Obituaries

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.

Evelyn Jane Renzetti, 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 21, 2007, in Groton, NY.

She was born and raised in Ithaca, the daughter of Herbert William Teeter and Florence Mabel Wicks on April 6, 1915. In 1935 she graduated with high honors from Ithaca High School.

Mrs. Renzetti was a longtime employee of the Tompkins County Trust Company, where she retired as head of the bookkeeping department. She also worked in banking in Houston, Texas, after her retirement.

She married her high school sweetheart, Alexander Renzetti. After 55 years of marriage, Alex passed away in 1990. Jane, as she was known, is survived by her three children, Jane-Marie (Turner) of Houston, Texas, Robert Alexander of Enfield, NY, and Richard Herbert of Salt Lake City, Utah. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Marcia and David Turner of Texas, Robert Renzetti Jr. of Enfield, NY, and Apryll Clark of Newfield, NY, John Renzetti, Celistina Driggs and Kara Ann Jane Renzetti of Utah; many great and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY, Saturday, the 29th of September at 11:00 a.m. Friends and relatives may visit at Lansing Funeral Home on Friday evening, 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, 10-11 a.m. Burial will be in the Renzetti family plot in Calvary Cemetery immediately following the service.

Evelyn Jane Renzetti was a friend to many. Our mother and grandmother is deeply loved and will be dearly missed.

June was called home to her Heavenly Father from her sleep October 16, 2007. She was born to the late Horace and Carrie (Jones) Young in Richfield Springs, NY on November 13, 1924.

She leaves behind Otis, her husband of 62 years. "We met at a square dance when she was 16, and we've been dancing ever since." Also six children, David of Annapolis, MD, Elizabeth of Star Tannery, VA, Arthur of Suwanee, GA, Ruth of Corpus Christi, TX, Steven of Highlands Ranch, CO, Janet of San Antonio, TX; 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

June was a dedicated Navy wife, mother, and father when Otis was deployed. She was an active leader in the 4-H program and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

A memorial service will take place at 9:45 a.m., Saturday the 20th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 114 Burleigh Drive, Ithaca. Interment will follow at the Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve at the end of Irish Hill Road in Newfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society. Lansing Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mordecai J. "Mark" Jaffe, 74, an accomplished plant physiologist who most recently worked as Associate at the Boyce Thompson Institute at Cornell University, died Oct. 14, 2007 of pulmonary embolism.

During his three-decade teaching career at Ohio University and Wake Forest University Mark was an innovative teacher and dedicated research scientist. He published more than 100 research papers that crossed into the fields of biophysics, forestry, neurology and anthropology but was best known for his work with pea tendrils. In 1972, he developed the field of thigmomorphogenesis - - how the sense of touch affects plant growth, structure and development.

Mark was born in New York City on July 7, 1933. He was the only son of Deborah Sherry and Herman Jaffe. He graduated from George Washington High School in 1951 and was drafted into the Army and drove a half-track on the German/Czech border. He then earned a bachelors degree at City College of New York and a doctorate in vegetable crops at Cornell University in 1964.

During his graduate studies, Mark met Amy Cooke, a fellow graduate student. They married on Nov. 5, 1961, at Anabel Taylor Hall at Cornell. He continued his studies at Yale University as a post-doctoral research fellow. He studied with Dr. Arthur Galston and began his work with pea tendrils. Mark became a professor at Ohio University in 1967 -- a position he kept until 1980. In the mid-70's, he took sabbaticals at The Hebrew University Faculty of Agriculture in Rehovot, Israel, the University Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France, and at Boyce Thompson.

The family moved to Winston Salem, NC, in 1980 when Mark accepted the Charles H. Babcock Professor of Botany endowed chair at Wake Forest University. During that period, he returned to Israel three times to teach at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Agriculture, as Permanent Visiting Professor. He also worked with NASA, studying how gravity affects plant growth in space.

In 1998 he retired from Wake Forest, but not from research. He moved to Lansing with Amy and set up a laboratory in an apartment above his garage and dubbed it the "Jaffe Institute for the Absorption of Jaffe Funds". They shortened it to "Jifajaf", where he continued his plant research. Mark kept regular lunch dates with Carl Leopold and Randy Wayne at Cornell to discuss their most recent research, which revolved around contractile roots and how a species of paramecium sensed the edge of the water droplet in which it swam.

