Oneida, NY, 13421. 

Top

Ruth E. Lawrie
March 16, 1918 -
September 19, 2005

Ruth E. Lawrie, 87, of 206 Daniels Drive Wampsville died Monday evening September 19, 2005 at her residence following a lengthy illness.

            Ruth was born on March 16, 1918 in Oneida the daughter of Grove S. and Lena Hart Stoddard. A life long resident of the area she was a graduate of Oneida High School class of 1934.

            She married George Lawrie on January 25, 1947 in the First United Methodist Church Oneida. Mr. Lawrie died on April 1, 2005.

            Ruth was employed as a clerk with the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles in Wampsville for 15 years retiring in 1985. She had previously been employed in the engineering department of Oneida Ltd.

            She was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church in Oneida and had held many positions in the church. She was also a member of the Women’s Working League of the Sunnyside Cemetery.

            Surviving is one daughter-in-law Janet M. Lawrie of Wampsville; one son Dana G. Lawrie of Jamesville, three grandchildren Scot and Hollie Lawrie of Hampton, VA, Heather Piper of Orlando, FL and Rob Lawrie of Wampsville; three great grandchildren, Jacob, Emily, and Timothy Piper and several nieces and nephews.

 Funeral Services will be held 10:00 AM Friday September 23, 2005 from the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Betsye Mowry officiating. Interment will be made in Sunnyside Cemetery, Merrillsville. Friends are invited and may call 5-7 PM Thursday at the funeral home 342 Main Street Oneida. Memorial contributions may be made to either Merrillsville Cemetery Association c/o Dawn Ranz RD 1 Box 271 Oneida, NY, 13421 or the First United Methodist Church 116 West Grove St. Oneida, NY, 13421. 

 Top

Evelyn T. Littler
May 13, 1912 -
January 11, 2005

Evelyn T. Littler, 92,  of 323 Genesee Street Oneida, a resident of the Oneida Healthcare Center Extended Care Facility, formerly of 414 Franklin Street passed away in her sleep Tuesday morning January 11, 2005.

            Evelyn was born on May 13, 1912 in Westmoreland the daughter of Clarence and Abbie Ross Tudman.

            She was a graduate of Oneida High School class of 1933. She then graduated from the Broad Street School of Nursing in Oneida in 1936.

            Evelyn was a registered nurse with the Oneida City Hospital on Broad Street, and the Oswego County Sanitarium that specialized in Tuberculosis cases. In her early years, she was the school nurse in Boonville, Forestport and Remsen. Evelyn also did private duty nursing for many years.

            She married Robert C. Littler on January 2, 1939 in Worchester, NY.  Bob is also a resident of the Extended Care Facility in Oneida.

Evelyn was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Oneida.  She was a former member of the Eastern Star in Boonville.

            Surviving is her husband Bob, one daughter Susan L. Miller of Oneida, two grandchildren; Michael Ryan of Auburn and Stacy Burns and her husband Patrick of Auburn, two great-grandchildren; Meghan Burns and Irene Ryan, and one nephew Kenneth Hinman of Rome.  She was pre-deceased by a brother Francis Tudman in 1932 and a sister-in-law Marguerite Jackson of Boonville in 2004. 

 Top

Robert P. Marchetti
February 8, 1942 -
April 4, 2005

Robert P. Marchetti, 63, of 390 Rosewood Circle, Canastota died Monday afternoon April 4, 2005 in the Oneida Healthcare Center Extended Care Facility where he had been a resident since January 19, 2005.

            Bob was born on February 8, 1942 in Canastota the son of Victor and Ruth Wilson Marchetti. A lifelong resident of the Canastota area he was Salutatorian of the graduating class of 1960 at Canastota High School. He later earned his teaching certificate through Onondaga County BOCES.

            He married Elizabeth R. “Bebe” Jollie on April 8, 1967 in Plymouth Church Sherrill. Mrs. Marchetti died on November 18, 2003.

            Upon completion of school Bob was employed as a mechanic with the former Marchetti Brothers Garage in Canastota.  He then was employed as a mechanic with Clark’s Petroleum Service in Canastota and later with DiVeronica Brothers Construction in Canastota.  He had also been the director of transportation for Canastota Central Schools and taught auto mechanics with Onondaga Co. BOCES.

            Bob joined the Canastota Fire Department on August 10, 1964 and proudly served the Forbes Hose Company by holding various offices and was Chief of the Department in 1987-1988.

            Bob had attended St. Agatha’s Church in Canastota.

