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Gary L. Ferguson
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Mr. Gary L. Ferguson, 61, of Glendale, Ariz., passed away on Dec. 22, 2002, at Mayo Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz.
He was born in Cooperstown, N.Y.; he moved to Arizona in 1961, from New York.
He served in the U.S. Army.
Survivors include his wife, Elsie B. Ferguson; daughter, Laura Woods; sons, Keith and Matt; sister, Leila Marquit; and two grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, bring one long-stemmed rose.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, 2002, at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 Del Webb Blvd. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002, at Sunland Lakeside Chapel, 15826 Del Webb Blvd., with interment to follow in Sunland Memorial Park.
Florence High
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Florence Bunyan Kerr High, 90, of 48th Avenue N., died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002, at Carolinas Hospital System in Florence, S.C.
She was born March 26, 1912, in Elizabeth, N.J., a daughter of the late Alexander and Florence Bunyan Kerr.
Ms. High moved to Myrtle Beach in 1967, from Union, N.J., and was a member of St. Philips Lutheran Church in Myrtle Beach, S.C., a graduate of Radcliff College, Class of 1934, and a retired elementary school teacher from Westfield, N.J.; a nature trail at the Lakewood Elementary School was named in her honor in 2000.
She was a member of the Sierra Club, National Audubon Society and was a cellist with the Florence Symphony Orchestra, Westfield Symphony Orchestra and the Elizabeth Philharmonic.
Florence also was an expert marksman, collected fossils, and even had a nature trail named in her honor at the Myrtle Beach High School.
Survivors include a son, James "Jim" R. High of Cooperstown, N.Y.; two daughters, Susan Bunyan Drake of Cherry Valley, N.Y., and Louisa High Lewis of Healy, Alaska; 11 grandchildren, John, Thomas, and Michael Drake, Abbie, Sara, Mack, David, Elizabeth, Alethea Lewis, Katherine High and Julia Beyer; and three great-grandchildren, Jason, Adam and Emma Drake.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002, at St. Philips Lutheran Church in Myrtle Beach, S.C., with the Rev. Dennis Setzer officiating. Inurnment will follow the service at St. Philips Columbarium.
The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.
Memorials may be made to St. Philips Lutheran Church, 6200 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29572.
McMillan-Small Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
An on-line guestbook is available at www.msfh.net.
Rose Schwinn
TREADWELL — Rose Leidner Schwinn, 92, of Treadwell, passed away on Tuesday morning, Dec. 24, 2002, at Hearthstone Home for Adults in Hobart, where she had been residing since June 2001.
The daughter of Phillip and Marie (Nissler) Burger, she was born May 2, 1910, in Nuremberg, Germany, coming to N.Y. City in 1923.
Twice-widowed, her first husband, Anton J. Leidner, died in 1943; later marrying John J. Schwinn on Sept. 7, 1947, who died in 1959.
Formerly of Oceanside, Rose came to Treadwell 30 years ago, where she lived with her daughter and son-in-law, and was a communicant of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Delhi.
Surviving are her children, Rosemarie (Harold) Leitenberger, Treadwell, Robert A. (Patricia) Leidner, Basking Ridge, N.J., George Schwinn, Middle Island, and Anna Spillett, Yaphank; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Marie Maier, Nuremberg, Germany.
Friends are invited to call on Friday, Dec. 27, at the Hall & Peet Funeral Home, Delhi, when the family will be in attendance 7 to 9 p.m., and a Vigil service will be at 8:30 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Peter's Church, Delhi, with the Rev. James McDevitt presiding. Burial will be later in the Croton Union Cemetery, Treadwell.
Memorial contributions to Treadwell Emergency Squad will be appreciated.
Arrangements are entrusted to Robert A. Peet & Son, Delhi.
James K. Berger
CICERO — James Kenneth Berger died Dec. 21, 2002, in the VA Hospital in Syracuse after a tough battle with cancer.
James was born in Jersey City, N.J., on July 13, 1944, to Russell Albert and Ethel Virginia Lewis Berger.