"He found more joy in the search for the answer than in knowing the answer," Wayne said. "Mark loved every aspect of the search -- the initial crazy observation, designing equipment, doing the experiment itself and interpreting the results to discover the underlying unity of nature."

He read voraciously -- everything from calculus textbooks to Herodotus. He photographed lake birds, helped Amy complete crossword puzzles and enjoyed cracking jokes. He shunned honorifics and never boasted of his accomplishments. Throughout his life, Mark valued family above all else. For example, when Amy wore a cast on her thumb for three months, Mark fixed dinners. He also drove to her weekly storytelling job and turned the book pages for her. He was proud to call himself "Associate Storyteller and Page Turner".

A memorial service in his honor was held Oct. 17 at Anabel Taylor Hall. He was buried at Greensprings Natural Cemetery in Newfield, NY.

In addition to Amy, Mark is survived by daughter Jennifer (Carter) Lane, sons Benjamin (Salome) and Samuel (Myung Oak), and six grandchildren: Ivan, Anna, Naomi and Cai Jaffe and Dorothy and Sarah Lane.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his name be sent to the Southern Poverty Law Center, American Friends of Magen David Adom or Doctors without Borders.

Anne Wuerker (nee Knettles) on October 12, 2007 of Westlake Village, California. Beloved wife of Ralph Wuerker; sister of Mary Johnson and the late Ruth Quigley; loving mother of James McCarrick, Michael McCarrick (Tondelayo), Ruth McCarrick-Walmsley (Terence), Margaret McCarrick (Sassan), Chris McCarrick (Lisbet), and Jennifer McCarrick.

She is also survived by 15 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Anne recently retired as a professor of the UCLA Graduate School of Nursing. She enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, backpacking in the high Sierras, and traveling with friends and family. In recent years she and her husband devoted much of their time to working with a medical clinic in Cherident, Haiti.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a graveside service on October 20 at 2:00 p.m. at Pine Grove Cemetery, Lansing, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to www.haitihealthcare.org. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Rd., Lansing, NY 14882.

Ronald F. "Bucky" Hulbert, 70, of Locke, NY, passed away on Friday, September 7, 2007, at his home.

He was born in West Danby, NY, on May 24, 1937, the son of the late Frederick and Gladys (Marshall) Hulbert. Bucky was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the US Army, and was a longtime auto body repair man for Cutting and later for Pritchard. From hunting and fishing, to just simply mowing the yard, Bucky loved the outdoors, and was always ready to pitch a game of horseshoes.

He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Lois (Ayers) Hulbert; his step sons and spouses, Ronald and April Robbins, Martin Robbins, Shane and Tonya Robbins; step daughter-in-law, Rita Robbins; step grandchildren, Justin Yonce, Carrie, Amanda, Dylan Robbins, Cody Robbins, Jacob Robbins; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Roy Casterline, Carol and Robert Bradley, Marlene and Jim Bower, Joy and William Lewis; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Dorothy Hulbert; sister-in-law, Ceanne Hulbert; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bucky was predeceased by his brothers, William, Joseph; and sisters, Sara and Ellen.

In keeping with his request, there will be no services scheduled. Arrangements are with Lansing Funeral Home.

Helen L. Rounds, 79, of Lansing, NY, passed away on Sunday morning, September 30, 2007, at Groton Nursing Facility. She was predeceased by her husband, Arlyn Rounds; and her six brothers, Arlo, Andy, George, Lee, Bob and Gene. Helen is survived by her children, William Rounds, Philip and Lauretta Rounds, Cindy and Jack Stull; her grandchildren, Valerie Sweazey, Jeremy Rounds, Jessica Rounds, Heather Rounds, Christian Rounds, Crystal and Ted Brown, Amberly Rounds, Tessa Rounds, Luke Rounds, Matthew Stull, Heather Stull, Brent Stull; five great- grandchildren; sister-in-law, Audrey Palmer; many nieces and nephews; with a special thank you to nephew Mike Rounds for his care and support.

