Obituaries

Ithaca - Blanche "Birdie" A. Wells, age 88 of Ithaca, died peacefully surrounded by here family, Tuesday evening at Beechtree Nursing Home. Matriarch of the Wells family, she was born in Newfield and is the daughter of the late Wesley and Nellie Crance. For many years, she was associated with the family businesses, the Corner Store Catering and Flower Field Florist. She was a charter member of Finger Lakes Button Club and a former member of the David Harriman Button Club in Cortland. Birdie was an avid BINGO player.

Birdie is survived by her five sons Lester A. Wells, Daniel "Boon" Wells, John A. (Dorrie Haring) Wells, Charles (Wanda) R. Wells, Arthur J. Wells; two daughters, Mary Jane Wells and Shirley Ann (Douglas) Allen; 7 grandchildren, Kristen (Mark Woodard) Wells, Melissa, Melinda and Melanie Allen, Charles II & Denver Wells, and Tyler Wells; three great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Michael Woodard and Connor Allen; two sisters, Pauline Cundy and Rita Grover; several nieces and nephews; three good friends, Mary Ann, Sally, and Jackie.

She is predeceased by her husband, Lester A. Wells Sr. who died in 1966; two sons, Wesley and Raymond Wells; three sisters, Dorothy, Freida, and Wescena.

Friends and family may call from 2-4p.m. Saturday at the Herson Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Spring in Calvary Cemetery. If desired, memorials may be made to Beechtree Nursing Home Activities, 318 S. Albany St. Ithaca or to Gadabout Transportation Services.