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  OBITUARY ARCHIVES Established 1891 Callicoon, New York  
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April 1, 2005

Roberta B. Lewis
Homemaker, 88

Roberta B. Lewis of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, a homemaker and a former longtime resident of Callicoon, died Saturday, March 26, 2005 in Boothbay Harbor. She was 88 years of age.
The daughter of the late Robert and Marguerite Guthrie, she was born March 14, 1917, in Port Jervis. She was the widow of Kenneth C. Lewis who died March 25, 1992.
Mrs. Lewis was a member and past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the H. Russell Kenyon Post No. 5808, Veterans of Foreign Wars, in Callicoon and a member of the AARP.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Robert K. and Marilyn Lewis of Harpursville; two daughters, Carolyn B. Moore and her husband, Martin, of Southport, Maine, and Jan M. Lewis of Liberty; a sister, Alice Millspaugh of Honeoye; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Linda L. Hillriegel.
Funeral services and burial at the Rural Valley Cemetery in Cuddebackville were private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Delaware Ambulance Corps, P.O. Box 228, Hankins, N.Y. 12741.

Esther S. Odell
Ret. of Amphenol, 63

Esther S. Odell of Downsville, recently retired from Amphenol Corp. of Sidney and a lifelong area resident, died Sunday, March 27, 2005 at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. She was 63 years of age.
The daughter of the late Roderick W. and Bernice Sheable Pudney, she was born April 27, 1941, in Walton.
She was previously employed by Richard Thomson, Attorney, and the Delaware Telephone Co.
In a family statement, it was said, "She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her favorite times were spending time with her husband at Black Lake; loving and enjoying children and grandchildren and shopping at Christmas and Easter for them; gardening; and being among friends. She passed away after a brave battle against cancer."
Mrs. Odell is survived by her husband of 11 years, Ronald W. Odell, at home; two brothers, Barry Pudney of Walton and Richard Elmore and his wife, Shirley, of Ballston Spa; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia and Joseph O'Boyle of Hancock and Judith and Andy Fischer of Hobart; four step-children, Philip Odell and his wife, Debbie, of Downsville, Sherry Sanford of Norwich, David Odell of Downsville and Randy Odell and his wife, Brandy, of Downsville; nine grandchildren, Matt and his wife, Chrystal, Nickie, Sean, Karl, Janice, Seth, Lacy, Heather and Chris; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Skyler; and several nieces and nephews
Funeral services were held Thursday at the Harris Funeral Home in Roscoe with Lucille Freyer officiating.
Burial was made in the Paige Cemetery in Downsville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Catskill Area Hospice, 542 Main St., Oneonta, N.Y. 13820.

William Jennings, 60
Bard-Parker Employee

William T. Jennings of Horton, a former employee of Bard-Parker in Hancock and a lifelong area resident, died Saturday, March 26, 2005, at his home. He was 60 years of age.
The son of Evelyn Wayman Jennings and the late Blake Jennings, he was born August 21, 1944, in the Town of Colchester.
Mr. Jennings was a former member of the Cooks Falls-Horton Fire Company. He was an avid hunter.
He is survived by his mother of Horton; his wife, Laura Jennings of Roscoe; three daughters, Lisa Lorah and her husband, Fred, of Williamson, Crystal Jennings of Utica and Hope Jennings of Roscoe; a son, Tom Jennings of Dundee; a sister and brother-in-law, Ilene and John Baden of Callicoon; a brother, Wayne Jennings of Tennessee; and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by a brother, Blake Jennings Jr.
Services were held Wednesday at the Harris Funeral Home in Roscoe with Lucille Freyer officiating.
Burial was made in the Riverview Cemetery in Roscoe.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family at P.O. Box 323, Roscoe, NY. 12776 or to the American Heart Association, 419 E. Main St., Room 309, Middletown, N.Y. 10940.

