Obituaries

ITHACA - Ollie J. Huddle, age 79 of Ithaca, died Tuesday morning at his residence. Ollie is the son of the late Harry and Jenny Huddle. Ollie is predeceased by his two brothers, Harry and William "Wee" Huddle.

He retired from Emerson Power Transmission in 1990 after 35 years of service. Ollie enjoyed his yearly vacations with his grandchildren. He is a member of the American Legion in Trumansburg, VFW in Ithaca and Eagles Club. He is a veteran of the Korean Conflict.

Kenneth Holston Myers (Ken), long-time Ithaca N.Y. resident passed away peacefully on February 1, 2008. Ken is survived by his three children, Jim, Susan and Jon and his six grandchildren, who reside in Boulder, Colorado; Redmond, Washington; and San Rafael, California. Ken was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and found great joy and nourishment in his marriage and family. Ken's beloved wife, Bee, whom Ken lovingly referred to as his "soul mate", passed into eternity, January 13th, 2006.

Ken's life reflects his belief that one can do what one puts one's mind to. Ken loved the book intended for young children, "The Little Engine That Could". The story's message is: "I think I can, I think I can". Ken's life is characterized, in large part, by Ken's indomitable will to succeed and contribute.

Jeannie Patricia Lattimer, age 52 of Ithaca, went to be with her Lord, Monday (January 28, 2008) at Cayuga Medical Center. Jeannie leaves behind to morn her son, Tyrell Devon Anthony Lattimer; and a host of family and friends.

Friends and family may call Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service at the Herson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. A repass will be held at the Baptized Church of Jesus Christ, 412 First St., Ithaca.

TRUMANSBURG - Susie L. Cooper, age 86 of Trumansburg, a retired LPN at Tompkins County Hospital, died Monday evening at Oak Hill Manor. Susie was the daughter of the late Rev. Edward and Nora Miller. Her husband of 56 years, Oscar D. Cooper Sr., died in 2002. After her retirement, Susie continued caring for the ill and infirmed as a private duty nurse until 2003.

Survivors include her son, Oscar D. Cooper, Jr.; two grandsons, Jemal Cooper, Sr. and Rafiq Cooper; three granddaughters, Heather Cooper, Ayana White, and Nika Cooper; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews; a sister-in-law, Sarah Miller; a daughters-in-law Audrey Cooper and Rita Watts.
She is predeceased by her two brothers, Richard and Elens B. Miller; a step-mother and close friend, Moria Miller.

Friends and family may call from 10 a.m. until time of 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service at the Herson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cayuga Heights. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oak Hill Manor.

ITHACA - Bunny O'Brien/Schassburger, age 63, a retired head nurse and manager of Ithaca Dialysis, and nurse practitioner for its medical director, Dr. Robert Hesson, died Saturday morning, January 26, 2008, at her residence. She was born in Ithaca, a daughter of Edwin and Betty Watson. Bunny had been with her husband, Ron Schassburger, since March 30, 1989, and the two had been a loving couple ever since, with their formal marriage on May 12, 2007 at their home. Theirs was a fairy tale courtship and romance that grew in love and affection day by day from the time they met until she died, and will live well beyond.

Bunny was formally trained as a nurse and nurse practitioner, with her care touching numerous lives over the past forty years. While highly respected for her medical competency, she was even more widely known for her compassionate care, kind bedside manner, and always placing the needs of her patients above all else.

TRUMANSBURG - Dr. Alvin F. Sellers, age 90 of Trumansburg, a retired comparative gastroenterologist at Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, died Saturday, January 19, 2008, at Cayuga Medical Center. Dr. Sellers was born in Somerset, PA, son of Addison B. and Marion F. Sellers. He recently celebrated 65 wonderful years of marriage with Dorothy M. Sellers.

Upon completing his Veterinary MD at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, he received a Masters of Science degree in Pathology from Ohio State University and a PhD with a double major in Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota. He was the first and the youngest in his field to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1956. Dr. Sellers served with the 1st Medical Mobile Laboratory in World War II in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany from 1943 through the end of the war.