He graduated from the Laurens Central School and entered the U.S. Marine Corps for four years and served one year in Vietnam.
After the service, James worked in the produce department with Price Chopper in Cicero.
James is survived by his son, James Jonathan Berger of Charlotte, N.C.; four brothers, Thomas B. Berger of Alden, Douglas Sperry of Laurens, Richard Sperry of Oneonta and Russell Sperry of Anchorage, Alaska; a sister, Virginia Castle of Brant; and stepfather, Russell Sperry Sr., of Otego.
He was predeceased by his father and mother, Albert Berger and Ethel Sperry.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta, with calling hours from 10 a.m. to service time.
Burial will be in the spring with military honors at Cook Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to an organization of your choice that helps the homeless.
Arrangements are by Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
Stanley R. Barnes
SCHENEVUS — Stanley R. Barnes, 81, died suddenly on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002, in Schenevus.
Calling hours will be at Heller Funeral Home, Schenevus, on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2002, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. The family will be in attendance from 7 to 9 p.m. There will be a Fireman's Service from 7:15 to 7:45 p.m.
The funeral service will be Friday, Dec. 27, 2002, at 1 p.m. at Schenevus United Methodist Church, Main Street, Schenevus, with the Rev. Thomas Snyder, pastor, the Rev. Judith A. Thistle and the Rev. Gene Jenson, officiating.
Burial will be in Schenevus Cemetery with full military honors presented by the Schenevus VFW Post 2752.
The family has requested memorial contributions to be made to the Otschodela Council Boy Scouts of America, Route 23, Southside, Oneonta, N.Y. 13820 or the Schenevus United Methodist Church, Main Street, Schenevus, N.Y. 12155.
Funeral arrangements are by the Heller Funeral Home, 25 Arch St., Schenevus.
Gertrude Silvernell
UNADILLA — Gertrude G. Silvernell, teacher of several generations of the Unadilla community, passed away at her home, 14 Bridge St., on Dec. 25, 2002. She was 101 years old.
Born Gertrude Youmans Genung in Unadilla on May 16, 1901, the only child of May Jane Youmans and George E. Genung, she spent her entire life in Unadilla and neighboring Crookerville.
After three years of high school, she graduated from Unadilla Academy in 1918, and the Unadilla Training Class the following year. She began teaching at the age of 18 in the East Sidney district school. Following one year of teaching, she entered the State Normal Training School at Oneonta, now SUNY Oneonta. She graduated in 1921, and while at State Normal she was a member of the Clio Sorority.
Mrs. Silvernell continued her teaching career at Bainbridge School and later transferred to Unadilla School where she taught third grade until her retirement in 1963, after 43 years of service. In recognition of her teaching excellence, she was inducted into the Delta Kappa Gamma, the honorary international teachers society.
On Sept. 2, 1926, she married George W. Silvernell. They shared 46 years of marriage. She was actively involved with her husband in the operation of the Joyce Furniture Store and the Joyce Funeral Home in Unadilla.
Her service to the community was recognized by the Unadilla Chamber of Commerce in 1985.
Mrs. Silvernell was a member of the Unadilla Women's Club and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was also a member of St. Matthew's Church in Unadilla where her funeral service will be conducted at noon on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002. There will be no visitation.
Interment will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Unadilla.
She is survived by her daughter, Sarah-May S. Tims and her husband, Fred of Springfield Center; and her son, George R. Silvernell, an Oneonta attorney. Also surviving are three granddaughters, Catherine, Charlotte and Elizabeth Tims; as well as several cousins.
Expressions of sympathy in her memory may be made to the Unadilla Public Library, P.O. Box 632, Unadilla or to the Alumni Association of SUNY Oneonta, 128 Alumni Hall, Oneonta, N.Y., 13820.
Arrangements are by the Joyce Funeral Home, Inc., of Unadilla.
Eli H. Baird
ONEONTA — Eli H. "Bud" Baird Jr., of Oneonta, died suddenly on Dec. 25, 2002.
