Search Archived Marriage Records
Betty Clare Bundy Fry
COOPERSTOWN — Mrs. Betty Clare Bundy Fry, a native of Cooperstown, veteran of World War II, and co-owner of Aalsmeer Motel and Cottages on Otsego Lake, died Tuesday night, Nov. 15, 2005, at Otsego Manor. She was 87 years old.
Born in Cooperstown on Dec. 8, 1917, in the Thanksgiving Hospital, she was a daughter of Melvin Clinton Bundy Jr. and Helen Augusta MacDonald Bundy. At that time of her birth the family resided in Bowerstown.
In 1920, the Bundy family moved to Brightside Farm, which was located on a dirt road about two miles northwest of Cooperstown. In April of 1923, Betty enrolled in what was then known as "the Baby Class" at Cooperstown (now Kindergarten) and that fall started the first grade. Due to the barn burning down at Brightside Farm, the Bundy family moved later that same year to the Potts Farm on the Cooperstown-Fly Creek Road (now State Highway 28).
In their youth, Betty and her sisters, Ada and Melva, would walk up the long hill to the Bancroft Farm where Mrs. Bancroft would take them and other children along the road to the Fly Creek grade school, by horse and wagon in spring and fall and by sleigh in winter. After school, they walked down the long hill to home. Later on, the Bundy girl’s father took over the bus route and took all of the children on the road to school in his station wagon.
Betty completed seventh and eighth grades in one year and entered Cooperstown High School in the fall of 1930. The Secretary of her class during her senior year, she graduated in 1934 at the age of 16. For a week during the spring of her senior year, she and her class traveled by bus to visit Washington, D.C.
Upon graduation from high school, the 16-year-old Betty entered St. Lawrence University in Canton and graduated in June of 1938 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, having majored in French. During her first year at St. Lawrence, she lived in the dormitory Dean Eaton Hall and for the remaining three years in the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority house. Although she prepared for teaching, she never taught, largely due to the scarcity of teaching positions as a result of the lingering depression.
Betty returned to live in Cooperstown, and on Jan. 3, 1940, the Bundy family moved from the Potts Farm to 7 Old School Court in the Village of Cooperstown. While in the employ of Smalley’s Movie Theatre as a ticket seller, she was tutored in business subjects at the Knox School for Girls. For a year, she was employed as a secretary for the law firm of Tennant and Tennant and then in January of 1943, she came to work in the offices of Smalley’s Theatres. In December of that year she left Smalley’s for active duty with the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), having been sworn in Nov. 19, 1943, in Utica.
Betty took her basic training at Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga., and while she was there visited Chattanooga, Tenn., Lookout Mountain and Chickamauga Battlefield. She was transferred to Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn, but worked 40 blocks away in the Brooklyn Army Base Terminal as the secretary in the Court Martial Department. The trip back and forth was by city bus, subway or, sometimes, by Army bus.
The day before Thanksgiving of 1944, she arrived back at Fort Oglethorpe to take overseas training. Her company left Fort Oglethorpe the day after Christmas and went by train to Camp Patrick Henry, Va., a staging area for troops leaving the United States. While staying there until just after New Year’s Day, she visited Colonial Williamsburg and went on a day trip across the Chesapeake Bay. They left Camp Patrick Henry by train for Newport News, where, on Jan. 4, 1945, they boarded the former luxury liner America, which was then known as the West Point. It carried 10,000 ski troopers of the 10th Mountain Infantry and did not go in convoy as it was fast enough to outdistance a submarine. There were only about 40 WACs aboard so they lived in the staterooms on the Sun Deck, about eight to a room, and ate in the first class dining room.
The West Point landed at Naples, Italy, where the WACs stayed for about a week in a partially bombed out hotel with no heat. On Jan. 23, 1945, they flew to Cairo, Egypt, moving into a hotel on Adli Pasha that was already occupied by WACs who had arrived about a year earlier. The WACs later moved into an apartment house on the island of Gisira on the Nile River.
