Obituaries from the Windham Journal
January 2009
Transcribed by Mignon Matthews
January 1, 2009
WALTER J. CLINE
PRATTSVILLE – Walter J. Cline, 78, of Prattsville, NY, died December 23, 2008, at Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, NY. He was born in Jefferson, NY, on October 26, 1930, the son of Walter and Hazel (Turk) Cline. Walter is survived by his loving wife, Candace (Dymond) Cline as well as his sisters Betty Cline and Ada Curran, and his brothers Ronald and Merrill Cline. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Walter owned and operated the Maple Hill Farms in Lexington with his wife Candace for many years before their retirement. He was very well liked by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Walt was well known as a maple syrup producer. He was an avid hunter and also enjoyed playing golf.
Donations may be made in Walter’s memory to the Lexington Rescue Squad.
January 1, 2009
OLIVE C. BRANDOW
DAVENPORT – Olive C. Brandow, 82, of Fergusonville, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2008, at the Robinson Terrace, Stamford. Born January 26, 1926 in Maple Crest, NY, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Cecile (Crandell) Beers.
On October 1, 1949, she married Milton Brandow, Jr. They spent the first few years farming in Windham, NY. In 1956, they moved to Fergusonville to operate their dairy and crop farm. In 1964, she and Milt co-founded Brandow’s IBA, Inc., a dairy supply company. She took an active role in the company until she retired in January, 2008.
She was a long time member of the Davenport United Methodist Church, a member of the United Methodist Women’s Group, and a longtime member of the Davenport Fire Department’s Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed baking, bowling, hunting and going to the local high school basketball games. She also sponsored the Brandow’s IBA softball team for over 20 years. She is survived by her three sons, Donald (Guilaine Ballet) Brandow of Davenport, Roger (Sue) Brandow of Davenport and David (Denise) Brandow of Schenevus; her granddaughters Diane Brandow and Sara (Brian) Eichelman; three brothers, Maurice (Rose) Beers, Louis Beers and Howard (Ginny) Beers; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Milton, she was also predeceased by a daughter Nancy; her sister Thelma (Vinny) Laterza; a brother, Leonard; and, a sister-in-law Lorraine Beers.
A funeral service was held at the Davenport United Methodist Church with Reverend Nancy Russell, Pastor of the church, officiating. Interment will be held at the Davenport Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Olive’s name to the Davenport United Methodist Church, PO Box 204, Davenport, NY 13750 or to the Davenport Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary, Main St., Davenport, NY 13750.
To light a candle or to send an online condolence, visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta, NY.
January 1, 2009
IRIS C. HITCHCOCK
Iris C. Hitchcock, 86, of Maplecrest, NY, died on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson, NY, with her family by her side. She was born on June 14, 1922, the daughter of David and Delilah (Smith) Finch.
Iris was predeceased by her loving husband, Wilfred, in 2002. She is survived by her sons Wilfred, Jr., and his wife, Joy, James and his wife Dawn and Dennis and his wife Deborah Hitchcock; her sisters Gertrude Angilillo and Bonita Cleveland; and, her brothers David and Eugene Finch. She is also survived by eight loving grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held at Decker funeral Home, Windham, NY, on Wed., Dec. 31, 2008, from 1-4 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, January 1, 2009, at the Maplecrest Free Methodist Church at noon. Interment will follow at Maplecrest Cemetery.
January 8, 2009
MABEL MATILDA ROBINSON
Mabel Matilda Robinson, 93, died January 1, 2009, at Columbia-Greene Medical Center Hospice in Hudson, NY. She was born to the late Valentine Biegel and Elizabeth Roth Biegel on April 9, 1915, in Brooklyn, NY. The family moved to Ashland when Mrs. Robinson was a young woman and she attended Windham-Ashland, Jewett CS.
She was predeceased by six brothers and sisters; William W. and Valentine Biegel, Elizabeth (Betty) Budrow, Matilda (Matty) VanRooyan, Margaret Apjorson and Rose Brennan.
Mabel and Edmund H. (Robin) Robinson were married on June 24, 1950. Her beloved husband of 32 years predeceased her on October 11, 1982.
Surviving are two brothers, Richard R. Biegel of Ashland, NY, and Charles L. Biegel, (Mabel) of Olean, NY; granddaughters Judy (Michael), Bonney of Roanoke, VA, and Kathy Snyder of Medusa, NY; great grandchildren Shawn Snyder of Ballston Spa, NY and Krystal Snyder of Roanoke, VA; and, numerous nieces and nephews.