Bud was born on June 28, 1925, in Oneonta, to Eli H. and Helen R. Jacobs Baird. Eli H. Baird Jr. and Anita Mae Lewis were united in marriage on July 19, 1947, in Oneonta.
Baird worked in the building trade for several years including Lother Fieg Builders for 12 years. Baird then worked for SUCO for 27 years in the maintenance department before retiring in 1987.
Bud was an active member of First Baptist Church of Oneonta where he was a former chairman of the Stewardship Committee, choir member, head usher and served on other church committees when needed. He was a former member of the VFW and leader of the Table Toppers 4-H club. He was a retired member of the CSEA.
He loved cars and built many models. He also loved doing odd jobs around the home and walking his dog Peanuts to the park.
Bud is survived by his wife, Anita M. Lewis Baird; daughters, Charlotte and husband, William Walker of Monroe, Conn., Nancy Hughes of Delhi, the Rev. Gail M. Baird of Boonville, and Lisa Baird of Amherst; grandchildren, William Walker Jr. of Penellis Park, Fla., Dr. Shari White and husband, Brad of Coreyville, Pa., Heather Neighbour and husband, Buzzy of Oneonta and Leeann Vrabel and husband, Jeff of Oak Park, Ill.; great-grandsons, Ryan and Blake Neighbour; sisters-in-law, Ann Baird and Elaine Baird, both of Oneonta; several nieces and nephews and beloved dog, Peanuts.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Jane Baird; and brothers, Harold "Corky" Baird, John Baird Sr., and James Baird Sr.; and nephew, John Baird Jr.
Funeral service will be held on Sunday, Dec. 29, at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church. Calling hours will be at the church from 2 to 3 p.m.
Interment will be in the spring at Oneonta Plains Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 73 Chestnut St., Oneonta N.Y. 13820.
Arrangements are by Bookhout Funeral Home of Oneonta.
Doris Marie Baxter
LAURENS — Doris Marie Baxter, 77 years, died Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2002, at the A.O. Fox Nursing Home, Oneonta.
She was born March 11, 1925, in Fall River, Mass., the daughter of Joseph and Edwilda (Juneau) Larue.
She married Thomas Baxter on June 11, 1943, in Fall River.
Doris owned and operated the T'Domar Kennels in Laurens where she raised and showed Alaskan Malamutes. In 1965 her dog was the National Champion.
She enjoyed gardening and raising organic herbs and would sell them at the Farmer's Market. She also was an artist and enjoyed painting and wood sculpting.
Doris was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Baxter, of Laurens; her daughter, Marilyn Baxter of Marathon; two grandchildren, Silas and his wife, Chrissie Secoolish of Triangle, and Cesily Secoolish of Laurens; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Evelyn Duchesne of Rhode Island.
There will be no funeral services or calling hours.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution may make them to the Alzheimer's Association, Northeastern New York Chapter, Leatherstocking Branch, P.O. Box 1364, Oneonta, N.Y. 13820 in loving memory of Doris Marie Baxter.
Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
William E. Bryden
UNADILLA — William E. Bryden, 63, of Unadilla, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 23, 2002.
He was born Aug. 2, 1939, in Hamden, the son of Merwyn and Edna (Gray) Bryden.
Bill was a lifelong area resident who had retired in March 2002, after 44 years as a toolmaker at Amphenol.
He was a graduate of Delaware Academy. In his leisure time, he was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and was in the process of planning another big fishing trip. He was involved in multiple activities including carpentry and tree farming. Bill enjoyed helping family and neighbors with projects in and around the home. To those who knew him, he will be truly missed.
He is survived by his mother, Edna Bryden, of Hamden; a son, William J. Bryden of DeLancey; a sister and brother-in-law, Martha and Wesley Burczak of DeLancey; a brother, Douglas Bryden of Duluth, Ga.; longtime companion, Joan Brooks; Bill and Joan's special granddaughter, Sheila Murwin; six nieces and nephews; and a great-nephew and a great-niece.
He was preceded in death by his father, Merwyn Bryden; and brother, John Bryden.
