Curtis H. Conklin
Curtis H. Conklin, 92, of Gouverneur, died on December 20, 2013, at his home. Curt is survived by his wife Beverly (Jenning), sons, Edward and his wife Ruth Conklin of East DeKalb, Norman Conklin of Watertown, daughters, Vickie Comacho of Arizona, Cheryl and her husband Carl Clark of Harrisville, stepdaughter Christine and her husband Richard Matthews of Clayton, 15 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a stepson Danford Thornton, brothers Charles Conklin, Grafton Conklin, sisters, Fern Thompson, Elva Pelkofski, Doris Bowman, Ellebell Stuhldreher, Eva Cunningham, and a half sister, Edith Denesha. He was born on September 9, 1921, in the Town of DeKalb, the son of Rosco and Vida Holland Conklin. He married Isabelle Hall which ended in divorce; he then married Beverly Thornton on May 16, 1964 at the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church with the Reverend Best officiating. Curtis was a mental therapy aide at Marcy Psychiatric Center for 10 years, until his retirement in 1976, prior to that he farmed on the Maple Ridge Road for 40 years. Curt was a member of the Elks Lodge in Gouverneur, and the Moose Lodge in Utica. He loved going to the casino, hobby farming, animals, playing cards and family gatherings. Contributions can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.
Howard T. Meade 12/01/2013
Howard T. Meade
Howard T. Meade, 91, of DeKalb Junction, died on December 1, 2013, at Maplewood United Helpers, Canton. Calling hours will be, Tuesday, December 3, 12 -2 PM at the funeral home. A graveside service will be Wednesday, December 4, 10:00 am at Union Cemetery, DeKalb Junction, Lay Minister John Frary officiating. Howard is survived by a son, Thomas B. Meade and wife Ruta Ozols, Canton, grandchildren, Thomas Meade, Laura Meade, Christy Bryant, Carrie Bryant, and Rick Jones, several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Robert N. Meade, and daughter, Patricia Bryant. He was born on September 7, 1922, in Gordonsville, VA, the son of Thomas E. and Delia Cox Meade. He was in the Army during WWII. He married Mabel F. Fletcher she predeceased him. Howard worked at Natural Dam Paper Mill until his retirement in 1984. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Potsdam Animal Shelter. Howard’s family would like to thank the caregivers at Maplewood and with special thanks to Ashley, Kateri, Amanda, Bonnie, Sue and Janice.
Mary Doreen Yerdon 11/25/2012
Mary Doreen Yerdon
Mary Doreen Yerdon, 87, of Hermon, died on November 25, 2013, at her home. Calling hours will be Friday, November 29, 1 – 3 and 6- 8 PM at the funeral home. A funeral mass will be Saturday, November 30, 1:00PM at St. Mary’s Church, Canton, Father Douglas Lucia officiating, burial will follow in St. Henry’s Cemetery, DeKalb Junction. Mary Doreen is survived by her children, Mary Ellen Caratsole, Hermon, Kathy and husband Dan Robarge of Cicero, Nancy and husband Rob Bovay of Hermon, Sue Fortin and companion Nunzio Doldo of Watertown, Deb and husband Jim Waugh, Glen falls, Joe Yerdon of Hermon, Rich and wife Sue Yerdon of Westfield, MA, Julie and husband Patrick Canavan of Queensbury, a sister, Kathleen Chase of Vernon, CT, 30 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, (was looking forward to the birth of 3 great grandchildren), several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by children, Patricia Whitton, Michael Yerdon, Barbara Catone, brothers, Leo, Bernard and John Tiernan. Mary Doreen was born on July 14, 1926 in Canton, the daughter of John and Adele Dowe Tiernan. She graduated from Hermon High School and then graduated from the A.B. Hepburn Hospital School of Nursing, with a registered nursing degree. She married Carlton Yerdon on November 16, 1946, at St. Henry’s Church; he died March 10, 1992. Mary retired from the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services as a supervisor of the adoption unit. Previous to that she was a registered nurse at E.J. Noble Hospital, Gouverneur and the Gillette Nursing Home. She was a parishioner at St. Henry’s Church. Mary Doreen devoted her entire life to her family. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Edith Mae “Louise” Cook 10/28/2013
Edith Mae Cook
Edith Mae Cook, 94, formally of Hermon, died on October 28, 2013, at Maplewood United Helpers. A funeral service will be on November 1, 2013 at 2 PM, Father Douglas Lucia officiating. Burial will follow in the Hermon Cemetery, Hermon. Edith is survived by her son and daughter in law, Steve and Diana Cook, of Hermon, granddaughters, Rachael and her husband George White of Hermon and Christina Cook of Hermon, great grandchildren, Kaylee White, Miranda White, David White and Payton White, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter Jeanne Cook, brothers, Joseph, Morris, Ernie, Ted and Francis Brunet, sisters, Genevieve Stowell, Theresa Perrin, Marion Roy, Agatha Toomey, Alma Stowell, and Cecil Breman. She was born on May 29, 1919, the daughter of Joseph and Edesel Thesier Brunett. She graduated from Gouverneur Central School. She married John H. Cook on November 24, 1951 in DeKalb, he died July 25, 1996. Louise owned and operated Hermon Nursing Home for several years, and then she cared for clients from Sunmount of Tupper Lake at her home. She was a former parishioner at St. Henry’s Church. Edith Mae loved to read, sew, played cards and cook. Contributions can be made to Maplewood United Helpers.