Denise Hilderbrandt
Homemaker, 35

Denise Hilderbrandt of Kiamesha Lake, a 20-year area resident, died Friday, March 18, 2005, in Rock Hill. She was 35 years of age.
The daughter of Robert and Joanne Wolters Hilderbrandt, she was born March 26, 1969, in New York City.
She is survived by her mother of Queens; her father of Panama; two daughters, Nicole Hilderbrandt of Swan Lake and Gabriella Givlini of Liberty; two brothers, John H. Hilderbrandt and Steven Hilderbrandt, both of Queens; two sisters, Robin VanAken of Hicksville and Cheryl Martinkat of Queens; and three nieces.
Friends may call at the Ramsay's Funeral Home, 3534 State Route 55, Kauneonga Lake, on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Services will be held at the funeral home at 8 p.m. Friday with the Rev. David Coon officiating.
Cremation was made at the Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.

Arthur K. Hoag
Ret. Farmer, 95

Arthur K. Hoag, a resident of the Roscoe Nursing Home, formerly of Turnwood and Livingston Manor where he was a farmer of both dairy and cauliflower for over 40 years, died Tuesday, March 29, 2005, at the nursing home. He was 95 years of age.
The son of the late Harvey H. and Florilla A. Davidson Hoag, he was born March 18, 1910, in Lew Beach, Town of Hardenburgh. He was the widower of Lorna B. Knickerbocker Hoag.
Mr. Hoag spent his last 28 years at Balsam Lake, Turnwood.
In a family statement, it was said, "Dad led a life of hard work on his farms. He achieved his pilot's license in 1948. He made an exciting trip to Alaska with a friend in 1970. He enjoyed his games of chess, checkers and dominoes with his children and grandchildren. He was well known for his excellent memory, both past and present.
He is survived by two sons, John "Jack" Hoag of the state of Florida and David W. Hoag of Livingston Manor; a daughter, Mary Lee Hoag-Lerich of Mesa, Ariz.; ten grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Olive Hoag, formerly of DeLancey; a cousin, Rev. Robert Hoag of Middletown; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother William "Bill" Hoag II and a sister, Alice Marie Bryden.
Cremation was made at the Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lorna B. Hoag Memorial Scholarship Fund (Perseverance Award) at LMCS, c/o David H. Hoag, P.O. Box 239, Livingston Manor, N.Y. 12758.
Funeral arrangements were made by the Herbert C. Bryant Funeral Home in Livingston Manor.

Yetta Powell
Homemaker, 88

Yetta Powell, a longtime resident of Hurleyville until 1978 when she moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, died March 28, 2005. She was 88 years of age.
Born March 15, 1917, she was a housewife and business partner with her husband, David Powell, who died in November 1999.
She is survived by a son, Theodore Powell of Las Vegas, Nev.
No further information was submitted.

Mildred L. Hexamer
Homemaker, 85

Mildred L. Hexamer of Grahamsville, a homemaker and a longtime area resident, died Thursday, March 24, 2005, at the Chase Memorial Nursing Home in New Berlin. She was 85 years of age.
The daughter of the late Frank and Myrtle Latchaw Sharer, she was born November 5, 1919, in Oil City, Pa. She was the widow of William G. Hexamer who died August 11, 1990.
She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, William J. and Uta Hexamer of Reading, Pa.; a daughter, Betty Lou Viningre of South New Berlin; and two grandchildren, Allison and Thomas. She was predeceased by two brothers, Samuel and Eck Sharer, and two sisters, Grace Spoudt and Ruby Latchaw.
Graveside services and burial will be held on Saturday at the Rural Cemetery in Grahamsville.
Funeral arrangements were made by the Ramsay's Funeral Home in Liberty.