Betty worked as a secretary in the fiscal Department of the African-Middle East Theatre Headquarters. While she was in Cairo, Betty spent her furloughs with her friends, visiting Tel Aviv, Palestine; Kyrenia, Cyprus; and Alexandria, Egypt. She also saw the Pyramids and the Sphinx. On Oct. 25, 1945, following the end of the war, the WACs left Cairo for the Port of Suez by Army truck, where they boarded the Cristobel, a small ship formerly used to transport bananas from South America to the United States. On Nov. 9, 1945, the ship arrived at Newport News, Va., and the WACs from the northeast went by train to the Separation Center in Fort Dix, N.J.
After spending a 54 day furlough at her home in Cooperstown, she reported back to Fort Dix in January of 1946. She was again employed as a secretary until receiving her honorable discharge from military service on March 23, 1946.
Upon returning home to Cooperstown, she was employed as a bookkeeper for Bruce L. Hall & Son and later became a secretary and partner with Bruce Hall and his son, Murdock.
On June 23, 1959, Betty attended the Cooperstown High School Alumni banquet and it was there she met H. Rayford Fry Jr., a member of the Class of 1933. Their relationship grew and on May 21, 1960, the couple were married at the Hickory Grove Inn. For their honeymoon, Ray and Betty traveled throughout northern New York and Canada.
Upon returning to Cooperstown, Betty, Ray and Ray’s daughter, Susan, lived at Windward, which was the former Roma beach property near 7-Mile Point that Ray’s father purchased in the early 1920s. It was here that Ray rented cottages during the summer and in the late 1960s built an eight unit summer motel. In 1985, the Frys changed the name to Aalsmeer Motel and Cottages.
While the Frys worked hard at their business during the peak seasons of spring, summer and fall, they spent their winters enjoying their favorite sport, skiing. They not only skied at many local mountains, but traveled throughout this country and the world, including ski trips to Vermont, Colorado, Mt. Tremblant, the Salt Lake City area, Canada, and the southern Alps at Bormio, Italy.
In January of 1962, Betty dissolved her partnership with Bruce L. Hall & Son and in March of that year gave birth to her and Ray’s son, Peter Melvin Fry.
Active in many local organizations, Betty was a past president and secretary of the Criterion Club, past president and treasurer of the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128 Women’s Auxiliary, past secretary of the Baptist Fidelis Guild, and past executive director, president and treasurer of the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce. She also volunteered at the In-Patient Information Desk of the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, and was treasurer of the hospital auxiliary for many years.
Betty is survived by her husband of 45 years, H. Rayford Fry Jr., of Cooperstown; their son, Peter Melvin Fry of Cooperstown; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Susan Alfree and her husband, Charles of Patersonville; a stepson, Warren Rayford Fry of Colorado; a sister, Helen (’Donnie’) Bundy of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was predeceased by her two sisters, Mary Ada Hamblin, who died in 1956, and Melva Constance Bafus, who died in 1988.
A private service of committal and burial will be held in Lakewood Cemetery in Cooperstown, with the Rev. Samuel B. Abbott, Rector of Christ Church, Cooperstown, officiating. In recognition of Betty’s service during World War II in the Women’s Army Corps, Military Honors will be accorded by members of the Sgt. Walter P. Eggleston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7128.
As Betty was a volunteer for many years at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital and a devoted member of the auxiliary, her family requests that, in lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial gifts in her memory to the Friends of Bassett Volunteer Services Fund, 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown.
Ruth A. Rodenburg
WALTON — Ruth A. Rodenburg, 62, of Walton passed away at home, Wednesday evening, Nov. 16, 2005, after a long illness.
Ruth was born Sept. 17, 1943, in Greenport, Long Island, daughter of the late William and Jeannette Radzinsky Rodenburg.
She was a graduate of Queens School of Nursing, the University of Pennsylvania, with a bachelor of science degree, and Villanova, with a master’s degree. Ruth was last employed by Countryside Care Center, as assistant director of nursing. Ruth also taught clinical nursing.
In her spare time, Ruth loved gardening, crafts, antiquing and reading.
She is survived by her significant other, Jo-Ann Nappi, of Walton; two sisters, Jeannette Rodenburg of Manhattan, and her twin, Agnes Abramski and her husband, Joseph, of Greenport, L.I.; sister-in-law, Marjorie Rodenburg of Southold, L.I.; three nieces, Susette Oates, Cynthia Scholl and Ann Vandenburgh; a nephew, Lee Rodenburg; and several cousins.