FREEVILLE - Margie Vorhis, of 4 Cricket Lane, Freeville, NY, passed away at the Hospicare residence on King Road in Ithaca on Sunday, January 20, 2008, at the age of 62.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on July 20, 1945, Margie was the daughter of Alice and Bruce Alexander. Margie attended high school in Syracuse. While living on Long Island, she was Pool Director of the Floral Park Pool, where she also worked as a tennis instructor and an aerobics instructor. More recently, Margie was employed by Lansing Central School as Secretary to the Principal of the Middle School and served on the board of Small Comforts, a foundation providing quality of life support for people in need. An avid reader, she was the member of a local book club. Margie was also an active member of the Groton Assembly of God.

GROTON - Ivan P. "Butch" Lansdowne, age 69, of 200 W. South St., Groton, NY passed away Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca following a lengthy illness. Butch had been employed as an electrician in Colorado Springs, CO prior to his retirement. Butch is survived by his wife, Marilyn Yacano Lansdowne of Groton, NY; three children, Kelly (Brian) Brown of King Ferry, NY, Kevin (Delann) Lansdowne of Robbins, NC and Kimberly Lansdowne of Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren, Lauren and Sara Lansdowne and Taylor and Cameron Gustafson; his brother, Larry (Janet) Lansdowne of Sempronius, NY and nieces and nephews.

At Butch's request, services will be private. There are no calling hours.

Perkins Funeral Home, 55 W. Main St., Dryden, NY is assisting the family.

ITHACA - Mark S. Puterbaugh, age 57 of Ithaca, died Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at Cayuga Medical Center. Mark was born in Johnson City, a son of the late Warren and Elizabeth Puterbaugh.

Mark was a loving husband of 35 years who was dedicated to taking care of his wife and family's needs. He has served as a station supervisor with US Airlines in Ithaca and currently was employed by Ithaca Airline Limousine Service.

Vernon H. Gatewood, 82, of Lansing, NY, passed away on Sunday morning December 30, 2007, at Lakeside Nursing Home, Ithaca, NY. He is survived by his wife, Esserlene Gatewood; his two sons and daughter-in-law, Vernon Keith Gatewood, Long Island, NY, Francis Kevin and Susan Gatewood, California; three grandchildren, Kevin, Allysa, Gregory Gatewood; his sister, Alice Reynolds, Rochester, NY; several nieces and nephews. Vernon was born in Massillon, OH on July 6, 1925, the son of the late George and Hazel May Gatewood.

He retired in 1981 from the Cornell University, Physiology Department of the Veterinary School. Vernon served two terms on the Lansing School Board and also volunteered for the Lansing Lions Club.

Francis P. “Frank” Vallely, 75, of Lansing, NY passed away on Sunday December 16, 2007 at his home. He is survived by his wife, Nora Vallely; his sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin F. and Mary Vallely, Dryden, NY, Sean and Teri Vallely, Erin, NY; his daughters and son-in-law, Honora Vallely, Elizabethtown, NY, Bridget and Jeffrey Kentch, Virgil, NY; four grandchildren, Erin, Quinn, Timmy, Daisy; brothers and sister-in-law, Terry Vallely, Edward and Becky Vallely; sister, Audrey Fields; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, William, Robert, Thomas Vallely; and sisters, Margaret Boyton, Eileen O’Connor. Frank was born in Bronx, NY on August 29, 1932, the son of the late Francis A. and Bridget Delia (Reynolds) Vallely.