Rodney C. Smith
Custodial Tech., 61

Rodney C. "Smitty" Smith of Hurleyville, a custodial technician at Frost Valley YMCA, died unexpectedly Sunday, March 27, 2005, at his home. He was 61 years of age.
The son of the late Alan and Avis Godell Smith, he was born December 9, 1943, in Montpelier, Vt.
In a family statement, it was said, "He enjoyed fishing and his employment at Frost Valley YMCA, where he received the employee of the month award, and being home with his family."
He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Suzanne Smith, at home; two sons, Christopher and Benjamin Smith, both of Vermont; four daughters, Penny Smith of Illinois, Christine Smith of upstate New York, Lillian Weeden and her husband, Paul, and Shirley Calyer and her companion, Donald Belsito, all of Woodbourne; four brothers; two sisters; 18 grandchildren; a great-grandson, Nathaniel C. Shutters Jr.; two nephews, Brent Graves and Charles Smith, both of Vermont; and a son-in-law, Charles Calyer.
Services were held Thursday at the Colonial Memorial Funeral Home in Woodbourne.
Cremation was made at the Cedar Hill Crematory in Middle Hope.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family, c/o Colonial Memorial Funeral Home, P.O. Box 520, Woodbourne, NY. 12788.

Ida J. Ravel
Homemaker, 71

Ida Josephine Mercier Ravel of Highland Lake, a homemaker, died Friday, March 25, 2005, at her home. She was 71 years of age.
The daughter of the late James and Louise Bove Siano, she was born July 14, 1933, in East Paterson, N.J. She was married to Ronald C. Mercier who died in 1996 and was also married to the late William J. Ravel who died in 1997.
Mrs. Ravel is survived by two sons, Ronald J. Mercier Jr. and his wife, Phyllis of Highland Lake, and Kenneth J. Mercier of Glouster Township, N.J.; three step-sons and their wives, Kenneth R . and Mary Ravel of Marlton, N.J., Thomas and Debbie Ravel of Riverside, N,J. and Jay and Debbie Ravel of the state of Florida; a step-daughter, Paula DeLasantos of the state of Florida; a sister, Julia Rinaieri of Metutchen, N.J.; 18 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a step-son, David Ravel; a brother, Pat "Patsy" Siano, and a sister, Marie Larger.
A Memorial Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. on Friday at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, 25 Beaver Brook Rd., Yulan, with Father Anthony Moore officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, N.Y. 12550 or to St. Anthony of Padua Church, 25 Beaver Brook Rd., Yulan, N.Y. 12792.

Mary M. Buvis
Dressmaker, 89

Mary M. Buvis, an over 50-year resident of Cooks Falls, educated in dressmaking, died Monday, March 28, 2005, at Mount Sinai Hospital in Queens. She was 89 years of age.
The daughter of the late George and Anelia Matulaitis Balchunas, she was born January 5, 1916, in Blissville, near Long Island City.
After completing her education, she was employed by the I. Miller Shoe Company of New York City. Always putting her children and family first, Mary resurrected her dressmaking skills and designed as well as re-invented vintage clothing styles and fashions for her son, Peter, at his boutique, Peter's Vintage Clothing and Glassware in New York City. His clientele included many famous people of the stage and screen. After becoming ill in 1992, she moved to Astoria to live with Peter who took care of her until her death.
She is survived by five sons and their wives, Frank Buvis Jr. of Cooks Falls, twin sons, John Buvis of West Nyack and George Buvis of Nanuet, Peter Buvis of Astoria and Charles Buvis of Franklin, N.J.; nine grandchildren, Amanda Buvis, Corrine Buvis and Daryl Buvis, originally of Cooks Falls, Patricia Buvis and George Buvis Jr., originally of Nanuet, Jean Buvis and Paula Buvis, originally of West Nyack, and Charles Buvis Jr. and Michael Buvis, of Franklin, N.J.; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Saturday at the Transfiguration Church in Maspeth.
Interment will be made in the Cooks Falls Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Cooks Falls Fire Department, Cooks Falls, N.Y. 12776 or to the Gate of Heaven Roman Catholic Church, Roscoe, N.Y. 12776.