She was predeceased by a brother, Albert Rodenburg.
In keeping with Ruth’s wishes, there will be no services.
Memorial contributions in Ruth’s memory may be made to Catskill Area Hospice.
Hugh R. Price
EDMESTON — Hugh R. Price, 66, of Edmeston died peacefully at home Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, with his family by his side.
He was born April 9, 1939, in Leonardsville, the son of Hugh R. and Martha E. (Schumaker) Price Sr.
He married Linda L. Phillips on Aug. 21, 1992, in West Edmeston. Hugh was a gentle and loyal man. He embraced his family with his tremendous love. He stood courageous in expressing his love and kindness even during his last days of life here on earth.
Hugh was an outdoorsman, from the era of Gunsmoke. Camping, fishing, hunting was considered valuable time well spent. He was an avid reader of Westerns, which depicted how he lived his life.
Family was important to Hugh; he blessed them with his humor, and the love of two games Pitch and Dice.
Hugh is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughter, Sarah C. Stephens; his stepchildren, Fawn S. Mumbulo and Jayme M. McKenna; his grandchildren, Alyssa B. Hovey, Angela L. Hovey, Britanny Mumbulo, Dylan Mumbulo, and Rileigh Mumbulo; his siblings and their spouses, George R. and Sandy Price, Margaret Beach, Ellen and Bruce Hecker, and Hugh R. and Wilma Price Jr.; his beloved aunts, Margaret and Sally; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His parents, Hugh and Martha; and his sister, Irma J. Kozak, predeceased Hugh.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, 2005, at the Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home, Edmeston. Interment will follow in Unadilla Forks Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in Hugh’s memory to the American Cancer Society; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Houk-Johnston-Terry Funeral Home, Edmeston.
Tesfay G. Haile
ONEONTA — Tesfay G. Haile, 52, of Oneonta passed away Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, at the A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital.
He was born Oct. 18, 1953, in Eritrea, East Africa, the son of Haile and Nitshti (Woldemariam) Gebreslassia.
He married Kbra Tewolde on Aug. 1, 1979, in East Africa.
Tesfay was currently employed as a housekeeper at the A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital Nursing Home.
He had been an area resident since 1996 moving here from East Africa. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church.
One of Tesfay’s proudest moments was when he became an American citizen in 2002.
Tesfay was an ambitious person, and set out to attain and accomplished many goals in support of his family.
He is survived by his wife, Kbra Tewolde, of Oneonta; his mother, Nitshti Woldemariam of Oneonta; his children, Fray, Sam, Peter, Mena, Kidane and Daniel Haile of Oneonta; his sisters, Meskelu (Michael) Tewolde of Oneonta, Sister Thega Haile of Uganda, and Amleset Haile of East Africa; a brother, Ukbamicael Haile of East Africa; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005, in St. Mary’s Church, Oneonta. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Emmons.
There will be no public calling hours.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Haile Children’s Education Fund, care of St. Mary’s School, 5588 state Highway 7, Oneonta, NY 13820. Please make checks payable to St. Mary’s School, and note for Haile Children Education Fund.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta, NY 13820.
Edith M. Sprague
INDEX — On the morning of Nov. 16, 2005, Edith went to be with the Lord and her beloved Billy. She was 88.
Edith was born Feb. 8, 1917, in Manhattan. She was the daughter of Irving S. Pines and Alma D. Olsen.
Edith was a loving wife and mother. Her home was always filled with the friends of her children. They called her Nana or Gran.
She enjoyed country music, crossword puzzles, her houseplants and crocheting. She made blankets for her grandkids and their kids. Many of the blankets she made also went to AIDS babies and the Disabled American Veterans.
Edith was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary in Richfield Springs.
She is survived by her seven children, William R. and Mary of Milford, Dottie and Ralph Bennett of Milford, Pete and Becky of Cooperstown, David and Nancy of Hartwick, Judith and Rick Moore of Oneonta, Tony and friend, Rena of Laurens, and Noel and Arnold Robinson of Worcester. She was also the proud grandmother of 24 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She is survived by many dear friends, among them are Norma and Eddie Volk, Ralph and Bridget Vanderhoef, and her "extended family," Stacy Grover, Mark Merritt, Flo Myers and children.