John Reynolds, 84, of Ithaca, NY, passed away on Saturday December 8, 2007 at home in Ithaca. He was predeceased by his wife, Kay; and his brothers, infant Anthony Balaski, Robert Balaski, Walter Tyc, Joseph Tyc. John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Rudy Maneff; son, John Wylie Reynolds; daughter, Paula Reynolds; grandchildren, Rudy, Brian, Kevin Maneff; sisters, Florence Wisniewski, Pearl Keksz, Nellie Wisniewski, Frances Srednicki, Dorothy and Al Feldbauer; and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy A. Konecny, 78, of Moravia, NY, passed away on Saturday December 1, 2007, at Auburn Memorial Hospital. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Raymond Konecny; her sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Denise Spafford, Auburn, Vincent and Kelley Konecny, Auburn, Stephen and Linda Konecny, Missouri; her grandchildren, Kellie, Jennifer and Linsey Spafford, Emily and Joshua Konecny; her brothers, Michael and Ruth Bilinski, Joseph Bilinski, Jack "Frank" and Judy Bilinski; her sisters, Catherine Metz, Sophie Panella, Helen Podalak; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and a lifelong friend, Ruth Dann.

Dorothy was born in Auburn, on August 20, 1929, the daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Bilinski. Throughout her life, she enjoyed many pastimes with her husband, such as, fishing on Cayuga Lake, or watching Notre Dame Football and NY Yankee baseball. She especially loved to dance. Dorothy was a member of the Locke and New Hope Senior Citizens groups.

Lawrence F. "Larry" Small, age 84, of 16 Sharpsteen Road, Locke, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 18, 2007.

Larry was born on February 8, 1923 in Ithaca, NY, a son of the late Fred and Elizabeth Lawrence Small. Upon graduation from Ithaca High School in 1942, Larry enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served his country overseas from 1943 to 1946. Upon his return he worked as a truck driver, and eventually joined the Teamsters Union. He worked for over 20 years as the secretary/treasurer of the Teamsters Local #65 in Ithaca. In his retirement, he enjoyed many hours lake cruising and navigating the canal systems, hunting and traveling with his wife.

ITHACA - Janet Deloris Bailey Cauthen, age 54 of Ithaca, died unexpectedly Tuesday November 13, 2007 at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse. Janet was born December 2, 2007 in Ithaca, a daughter of Viola O'Daniels Bailey and the late Evans Williams Bailey Sr.

A graduate of Ithaca High School Class of 1970, Janet attended the University of Pittsburg and completed her degree in accounting at Ithaca College. An avid reader, she enjoyed reading books and several newspapers every morning. She will always be remembered for her laughter and her gardening abilities. She was a member of St. James AME Zion Church.

Thomas G. Payne, Sr., age 81, of 30 East Meadow Drive, Ithaca, passed away on Thursday, November 8, 2007, at Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca.

The son of Grace Keyes Payne and Clair L. Payne of Susquehanna, PA, Thomas was predeceased by his son, Thomas G. Payne, Jr. (Grant). He is survived by his wife, Katharine Conlon Payne. Tom had a special bond with his devoted daughter, Clare L. (Roderick) Holmes; and with his granddaughter, Jessica Holmes. He is also survived by his brother, Jesse H. (Joan) Payne of Windsor, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

ITHACA - Janet Meader Burt, age 89, resident of Longview in Ithaca, died November 12, 2007. Janet was born in Jamestown on August 26, 1918, a daughter of the late George Meader and Julia Weingard Meader Luth. She was a 50 year resident of Ithaca and a Registered Pediatric Nurse who worked many years at the Pediatrician's office of Dr's Davis, Perry, & Speno and following retirement volunteered at the Finger Lakes Library.

Janet is survived by her only son, Daniel J. (Joan) Burt of Houston, TX; three grandchildren, Joanna Burt (Rick) Iribarren of Weston, Florida, Caroline Burt (Konrad) Rudnicki of Dallas, Texas, and Katherine C. Burt of Houston Texas; four great grandchildren, William Rudnicki, Hugh Rudnicki, Ava Iribarren, and Nickolas Iribarren. Janet is preceded in death by her beloved twin sister, Jeanne Janas. 

ElizabethElizabeth "Betty" Hanson Rudolph, 83, of Ithaca, NY, went to live with her Lord and Savior in Heaven on November 11, 2007.