Hortense S. Brown 10/05/2013
Hortense (Smitty) Brown
Hortense, daughter of Lena and Stanley Smith passed away in her DeKalb Junction home at the age of 94.
Smitty spent her younger years on her parent’s farm in East DeKalb. As a youngster her favorite games to play were Red Rover, Simon Says, May I, Anti over, Ring Around the Roses, musical chairs and Hide and go seek.
In high school she was on the DeKalb High School Women’s Basketball team that won a championship at what is now called the St. Lawrence University Book Store.
Following her graduation, Smitty attended Potsdam Normal School and graduated at the age of 18.
Smitty married Robert Brown on Nov. 13th, 1940 in DeKalb, New York. Frank Brown father of Robert officiated the ceremony.
For the next 20+ years, while Bob was in the U.S. Navy, Smitty and Bob lived in many exotic places, Cuba, Pensacola, Florida, New York City and the Marshall Islands. During those years Smitty was on a bowling team as well as getting together with friends to play bridge. She also enjoyed reading, fishing, movie going and being a Mom to their only son, Michael.
From 1961 – 1963, Smitty attended Plymouth Teachers College in Plymouth, New Hampshire. She earned her B.Ed. and M.Ed., all the while maintaining a straight A average. Hortense, Bob and her son Michael graduated from Plymouth State College on the same day. Due to Hortense’s passion for higher learning, her inspiration led Mike to pursue his PhD. in sports, psychology at Maryland University. Smitty was very proud of her son and let that be known to many people.
In 1964, following graduation, Smitty went to teach 5th grade for over 20 years in N.Y. State. Upon retiring from the Medina School System in Medina, N.Y., Smitty and Bob returned to their DeKalb roots.
Smitty was a devoted wife and took care of Bob when he became ill. After Bob’s death Smitty lived alone depending on her friends and neighbors (Albert and Susie Simser) to live out the remainder of her years.
Among Smitty’s many interests were Sunday School, United Methodist Woman, Historical Society, craft club, cross word puzzles, knitting, and attending musicals at O.C.P. with her adopted daughter Suzann Conklin and her husband David. Cross word puzzles and cats were a constant part of her life. Up until the age of 92, Smitty was completing the N.Y. Times crossword puzzle in every Sunday paper. She really enjoyed doing crossword puzzles with her son, Mike, whether it was in her living room or over the phone.
Smitty enjoyed and loved cats. The last cat she had was Mama Betsey. She was always telling stories about Betsey and how she would have to cellarize her because she was being naughty.
Smitty always looked forward to spending two weeks every year with her grandchildren and great grandchildren at Trout Lake. She looked forward to evenings at the lake when it was “Smore making time” and the kids would make her some and bring them to her.
She also enjoyed going to Vermont every holiday, especially, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. She often mentioned how much fun it was to watch the kids hunt for Easter eggs in the snow!
Smitty touched many lives through her passion for life. In all of her accomplishments, goals, struggles and triumphs, Smitty had a deeper strength that she relied on, a strong purpose and knowledge of who she was, what she wanted, and very often how she was going to get there. Smitty was extremely, bright and very witty.
In her last weeks of life, Anne, Katie, Matt, Tanis, Gloria and Marcie were her caregivers. They all cared for her as if she were their own Mom. Smitty’s family is eternally grateful to them.