            Surviving are two daughters and one son-in-law; Laurel and Scott Lemee of Canastota, Renee Marchetti of Camden, four brothers and sister-in-laws; Ronald and Marie Marchetti of Canastota, Richard and Sue Marchetti of Charlotte, NC, Edward and Jan Marchetti of Irondequoit and Victor and Ellen Marchetti of Cortland and several nieces and nephews.

 A Memorial Mass will be held 9:30 AM Saturday April 9, 2005 in St. Agatha’s Church 329 N. Peterboro St. Canastota with Rev. Kevin J. Corcoran officiating. Interment will be made in Valley View Cemetery Oneida.  There will be no calling hours.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. 342 Main Street Oneida, NY 13421. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Canastota Fire Department Memorial Fund P.O. Box 81 Canastota, NY 13032.

Bernice L. Miravalle
August 3, 1912 -
March 15, 2005

Bernice L. Miravalle, 92, of 115 Brookside Drive Clinton died peacefully Tuesday afternoon March 15, 2005 in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Utica following a lengthy illness.       

            Bernice was born on August 3, 1912 in Manila, Philippines the daughter of Harry and Carmen Mercaida Gray.  She had been a resident of Clairbridge Cottage in Clinton since July 2002, having previously resided in Gig Harbor, Washington, the San Francisco Bay area, Hawaii and Japan.

            Mrs. Miravalle attended school in the Philippines and after the start of World War II she spent 3½ years as a Prisoner of War in the Los Banos POW camp and was liberated on February 23, 1945 by the 11^th Airborne which affectionately became known as the “Angels”.

            She married a fellow prisoner Andrew N. Miravalle on March 10, 1945 aboard a US Troop Ship leaving the Philippines returning to the United States. Mr. Miravalle died on March 7, 1994.

            Bernice was a former member of the Agnes Dei Lutheran Church in Gig Harbor Washington.

            She was a very beloved mother and grandmother and also enjoyed painting with watercolors, sailing, gardening and cooking.

            Surviving is one daughter and son-in-law; Carmen and Tom Croppi of Gig Harbor, WA, one son and daughter-in-law; Michael A. and Sandra Miravalle of Oneida, six grandchildren, three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents, one sister; Sara, and three brothers; Edward, William and Lewis

Cremation will take place and her remains will be scattered off the coast of Diamond Head, Hawaii where she will be reunited with her loving husband Andrew.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. 342 Main Street Oneida, NY 13421.

 Top

Benjamin Richmond
March 11, 1926 -
July 29, 2005

Benjamin Richmond, 79, of 3695 Kotary Rd. Oneida died Friday afternoon July 29, 2005 in the Oneida Healthcare Center Extended Care Facility where he had been a resident since August 27, 2004. 

            Benjamin was born March 11, 1926 in State Bridge, the son of William and Catherine Rowe Richmond.  A lifelong resident of the area, he attended school in Durhamville, and was honored with his diploma along with the graduating class of 2001. 

            Ben proudly served his country with the US Army Air Corps as an airplane engine mechanic during World War II.

He married Sharon Locke on December 24, 1947 in Peckville, PA.

Ben was employed as a school bus driver for VVS Central Schools for fifteen years retiring in 1979. He had also been employed for the Jay Paving Co. of Oneida.

            For many years, Benjamin served as a fire policeman with Durhamville Volunteer Fire Department, and had also served the New London Fire Department.

            In his retirement years, he spent his winters in Zephyrhills, FL and enjoyed his family and computers.

            Surviving is his loving wife, Sharon, four sons; Benjamin C. Richmond of Canastota, Jerry A. Richmond,  Bryan W. Richmond and Randy D. Richmond of Oneida, two sisters; Judy Totten of Durhamville and Ramona Barrett of Fairland, IN; two brothers and sisters-in-law: Otto and Sharon Richmond and William and Genevieve Richmond both of Oneida, ten grandchildren: Sherry Hicks, Jerrod Richmond, Jamie Richmond, Steven Richmond, Jinelle Burton, Jerry Richmond Jr., Jeremy Richmond, Nick Wikham, David Richmond and Alison Richmond, 17 great grandchildren  and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday August 2, 2005 from the Ironside Funeral Home.  Interment will be made in Oneida Castle Cemetery.  Friends are invited and may call Monday 2-4 or 7-9 PM at the funeral home 342 Main Street Oneida.  Memorial Contributions may be made in care of the family 3695 Kotary Rd. Oneida, NY 13421.

 Top

Mary G. Ruller
September 20, 1926 -
February 19, 2005

Mary G. Ruller, 78, of 324 Broad Street died Saturday evening February 19, 2005 at her residence following a lengthy illness.