Mabel served from 1944 to 1946 for the Army during WWII as a Medical and Surgical Technician at Fort Crowder, MO, and received the American Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
She was named “1989 Woman of the Year” at Overgaard, AZ, where she lived at the time. Her primary contribution to the community was service to the needy and sick. She also assisted in obtaining funds for energy assistance, had worked with the Timber Lioness Club to obtain clothing and food for the needy, helped to establish the Blood Drive in Overgaard, as well as the “Feed My People” program there. She was also instrumental in establishing the AARP Program and the County Shot Program for the Overgaard Area. She always worked for the betterment of the community she has lived in.
Calling hours were Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, with the funeral service following at Decker Funeral Home in Windham, NY. A private cremation will follow.
January 8, 2009
STEPHANIE LEE SHAUGER
Stephanie Lee Shauger, 25, years of age, went home for Christ’s birthday, on Dec. 18, 2008, at the Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris, NY. Stephanie was born Aug. 7, 1983, in Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, the daughter of Lisa Custard and the late Daniel Shauger.
Survivors include her mother, Lisa Custard and her stepfather Michael Custard; Grandmothers Edna Shauger and Marita Scott; several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by Grandfather John Shauger.
Funeral services were conducted at the Aston-Basagic Funeral Home, Hunter, NY, on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Karen Monk officiating. Interment followed in the Tannersville Evergreen Cemetery, Tannersville, NY.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Discovery, PO Box 840, Harris, NY 12742 in her memory.
January 8, 2009
MYRTLE M. SPEENBURGH
Myrtle M. Speenburgh, 85, died on January 5, 2009, at Robinson Terrace Nursing Home, Stamford, NY, with her loving family by her side. She was born on Sept. 17, 1923, the daughter of Allen and Mabel (Case) Rogers in Conesville, NY.
She was predeceased by her husband Welcome in 1984; her sisters Elizabeth Miller and Marion Covati; her brothers Richard, Stanley, Daniel and Ronald Rogers; as well as her great grandson, Dylan Speenburgh.
Myrtle is survived by her loving sons and daughters-in-law Donald and Theresa and Larry and Joyce Speenburgh; brothers and sisters-in-law Ivan and Mary Jane and Alfred and Faye Rogers. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Scott and Donald J. Speenburgh, Rebecca Larsen and Donald Martin; as well as her great grandchildren Vanessa and Shania Speenburgh and Robert Larsen. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Myrtle retired from Audio Sears in Stamford, NY, where she worked as a production supervisor.
Myrtle loved and cared for her family ever so much and will be greatly missed. She really enjoyed crocheting, knitting and embroidery, often making things for family and friends.
Calling hours will be on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, from 12 noon until 1 p.m. at Decker Funeral Home, Windham, NY. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Interment will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Ashland, NY.
January 15, 2009
CARL R. BECKER
Carl R. Becker (Ronnie), 75, son of William (Jack) Becker and Mildred Brownhill, passed away suddenly on January 9, 2009 in Austin, TX.
Born September 12, 1933, in Catskill, NY, Ronnie was a respected lifetime resident of Hunter, NY.
He was a union carpenter until his retirement in 1944.
Ronnie is survived by Leita, his wife of 49 years; his four sons William, Carl, Keith and Craig; his daughter-in-law Laurel; seven grandchildren; and, two great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by two daughters of the heart, Maryanne (Delap) Miller and Julia (Delap) France.
Ronnie was predeceased by his sister Marion Miller and is survived by three siblings, Violet Mead, Kenneth Becker and Patricia Snyder. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He was a US Army veteran and a volunteer fireman with the Hunter Fire Company for over 50 years.
The last several years, he and Leita traveled the country visiting family and spending time with their children.
An avid outdoorsman, Ronnie loved “his” mountains.
Ronnie enjoyed hunting and fishing in the Catskills, Oklahoma, Texas and Alaska.
Ronnie will be missed for his quick wit, quiet demeanor and wonderful sense of humor.
A memorial service will be held in Hunter at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hunter Fire Company or the Kaaterskill United Methodist Church,
January 15, 2009
JOSEPHINE NOLAN BLAKESLEE
Josephine Nolan Blakeslee, age 85, died New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2008, at her home in Windham, NY. She was born November 23, 1923, in Washington, DC, to Mary and Leo Nolan, the second of six children. Josephine Nolan was attending Mount St. Agnes College in Baltimore when her family was moved to Chicago during WWII as part of a relocation of treasury officials. In Chicago, Josephine worked as a volunteer nurse’s aide in the emergency room at Cook County Medical Hospital where she met a young doctor, Robert Norman Blakeslee.