Smitty is survived by her son, Dr. Michael Brown and wife Ann of Williston, VT, four grand children, Shannon Kennedy, Aaron Brown and wife Sue, Kathy Duff-Brown, mother of Shannon and Aaron, Ali Wisehart and husband Ben, and Devin Brown, eight great grand children, Ian, Padraig, Kiernan, Joslyn and Colin, Addy, Everett, and Paxton. She is also survived by her extended family in VT: Sean and Jowee Harrington and their sons, Joseph and Dana, Todd and Cathy Harrington and their children Tessa and Aiden, Sarah and Ryan Langlois and their sons, Tanner and Andrew.
Many thanks to the Hospice team, Jill, Lucille, Elizabeth, Edie, Kathleen and Pastor Rob for stopping by regularly to make sure Mom was resting comfortably.
There will be a graveside service on November 2, 2013, 1:00 PM, at Hermon Cemetery, Hermon, New York, Reverend Robert Schrimer officiating. There will be a luncheon following the service at the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the DeKalb Junction United Methodist Church or Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.
William “Bill” B. Knoble 09/23/2013
William Byrne Knoble of De Kalb, NY, and formerly of Chestertown, NY, died suddenly at the age of 67 years on September 23, 2013. For 40 years, Bill was a full-time potter and owner of Red Truck Pottery in Chestertown. During his career he served on the New York State Council of the Arts grants panel, the Town of Chester zoning board, the Chester Public Library board, the St. Lawrence County Arts Council panel, and worked with other community and arts organizations. In recent years he operated Red Truck Farm in Old De Kalb and was working toward a Bachelor of Science in Geology from St. Lawrence University. Bill held a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of the Arts (formerly Philadelphia College of the Arts) in Philadelphia, PA.
Bill was passionate about the Adirondacks. He was both a Forty-Sixer and a Winter 46er and loved to help others achieve their climbing goals. He was a telemark skier, a sailor, an orchardist, and photographer.
Bill was born in Staten Island, NY on September 24, 1945 to William Rankin Knoble and Mary Byrne Knoble. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Rocco; daughter Jessica Knoble Gray and her husband James Gray, Naomi Byrne Knoble and her partner Ann Hoang; grandchildren Sadie Elizabeth Gray and William Knoble Gray; sisters Nancy Knoble of Joseph, OR, and Katherine Knoble of Perkasie, PA; Ellen’s son Jake Rotundo, and Pierre Nzuah, who has become a son to the family.
Bill never owned a cell phone, but he had two tractors. Donations can be made to a scholarship fund being established by the St. Lawrence University Geology Department in Bill’s honor; to North Country Public Radio; or to Bat Conservation International.
An occasion to remember and celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Friday, September 27, 2013, at 3:30pm – 5pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Canton in Canton, NY. Those who attend are invited to bring objects to display during the service in honor of Bill.
Mabel V. Pritchard 09/15/2013
Mabel V. Pritchard
Mabel V. Pritchard, 93, of Canton, died on September 15, 2013, at Maplewood Nursing Home. Calling hours will be on, Wednesday, September 18, 2013, 12:00 – 2:00 PM; the funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM, at the funeral home with Reverend Michael Cantanzaro officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Canton. Mabel is survived by her sons, John P. “Reggie” and his wife Joyce Pritchard of Johnson City, NY, William R. “Russ” and his wife Lucille Pritchard of Wimauma, FL, Ronald K. “Ron” and his wife Jan Pritchard, Clearwater, FL, her daughter Bonnie and her husband Arthur Lohr of Hightstown, NJ, a sister, Flora Smith, Nebraska, grandchildren, Ted and his wife Tammy Romer, Bret and his wife Debbie Pritchard, Brian Pritchard, Terry Pritchard, Eric and his wife Yuliya Pritchard, Ronald Pritchard Jr., Shannon Pritchard, great grandchild, Leah Romer, Kyle Romer, Amber Pritchard, Ricky Pritchard, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Reginald Mace, Maurice Mace and Frank Mace. Mabel was born on November 27, 1919, the daughter of Harry G. and Violet O. Davies Mace. She graduated from Canton High School and then graduated from Utica State Hospital in 1946 as a registered nurse. Mabel was a registered nurse for Home Care for Cortland County Inc. and also had worked at various nursing homes and hospitals in New York and Florida. She enjoyed bowling, fishing, word games, cards, reading, sewing, and walking. She loved to learned, taking German and painting classes. Mabel was a member of the Women’s Republican Club in Binghamton, the First Presbyterian Church on the Park in Canton and the Post Script Club. She participated in the Senior Games in bicycling and bait casting. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church on the Park in Canton , 19 Park St. Canton, NY, 13617 and Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.