She will be greatly missed by her son, Rodney (Barbara) Rudolph of Delhi, NY, daughter, Eileen (James) Hicks of Freeville, grandsons Kevin (Vickie) Hicks of Lansing and Christopher (Tammy) Hicks of Bremerton, WA, great grandchildren Robin and Michelle Hicks of Lansing, sister, Lillian (Joseph) Marcello of Rochester, and life-long friend, Millie McFall of Ithaca.

FLOYD S. FERRIS 1916 ~ 2007 Floyd S. Ferris, 90, of Lansing, NY, passed away at home on Monday, October 29, 2007. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruby (Carter) Ferris; his children, Faye Ann and Robert Grandall, Burleson, TX, Dalyce and William Nishibayash, Maui, HI, Floyd C. and Sandra Ferris, Lansing, NY, Candice Ferris, Austin, TX; his grandchildren, Anthony and Patricia D'Agostino, Spencer, NY, Richard John and Angela Shirley, San Diego, CA, Lisa and Richard Fuehrer, Rockwell, TX; great-grandchildren, Joseph and Carissa Shirley, Brandon Fuehrer.

He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Norman Abdallah; sister-in-law, Marjorie Ferris; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and special cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Emmeline Ferris, Frank Ferris, Annie Abdallah, Bert Ferris, William "Sol" Ferris, Roy Ferris, Aden Ferris.

Floyd was born in Solon, NY, on November 23, 1916, the son of the late Joseph and Emily Ferris. He was a licensed pilot and served in the Civil Air Patrol during WWII. Following wartime, he owned and operated a local general mercantile store in Lansingville for many years. Later, Floyd worked in the transportation department for the Lansing School District for 23 years, and served as the Lansing Town Justice for 32 years. He was an active member of the Lansing Rod and Gun Club, the Lansing Fire Department and in later years he enjoyed playing golf. Floyd was a well liked member of the community. He was kind and generous, and always willing to help others.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Rd., Lansing, NY, on Friday, November 2, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. William Gottschalk-Fielding officiating. Burial will follow in Lansingville Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call at Lansing Funeral Home on Thursday, November 1, 2007, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions in memory of Floyd to the Hospicare of Ithaca.

Gladys E. Sweazey, 94, of Lansing, NY, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 23, 2007. She was born in Morrisville, NY on March 3, 1913, the daughter of the late Harry and Edith (Lowe) Stedman. For many years, Gladys helped her husband, Marion operate the family farm, caring for livestock and working the fields. Later she began work for Lansing Central Schools in the cafeteria, eventually becoming manager of all three school cafeterias, and retiring in 1980 after 20 years of service.

Gladys remained active in the community, volunteering her time for the hospital, senior citizens, and the cemetery association. She was a proud member of the Lansing United Methodist Church for 75 years, ever faithful in helping with all church activities throughout the years.

Gladys was especially devoted to her family. Surviving are her children, Kathy (Donnie) LaLonde, Lansing, Nancy (Sam) Norman, Chandler, AZ, Walter (Sharon Olin) Sweazey, Lansing; her grandchildren, Debbie (Chuck) Crandall, Mike (Sandy) Sweazey, Cindy (Billy) Carbo, Sammy (Kelly) Norman, Todd (Valerie) LaLonde, Rob LaLonde; her great-grandchildren, Casey (Lori) Crandall, Katie (Ryan) Mayo, Sheena and Renee Sweazey, Nick and Joe Carbo; her great-great-grandsons, Carson and Austin Crandall, Jaxson Mayo; and her many nieces and nephews. Gladys was predeceased by her husband, Marion in 1978; her sisters, Ruth and Clara; and brothers, Hubert and Harold.

The family would like to thank Bonnalee Vann and all her staff, especially Lori Joseph, for their loving care of Gladys for the past two years. These ladies were Gladys' extended family.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Rd., Lansing, NY 14882, on Thursday, September 27, 2007, at 4:00p.m., with Pastor William Gottschalk-Fielding officiating. The family will receive friends at a memorial luncheon held in the church hall immediately following the service, all are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Gladys' memory to the Lansing United Methodist Church or the Tompkins County SPCA.