After Captain Blakeslee’s service in the US Army Medical Corps., they moved to his hometown of Windham, set up a medical practice, raised five children and at age 50, Josephine returned to college to get her degree. As a community volunteer, she was a mentor and role model. Among the organizations Josephine infused with her intelligence and abundant energy were the Girl Scouts of America, the Parent Teacher’s Association, the Red Cross Blood Mobile, the Windham Town Planning Board and Architectural Review Committee, the New York State Ski Racing Association, Meals on Wheels and the Greene County Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary. At St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, she taught altar boys, prepared children for Holy Communion, and was a lector and Eucharistic Minister. For over thirty years, she directed the Red Cross Swimming and Lifesaving Program. Josephine especially loved her work for the Greene County Historical Society and her years as an instructor for people with disabilities in the Adaptive Sports Foundation Ski Program.
To her friends and family, Josephine was known as a consummate cookie and bread baker, cook, party giver, reader, gardener, hiker, golfer and skier into her eighties. She was also known for her avid faith in the Blessed Mother Mary and wore out at least nine rosaries praying for others regardless of their beliefs. After her husband Robert suffered a severe brain injury in 1995, she became his devoted caretaker.
Josephine’s independent spirit and courage will be missed by her husband Robert; her children and their spouses, Carol Blakeslee and Jim Collin, Jeanne Blakeslee and Whit Drain, Kathleen Blakeslee and Ron Stein, Robert and Frosty Blakeslee, Mermer Blakeslee and Eric Hamerstrom; her grandchildren Ben, Luke, Eleanor, Austin, Molly, Sarah, Martha and Hansen; and her dog Tabby. Josephine Nolan Blakeslee donated her body to the Albany Medical College Anatomical Gifts Program.
January 15, 2009
CHRISTOPHER F. LANDERS, JR.
Christopher F. Landers, Jr., 77, of Manahawkin, NJ, passed away on December 18, at his residence. Born and raised in Queens, NY, he lived in Windham, NY, Selden, NY and retired to Manahawkin, NJ. He was a lifetime member of the Steamfitters Union Local 638 in Manhattan. He was the drum major for the Union’s pipe and drum band.
Predeceased by his parents, Christopher and Margaret Timmons Landers of Windham, he is survived by his wife of 26 years Cathy LaMere Landers; two children, Christopher F. III of St. Augustine, FL and Cheryl Landers Goettsche of Windham, NY; and three grandchildren, Joseph and David Landers and Karl Goettsche. Chris was interred at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Manahawkink, NJ, 0n Dec. 23. May he rest in peace.
January 15, 2009
MILDRED A. SCHMID
HUNTER – Mildred A. Schmid, 72, died unexpectedly on January 7, 2009, at her residence in Hunter, NY.
She was born on March 18, 1936, the daughter of Edward and Ella May Chase in Voorheesville, NY.
She was predeceased by seven brothers and sisters, Ellen, Edward, Kenneth, Minnie, Clarence, Hulda and William.
Mildred is survived by a sister, Violet and husband Edward Finch; her son Raymond K. Schmid, Jr.; daughters Debra and her husband Thomas Brooks and Carol and her husband Thomas Murray. She is also survived by granddaughters Sabrina, Bridget and Heather Murray and Samantha Brooks as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted in the funeral home with Pastor Karen Monk officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mildred’s memory to a charity of one’s choice would be greatly appreciated.
January 29, 2009
RAYMOND MUNSON BENTLEY, SR.
Raymond Munson Bentley, Sr., 70, of Clavarack, NY, formerly of Windham, NY, died on Jan. 24, 2009, at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson, NY. He was born on Feb. 22, 1938, in Catskill, NY, the son of John and Inez (Roosa) Munson Bentley.
He is survived by his beloved wife Edith (Goettsche) Bentley of 49 years. They were married on May 9, 1959, in Windham, NY. Raymond is the loving father of Raymond, Jr., Cynthia Bentley Bell (Peter), Kimberly Anne Bayton and Amy Elizabeth Bentley. He is survived by his grandchildren, Nicole Marie, Kyle, Amanda, Matthew, Tyler, Jordan and Madison. He is also survived by his brother John Ellis Bentley.
Raymond was an excavator and timber contractor. He owned and operated RN Bentley Excavating and Timber Co. for thirty years located in Windham, NY. After his retirement and during the last ten years, he truly enjoyed his passion of running and working his farm in Clavarack, NY. Mr. Bentley relocated from the Windham area in 1988, but he continued to love the Windham area and mountains where he was born and raised.
Calling hours will be held at Decker Funeral Home, Windham, NY, Thurs., Jan. 29, 2009, from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home at 8 p.m. with Rev. Richard Lenz officiating. Interment will be at Windham Cemetery in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Christopher Reeves Foundation or to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
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