Helen was born in Enfield, NY, on February 11, 1928, the daughter of the late William and Ella (Gibbs) Palmer. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Church for many years, and was an Avon Representative for 42 years in the Lansing area. Helen loved socializing, making new friends, and always enjoyed the company of others.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Rd., Lansing, NY, on Thursday, October 4, 2007, at 6:00 p.m., with Rev. William Gottschalk-Fielding, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Haytes Cemetery, Ithaca.

John Wade "Jack" Ettinger, Sr., 71, of Lansing, NY died Saturday, August 25 after a short illness.

A native of Skaneateles, NY, and a 1954 graduate of the Manlius Military Academy, Ettinger served in the U.S. Army in the late 1950's, stationed in Germany.

Music was a big part of Jacks life  He was the drum major while a student at St. Lawrence University and later played locally in bands, primarily as a renowned Dixieland drummer.  He was a member of various drum and bugle corps outfits, and was also a huge lover of country music.

After a career in sales with his family's business, Highway Materials, he was the President and owner of University Sand & Gravel, a local construction industry leader through the 60's and 70's.

A member of Lansing Fire Station #5, Jack served over 35 years in the Lansing Volunteer Fire Department. He long held a position as Commissioner. He served as president of the Finger Lakes Kennel club, and, with Wife Nora, raised champion Bernese Mountain Dogs and Tibetan Spaniels.

Jack was an avid patron of athletics for Lansing High School, Lemoyne College, Canisius College, Clarkson University and Cornell University, where his children competed on various teams. He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees.

He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Nora Ettinger, along with five children - Jessica Ettinger Gottesman of New York City, John Wade Ettinger, Jr. of Nashville, TN, Kevin Riggs of Malone, NY, William Kerry of Lansing, NY, and Maxwell Kerry of Grand Rapids, MI. He is survived by three grandchildren - Jackson Wade Ettinger, Zachary John Gottesman and Joshua George Gottesman. He is survived by daughters-in-law Jill Ettinger and Courtney Stevens-Kerry, and son-in-law Dr. Eric Gottesman. He is also survived by brother Joseph Ettinger of Moravia, NY and sister Susan Ettinger of Ithaca, NY.  He was preceeded in death by Son Keith Riggs.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that a contribution be made to the Lansing Volunteer Fire Department, 80 Ridge Road, Lansing, NY, 14882

A memorial service will be held on September 17, 2007 at the Lansing Funeral Home.

Robert Cutting, of Lansing, passed away while water skiing off of Portland Point with his family Tuesday, August 14, 2007.  Cutting fell forward into the water, and was pulled out unconscious by his family, who called the authorities.  Cutting owned Honda of Ithaca, and was active in the Lansing Community, most recently serving on the Lansing Sewer Committee.
"I would like to make mention that we lost Rob Cutting, a valuable member of our community last night," said Deputy Town Supervisor Bud Shattuck at the Town Council meeting Wednesday.  "It is a sad personal thing for me, and I think it is for many people.  I wanted to mention that people in the Town certainly think about that as a government. I hope you have a chance to reflect on yourself and developments here in the community, as sometimes our lives are cut short."

Funeral arrangements had not been set at the time of this writing.  He was 49.

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Evelyn M. Smith, 81, of Locke, NY, passed away early Sunday morning July 29, 2007 at the Groton Nursing Facility.  She is survived by her husband of 59 loving years, John Smith; her four daughters and sons-on-law, Elaine and James Larison, Philomath, OR, Patricia and Fred Howe, N. Syracuse, NY, Teresa and Michael Marcum, Eden, UT, Alexis and Shane Eason, Calexton, GA; her son, James Smith, Trumansburg, NY; her nine grandchildren and spouses, John and Ellie Larison, Ted Larison, Aaron and Susanne Howe, Monica and Todd Canterino, Lauren and Scott Cohen, Jessica Marcum, Alex Marcum, Zach Marcum, Tim Davis; her two great granddaughters, Ava and Carmen Canterino; and expecting great grandbaby Larison.  

Evelyn is also survived by her sister, Helen Matejka; her two brothers and sisters-in-law, Phillip and Joan Argetsinger, Danny and Carole Argetsinger; several nieces, nephews, and their families; and many friends.  She was predeceased by her parents, Phillip and Pauline (Niemi) Argetsinger; and her brother-in-law, Ira Matejka.