She was predeceased by her husband, William "Billy" R. Sprague Jr.; her parents; her brother, Carl Pines; and a great-grandson, Devon Michael Short.
There will be no calling hours.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005, at the Tillapaugh Funeral Home, 28 Pioneer St., Cooperstown, with Father John P. Rosson officiating.
Committal and burial services will be held in the spring at 11 a.m. Monday, May 15, 2006, in the St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Richfield Springs.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who so desire, make contributions in Edith’s memory to the Worcester Emergency Squad, PO Box 191, Worcester, NY 12197.
Arrangements are under the direction of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown and Milford.
Gary Lee Cady
WALTON — Gary Lee Cady, 61, of Walton passed away Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005, at Wilson Hospital, Johnson City.
Gary was born Jan. 28, 1944, in Clinton, Iowa. In 1972, Gary moved to Walton with his family from Staten Island.
He was predeceased by his parents, Mildred and Garrison Cady; and his mother-in-law, Jeannette Van Buren.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; sons, Lee and Richard; grandson, Tyler; brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Lois Cady; his father-in-law, Edgar Van Buren; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Vitus and Anne Haggenmiller; sister-in-law, Sandi Van Buren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Martin and Margie Van Buren; brother-in-law, Michael Van Buren; and several nephews.
In his youth, he was very involved in the Boy Scouts and achieved their highest ranking of Eagle Scout.
As a student, he was an outstanding baseball, softball and basketball player. He remained a sports fan his whole life. Gary loved Delaware County and the country lifestyle. He enjoyed many outdoor activities and played league basketball and softball, as well as coaching Pee Wee football for many years.
After attending Wagner College, he joined the Air Force, serving in Vietnam.
He worked at Morgan Guarantee Trust in New York City before moving to Walton, where he worked in banking, then real estate.
Gary had been active in the Democratic Party, serving as Delaware County Clerk for the past 12 years.
Calling hours are from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Clark, Winter and Courtney Funeral Home on Townsend Street, Walton.
The service will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2005, at the Riverside Alliance Church, 110 Stockton Ave., Walton, with the Rev. Bert More officiating, followed by burial in the Walton Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in his memory to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, (PKD) 9221 Ward Parkway Suite 400, Kansas City, MO 64114.
Dorothy A. Clapper
NORTH HARPERSFIELD — Dorothy A. Clapper, 99, passed away Nov. 20, 2005, at Countryside Care Center, Delhi, where she was a resident for eight years.
Dorothy was born Nov. 20, 1906, to Clarence and Harriet (Seeley) Nichols in North Harpersfield.
She was a graduate of Jefferson (High) Central School and Stamford Training Class. She taught one year in the one-room schoolhouse in North Harpersfield and occasionally substituted but preferred to be a homemaker.
She was married to Lewis Clapper on April 24, 1928. He predeceased her April 4, 1972.
She was a member of the North Harpersfield Methodist Church and Ladies Aid.
She was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles, embroidery, crocheting and tatting in her younger years.
Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Marion (George) Lewicke of North Harpersfield; a sister, Marian Churchill of Stamford; and a sister-in-law, Marion Nichols of Fort Pierce, Fla. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Wilma (Leon) Mead of Charlottville, Robert Clapper Jr. of Stamford, Linda (Ben) Clark of Westerlo, Alan Churchill of Schenectady, Virginia Austin of Stamford, Carolyn (Michael) Hillis of Hobart, and Ralph Churchill of Stamford; 14 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son, Robert Clapper Sr., in 1997; her daughter, Wanda Churchill, in 2002; granddaughter, Pearl Clapper, in 2004; sister, Nellie Champlin, in 1999; and brother, Leland Nichols, in 2000.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, 2005, at the Hall Funeral Home, 40 Main St., Stamford.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005, in the funeral home, with the Rev. Frank Adams officiating.
Interment will follow (weather permitting) in the West Jefferson Cemetery, Jefferson.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Hall Funeral Home, Stamford, under the direction of William A. Tari.