Rosemary Fisher
Ret. Teacher, 84

Rosemary Magdalen Fisher of Red Hook, a retired teacher, died Saturday, March 22, 2005, at the Roscoe Community Nursing Home. She was 84 years of age.
The daughter of Cecelia and Francis Fischer, she was born in New Hartford on April 30, 1920,
She was a graduate of St. Joseph's High School in Utica and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of St. Rose in 1942.
During World War II, she taught high school in Jewell and Chadwicks and upon his return from Army service, married Edgar D. Fisher. He died after 55 years of marriage.
While raising three sons and maintaining the Fisher household, she served as treasurer for the Red Hook Central School District and also home-schooled a child with cerebral palsy from junior high through high school. She then became a teacher of high school business courses first at the Germantown Central School and later at Red Hook Central School until her retirement in 1979. Mrs. Fisher was one of the founding staff members of the Barrytown Explorer newspaper, serving as treasurer.
She was a communicant of St. Christopher's Roman Catholic Church in Red Hook. She served for many years on the board of the Red Hook Public Library and was active in the Upper Red Hook Historical Society. She was proactive in support of superior education at the Red Hook Central School. Her many interests included reading, knitting and current events.
She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Karen Fisher of Kenoza Lake and Mark and Margot Fisher of Teaneck, N.J.; a daughter-in-law, Mary Susan Sabol; and four grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Thomas.
A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Red Hook Public Library, Red Hook, N.Y. 12504.

Avery De Groat
Construction Wrk., 48

Avery De Groat of Hurleyville, a construction worker with Blythe Industries in Charlotte, N.C., died March 28, 2005, at the Seelig Division of the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris. He was 48 years of age.
The son of the late Samuel and Irene Mary Mann De Groat, he was born April 22, 1956, in Ringwood, N.J.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Lynn De Groat; three children, Lindsey De Groat and Lucas De Groat, both of Port Jervis, and Alicia De Groat of the state of Florida; four sisters, Janice DeBose of Passaic, N.J., Sylvia VanDunk of Ringwood, N.J., Carol Nelson of Texas and Mary Van Dunk of Ringwood, NJ.; five brothers, Samuel De Groat of Ringwood, N.J., Clemeth De Groat of Pennsylvania, Christopher De Groat of Wantage, NJ., Leon De Groat of Vernon, N.J., and Paul Van Dunk of Ringwood, N.J.; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, 17 Oakland Ave., Warwick, N.Y., on Friday from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Barbara A. Jahrling
Homemaker, 52

Barbara Anne Jahrling of Wurtsboro, a homemaker, died Wednesday, March 30, 2005, at the Horton campus of the Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown. She was 52 years of age.
The daughter of John and Bernice Decker Masten, she was born January 29, 1953, in Monticello.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Jahrling, and two sons, Robert J. and Brian A. Jahrling, all at home; her parents of Wurtsboro; a brother and sister-in-law, John and Laurie Masten of Jeffersonville; a granddaughter, Alexis Lynn Jahrling; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 111 Sullivan St., Wurtsboro, on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

Florence R. Bragg
Homemaker, 84

Florence Realmuto Bragg, a resident of Wurtsboro since July of 1997 and a former resident of Florida and Highland, died March 28, 2005, at her home. She was 84 years of age.
The daughter of the late George and Frances Lo Casio Realmuto, she was born August 26, 1926, in Highland.
Mrs. Bragg was a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Lloyd Post #193, American Legion, in Highland and was a member of the Schoria County American Legion Ladies Auxiiary.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, George A. Bragg, at home; two daughters, Nancy J. Rich of Marlboro and Linda Lee Stueber of Highland; a brother, George A. Realmuto and his wife, Loretta, of Highland; four grandchildren, Robert Rich and his wife, Dawn, Mikki Lynn Judge, George Rich and Heidi Stueber; five great-grandchildren; several nieces, and nephews; and many friends.
Services and burial were private.

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