Luther "Wiley" Sutphin, age 90, former longtime resident and retired Lansing Town Highway Dept. employee, died July 18, 2007 in Tiger, GA. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 21, 2007, at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Road, Lansing, where a Memorial Tribute will follow at 7 p.m. on Friday.

ITHACA – Joyce M. “NANA” (nee:Brewer) Mount, age 57 of Ithaca, a retired medical secretary at Ithaca High School, passed peacefully on Friday morning at her residence after a lengthy illness. Ms. Mount was born June 2, 1949 in Ithaca, a daughter of Lillian Brewer and the late Lewis Brewer.

A graduate from Interlaken Central High, she was a medical secretary for Tompkins County Health Department and later she worked for Ithaca High School. She enjoyed vacationing in Maine, traveling to different craft show where she sold some of the crafts that she created, and spend time with her grandchildren. A pet lover, she had a dog, Quincy and her 3 cats, Jake, Annie, and Sara Lee. She was also an avid gardener.

LANSING - Andrew J. Geiger, age 75, of 75 Drake Road, died at 4:23 a.m. on Thursday, at the Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca.

Andrew was born on September 4, 1931 in Whitney Township, MI, a son of the late George and Teresa Geiger. He moved to Venice Center as a young boy, and spent his entire lifetime in the area. Andrew worked for the Village of Cayuga Heights Public Works Department, retiring in 1998 with 43 years of service. Andrew was a family man, making them his priority above all else, and his loving nature will be forever cherished.

J. Wilbur "Willie" Boles, 66, of Lansing, NY, passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca, NY. He was predeceased by his father,Raymond Boles; and nephew, Randy Boles. Willie is survived by his mother, RoseSutphin, Lansing; his children, Danny and Julie Boles, Lansing, Lisa and DanQuigley, Lansing, Tommy Boles, Ithaca, Vicki and Tom Sill, Lansing; the motherof his children, Donna Doty; his eight grandchildren, Chelsea and Sierra Boles,Kevin Kelsey and Cole Quigley, Darren Corey and Nathan Sill; his brothers andsister-in-law, Stubby Boles, King Ferry, Walter Boles, Dryden, Jimmy and CarolBoles, Lansing; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Sissy and Newell Fenner,Lansing, Kathy and Albert Elser, Genoa, Mary Boles and Opie James, Lansing;many nieces, nephews and their families.

Willie was born in Lansing on May 5, 1940. He was a 1959 graduate of King Ferry Central Schools where he was Captain of the Varsity basketball team. After graduation, he attended Riech Auctioneer School and began working as a prominent auctioneer in the area. Willie worked for several sale barns including Apulia, Moravia, Owego and Empire Livestock in Dryden, also operating Willie's Auction Service throughout his entire career. He was an active member of the Lansing, King Ferry community and was always supportive of many civic organizations including 4-H, donating his time for countless benefits and charity auctions.

Louis Steve, 96, of Groton, NY and formerly of Trumansburg, NY, passed away on Monday April 23, 2007, at the Groton Nursing Facility where he had been residing. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Jeannette (Cook) Steve; his son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Barbara Steve, Seal Beach, CA, his daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and William Scott, Freeville, NY; his grandchildren, William and Amy Scott, Austin, TX, Laurie and Jerry Lawrence, Groton, NY, Michael and Amy Scott, Ithaca, NY; his great grandchildren, Matthew Bower, Mitchell Bower, Melissa Lawrence, Jeremy and Rachel Lawrence, Kristen Scott, Justin Scott, Michaela Scott, Vanessa Scott; and his great great grandson Trent Lawrence. Louis was born in Ithaca, NY on November 5, 1910, the son of the late Frank and Maria (Loretti) Steve.

He was a tool and die maker by trade and had a wide array of other interests. He could accomplish anything he tried, with perfection, always eager for the next new challenge. Louis had a gift of gardening which he shared through his beautiful flower gardens, tomato plants, and breathtaking roses. He was especially an avid New York Yankee fan. Throughout all of his life’s accomplishments, he always put his family first.