A memorial service will be held at the MacArthur Funeral Home, 131 Main St., Delhi, at noon on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002, with the Rev. Bert More officiating.
Arrangements are with the MacArthur Funeral Home, Delhi.
Alice B. Button
MARGARETVILLE — Alice Blanche Button, 92, passed away Dec. 23, 2002, at the Mountainside Residential Care Center, Margaretville.
She was born Aug. 4, 1910, in Newfoundland, Canada, the daughter of Thomas and Minnie (Avery) Sparkes.
She was married to Abram Button. He died seven years ago.
She was a bookkeeper for Diners Club Company in New York City.
She immigrated to New York in 1947 and has resided in Shandaken since 1973. She graduated from high school and then attended Burroughs Business School.
She is survived by her daughter, Daphne Button Keeling, Northhampton, Mass.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Alice B. Button.
Arrangements are by the Hynes Funeral Home, Margaretville.
Kevin S. Collier
ENCINITAS, Calif. — Kevin Shawn Collier passed away at his home in Encinitas, Calif., on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002, after a prolonged illness.
He was born Aug. 16, 1956, in Hancock, N.Y., and grew up in Cooperstown, N.Y., and Arnold Lake, N.Y.
He graduated from Cooperstown Central High School in 1974.
He served in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic from 1974 to 1978, stationed in Plattsburgh, N.Y. He relocated to Raleigh, N.C., in 1979, where he had careers as a professional cook and a master electrician.
In 1995, he and his family moved to California where he was active in the American Legion, serving as the Post Commander in Encinitas, Calif., (Post 416) during 1998 to 1999.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ashford Collier; his parents, Edward Kenneth and Doris Dunbar Collier of Carlsbad, Calif.; and his three sisters, Carol Rae Collier of Elizabeth, Colo., Glenda Collier Sernach of Corvallis, Ore., and Elizabeth Collier Jackson of Sidney Center, N.Y.
A celebration of his life is planned to occur in spring 2003, in the Cooperstown, N.Y., area.
Donations may be made in his memory to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, P.O. Box 230605 Encinitas, Calif., 92023.
Gerald M. Decker
ONEONTA — Gerald M. Decker, 75 years, of Oneonta, died Monday, Dec. 23, 2002, at Albany Medical Center, Albany.
He was born Jan. 28, 1927, in Laurens, the son of Mortimer and Erma (Grady) Decker. He married Avis Fleury, November 1977, in Sidney who survives him.
For many years, Gerald was a truck driver. In 1983, he moved to Montana where he did maintenance work for the State of Montana. In 1995, he moved back to the Oneonta area. He had a great love for horses.
He is survived by his children and their mother, Eleanor Saterly. Don and Donna Decker of Laurens, Daniel Decker of Mechanicsburg, Judy and Wayne Frasier of Edinburg, Jane and Gari Knapp of West Laurens, Robert and Sara Decker of Melbourne, Fla., Thomas and Julie Decker of Melbourne, Fla., Catherine DuQuette of Northville, James and Brenda Decker of Northville, and Wendy Henderson of Edinburg; his stepchildren, Darryl Smith of Walton, Ronald Smith of Havie, Mont., and Rodrick Smith of Walton; his grandchildren, Donald Decker Jr., David and Dennis Decker, Keith, Aaron and Amy Frasier, Jesse, Emiley, and Jeremy Knapp, Shannon Holak, Edward Decker, Angel Hudson, Thomas Decker Jr., Timothy and Tanya Decker, Stephen and Stephanie DuQuette, Darcie, Annette and Gretchen Decker; four stepgrandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one stepgreat-grandchild; his sister, Virginia Bliss of Norwich; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Gerald was predeceased by his parents; his son, David Decker; and his brother, Herbert Decker.
There will be no funeral service or calling hours. Burial will be in the spring at the Laurens Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution may make them to the Oneonta Ambulance, 81 Main St., Oneonta, N.Y. 13820 in loving memory of Gerald M. Decker.
Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
