Obituaries

ITHACA - Pearl Etta Calkins, age 89, of Ithaca, went to be at home with her husband and The Lord, on Monday evening at Beechtree Care Center. Pearl was born in Burdett, the daughter of the late Charles and Eva Finkenbinder. She was a 1937 graduate of Spencer High School.

Pearl loved music and often played the piano for her church. Pearl will always be remembered for her witty comments; People would ask Pearl, "How are you feeling today?" of which she would reply, "With my fingers." Other precious comments could not be published however people who knew her will be smiling.

Survivors include her three daughters, Eva (William) Siegard, Sharon Calkins, and Denise (Kenneth) Murphy; two sons, Charles (Linda) Calkins, and Roger (Sharon) Calkins; daughter-in-law, Gaye Calkins; 18 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, William Calkins, of whom she was married to for 49 years; brother Carl Finkenbinder; three sisters, Naomi Calkins, Synthia Alles, and Alice Buckminster; a son, Robert Calkins; and one grandson, Sean Murphy, and a great-grandson, Brandon Jackson.

Friends and family may call Friday, September 12th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Herson Funeral Home where Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will be private for the family in Seneca Union Cemetery in Valois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beechtree Care Center or to a charity of the donor's choice.