            Mary was born on September 20, 1926 in St. Petersburg, FL the daughter of Howard and Helyn Davis Grogan.

            She was a graduate of Herkimer High School and Syracuse University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.

            Mary spent many years in the local area as a substitute teacher.

            She married Charles H. Ruller on June 9, 1949 in Syracuse.  Mr. Ruller died on April 17, 1986.

            Mary was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Oneida and was also a member of Catholic Daughters of America Court of Our Lady Chapter #1250. She was a former member of St. Patrick’s Church, the St. Patrick’s Altar and Rosary Society, the St. Patrick’s School Mothers Club and Women of Rotary.

            Surviving is one daughter and son-in-law; Deidre and Mark Barry of New York City, five sons and two daughter-in-laws; Peter and Margaret Ruller of Cortlandt Manor, NY Blair and Kristina Ruller of Placerville, CA, Thomas Ruller of Oneida, Andrew Ruller of Durhamville and Martin Ruller of Oneida Castle, one brother in law and his wife; Richard and Marion Ruller of Herkimer, one sister and brother-in-law; Sandra and William Haponski of Florida, 10 grandchildren and several nieces.

 Top

La Verne H. Shay
September 24, 1909 -
June 27, 2005

La Verne H. Shay, 95, of 528 Savage Farm Drive, Ithaca died Monday evening June 27, 2005 at Kendal of Ithaca where she had been a resident since February 1996.

            La Verne was born on September 24, 1909 in Wadestown, WV the daughter of William and Laura Fritz Haught.

            She attended High School in Mannington, WV and then went on to attend the University of West Virginia at Fairmont and Cornell University in Ithaca, NY where she graduated in 1933.

            After graduation, La Verne was employed by Niagara Hudson as a home service representative educating the customers on the use of electric appliances.  Subsequently Cornell persuaded her to return to Ithaca to teach home economics at Boynton Jr. High.

            Mrs. Shay was married to Carlton C. Shay in Sage Chapel, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY in 1937.  Her husband died April 4, 1989.

            For 10 years, they lived on the South Bay Road (NYS Rt. 13) in Canastota. While in Canastota, she operated an antique business known as Red Wing Farm Antiques and taught classes for the Lake Shore Home Bureau. She also served as vice-president of Oneida Die Press Specialties, Inc.  In 1950, the family moved to Oneida where Mrs. Shay was active in many civic activities.  She was a member and Past President of the Oneida Library Board of Directors, Past President of the Oneida Hospital Auxiliary Board, charter member of the Board of Directors Oneida Hospital Foundation, member of the Twentieth Century Literary Club and the Madison County Historical Society.  Mrs. Shay also served on the Visiting Board of the Hazel Carpenter Home, the Oneida Chamber of Commerce Board and Cornell’s Human Ecology Alumni Trustee Board.  Mrs. Shay resided in Oneida until she moved to Kendal in February 1996.

            Mrs. Shay was a member of the Oneida Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are her daughter, D’Arcy C. Shay of Albany, two sons and daughters-in-law; Michael D. and Janet W. Shay of Ithaca, Peter D. and Linda P. Shay of Canastota, four grandchildren, Margaret Shay, Andrew Shay, Matthew Shay, Roxanne Jolin; three great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by a sister, Josephine Cole and two brothers, Charles and William Haught. 

Graveside services will be at the convenience of the family in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Wampsville.  A family gathering for the celebration of her life will be held 11:30 AM Saturday August 13, 2005 in family parlor of the First Presbyterian Church, corner of Broad and Stone Street in Oneida. A time of fellowship and refreshments will be held at 12:00 PM in the church hall. Memorial contributions may be made to Oneida Public Library, 220 Broad Street Oneida, NY   13421.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. 342 Main Street Oneida.

 Top

Mrs. Irene C. Sofranko
January 20, 1916 -
November 7, 2005

Mrs. Irene C. Sofranko, 89, of 537 Elizabeth Street Oneida died Monday morning November 7, 2005 in the Oneida Healthcare Center where she had been a medical patient for the last two weeks.

            Irene was born on January 20, 1916 in Scranton, PA the daughter of Edward and Sophia Chrul Sokolowski.

            She was a graduate of Olyphant High School class of 1933 and attended Powell School of Business in Scranton, PA.

            Irene married Michael X. Sofranko on April 15, 1937 in St. Michael’s Church Olyphant, PA. Mr. Sofranko died on September 5, 1995.

            Irene was employed for six years as the secretary in St. Patrick’s School Oneida retiring in 1983.  

            She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Oneida and the Altar and Rosary Society. She had also been a charter member of the St. Patrick’s School Mothers Club.