Paul H. Simmons 08/28/2013
Paul H. Simmons
Paul H. Simmons, 63, of DeKalb, died on August 28, 2013, at his home. Calling hours will be at the funeral home, Saturday, August 31, 2013, 1 -4 PM. There will be a celebration of Paul’s life at his home, 240 Hitchcock Road, on Saturday, September 7, 2013, at 1:00 PM. Paul is survived by his wife, Christine E., Eric and wife Amanda Simmons of Las Vegas, Nevada, daughters, Brenda Simmons and fiancé, Bryan Kingsley of DeKalb, Ellen and husband David Tyo, of Depeyster, brothers, Glen Simmons of Depeyster, Earl and his wife Helen Simmons of Macomb, sisters, Bonnie Turnbull of Depeyster, Marsha and her husband Mike Streeter of Canton, grandchildren, Jakob Simmons, Justin Simmons, Makaela Simmons, Danielle Moyer, Nathan Moyer, Abigail Kingsley, Austin Kingsley, Cassidy Tyo, Ethan Tyo, Molly Tyo, several nieces and nephews. He was born in Ogdensburg, on May 11, 1950 the son of Leon “Joe” and Rita Beamish Simmons. Paul graduated from Heuvelton Central School in 1968. He married Christine E. Kirby on July 12, 1969 at the Presbyterian Stone Church. He owned and operated Simmons Well Drilling in DeKalb since 1989; he was previously a laborer at Kirby Construction in Ogdensburg and was a miner at St. Joe’s Zinc Mines in Fowler. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and boxing (Tuesday Fight Night) and was a great neighbor. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Ryan’s Wish Foundation, P.O. Box 326, Gouverneur, N.Y., 13642 and Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.
David D. Ellis 07/30/2013
David D. Ellis, 43 of Hermon died on July 30, 2013. Allen-Denesha Funeral Home, DeKalb Junction is entrusted with arrangements. There will be calling hours Saturday, August 3, 2 – 4 PM at the funeral home.There will be a Celebration of Life at Mullin’s Restaurant in Gouverneur on Sunday, August 4 beginning at 4 PM. David is survived by his wife, Aneita and their 5 month old daughter Annabella, his parents, William and Cheryl Ellis, Hermon, stepson, Dustin Maloy, stepdaughters Jessica Maloy, and Amanda Maloy, sister, Tammy (William) Tanguay of Valuntown, Conn., sister, Deborah (Tom) Woodruff, Tucson, Az., grandmother, Nora Gray, step grandchildren, Johnnie-Lynn Maloy and Hunter Knapton, and several nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by a brother, William Jr. in 1995, grandparents, George and Doris Ellis and Jared Gray. David was born on October 9, 1969 in Westerly, RI, the son of William and Cheryl Ellis. He was a chef at Mullin’s Restaurant in Gouverneur where they describe him as the heartbeat of the restaurant. He loved spending time with his family and precious daughter, Annabella, who was the apple of his eye. He also spent years camping, canoeing, and kayaking in the Adirondacks.
Frederick “Russell”, “Fred” Chilton 07/25/2013
Frederick R. Chilton
Frederick “Russell”,, “Fred” Chilton, 78, of Williamstown, formally of Hermon, died on July 25, 2013. There will be calling hours, Friday, August 2, 12 – 2 PM at the funeral home, a memorial graveside service will follow at 2:15 PM in Hermon Cemetery, Lay Pastoral Assistant Martha Helmer officiating. Russell is survived by his daughters, Kathy House and her companion Luis Elias, Port St. Lucie, Florida, Diana Lee, Florida, a brother Reginald “Reggie” and his wife, Sophie Chilton, DeKalb Junction, grandsons, Jason and wife, Crystal House, Gary and wife, Celeste House, Michael and wife Sarah House, 5 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son James Chilton, a brother James R. Chilton, and a sister Rebecca Ruth Denn. Russell was born on April 10, 1935 in the Town of Canton, the son of James Virgil and Dorothy Ruth Hill Chilton. Marriages to Donna Pritty, Aletheia Knapp and Marilyn ended in divorce. Russell owned and operated Chilton Excavation, after his retirement he moved to Florida. He was a member of the Old Time Truckers Association, the Teamsters Union and an honorary member of his hunting club. He loved spending time with his family, playing Santa Claus, coast to coast truck driving (his own tractor trailer), traveling, four wheeling, and was an avid hunter. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.