            Surviving are her daughter and her husband; Eleanor and Bruce Milborrow of Rochester, three sons and one daughter-in-law; Carl and Linda Sofranko of Opelousas, LA, John Sofranko of Huntington Beach, CA and Paul Sofranko of Oneida, one son-in-law, George Dlugoz of Rochester, one brother Edward Sokolowski of Spring Hill, FL, two sisters; Genevieve Vanderhoff of Oneida and Stella Delaney of Cicero six grandchildren Carolyn Sofranko, Paula McKinney, Michele Wrue, Christine Milborrow, Brian Dlugoz and Jeffrey Dlugoz, one great-granddaughter Nicole Wrue and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by one daughter Mariann Dlugoz on March 19, 1988.

 A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. David J. Orzel on Wednesday November 9, 2005 at 10:00 AM in St. Patrick’s Church 347 Main Street Oneida. Interment will be made in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s School Scholarship Fund 354 Elizabeth Street Oneida, NY 13421. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. 342 Main Street Oneida.

 Top

Aubrey W. Tambs
January 17, 1918 -
October 5, 2005

Aubrey W. Tambs, 87, of 7331 Willow Acres Road Canastota died Wednesday morning October 5, 2005 at his residence following a brief illness.

            Aubrey was born on January 17, 1918 in Syracuse the son of William Henry and Catherine Houghton Tambs.          

            He was a graduate of Syracuse Central High School Class of 1936 and then attended Central City Business Institute.    

            Aubrey proudly served his country in the Army from 1942 to 1946 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of 1^st Lieutenant.

            He married Barbara Thomas On March 12, 1949 in Oneida. Mrs. Tambs died on December 11, 2000.

            Aubrey was employed as an accountant and auditor with the Home Insurance Company based out of New York City for many years.

            He was a member of the United Church of Canastota, and was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #600 in Canastota and the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge #767 in Oneida.

            Aubrey enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating and in his later years was known for his beekeeping and gardening.

            Surviving is one son and daughter-in-law; Brayton T. and Linda Tambs of Farnham, NY, two grand daughters; Amy Lynn and Erin Tambs, three sister-in-laws; Helen Tambs of Canastota, June and her husband Ed Peck of Oneida and Corrine Sheffield of Wampsville and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services with full military honors will be held 10:00 AM Saturday October 8, 2005 from the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Robert A. Bromfield officiating. Interment will be made in Mount Pleasant Cemetery Canastota. Friends are invited and may call 2-4 & 7-9 PM Friday at the funeral home 342 Main Street Oneida. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 100 Lomond Court Utica, NY13502.

  Top

Jacqueline L. Whipple
July 30, 1924 -
December 20, 2005

Jacqueline L. Whipple, 81 died Tuesday evening December 20, 2005 in the Oneida Healthcare Center Extended Care Facility where she had been a resident since January 27, 2005.

            Jackie was born on July 30, 1924 in Rome he daughter of Henry and Lucy Theriault Landry. She was a lifelong resident of Rome until moving to Noyes Manor in Sherrill in 1994.

            She was a graduate of the former St. Aloysius Academy in Rome.

            Jackie married Frederick “Pug” Rice Whipple on December 9, 1944 in St. Peter’s Church Rome. Mr. Whipple died on June 11, 1984.

            Jackie was employed as a cook at the Rome Developmental Center for 20 years retiring in 1979. She had previously been employed at Rome Cable Corporation.

            She was a long time member of St. Peter’s Church in Rome and had attended St. Patrick’s Church in Oneida.

            Surviving is one son and daughter-in-law; Frederick D. and Cynthia F. Whipple of Oneida Castle, one brother and sister-in-law; Robert and Lois Landry of Whittier, CA  one sister; Theresa Storey of Rome; her grandson and his wife; Mark F. and Kelly Whipple of Crestview Florida;, her step-grandchildren; Scott F. Barker of Snohomish, WA, Jill and James Beare of Manassas, VA and Judith and David DeLorenzo of Fayetteville, two great-grandchildren,  several step-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by two brothers, Edgar Landry and Evanhoe Landry and three sisters; Yolanda Pino, Evangeline LaRoche and Jeanette Massell.

 Funeral Services will be held 9:30 AM Friday December 23, 2005 from the Ironside Funeral Home, Inc. and 10:00AM in St. Patrick’s Church where the Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Rev. David J. Orzel. Spring interment will be made in Evergreen Cemetery, Stokes. Friends are invited and may call 6-8 PM Thursday at the funeral home 342 Main Street Oneida. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Patrick’s Church Memorial Fund 347 Main Street Oneida, NY 13421. 

 Top