Obituaries – Page 24 – Allen-Denesha Funeral Home

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.

Arthur W. Ploof Sr. 07/18/2013

Arthur W. Ploof Sr.
Arthur W. Ploof Sr., 99, of Newton Falls, died at his home surrounded by his loving family on July 18, 2013. There will be no services. Arthur is survived by his children, Arthur W. Ploof Jr. and his wife Janet, of Cranberry Lake, Carol Wacholz, of Chicago, Lee Ploof, of Tennessee, Gloria Kapp and her husband Gary of Montana, John H. Ploof of Rochester and Donna Mattingly of Newton Falls, 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Raymond Ploof, sisters, Elsie Muller and Laura Charland and a granddaughter Terri Lee Payne. Arthur was born on May 6, 1914 in St. Regis Falls, the son of William and Mae Farmer Ploof. He married Catherine Patnode on June 6, 1937 in Piercefield, NY; she died on October 31, 1994. Arthur was a tower boss at Newton Falls Paper Mill until his retirement. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing, bowling and hunting. Contributions can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley.

Helen L. Donaldson 07/09/2013

Helen L. Donaldson
Helen L. Donaldson, 89, formally of DeKalb Junction, died, July 9, 2013, at Maplewood United Helpers. Services will be private. Helen is survived by her sons, Leslie K. and wife, Linda Donaldson, DeKalb Jct., Lee and wife, Catherine Donaldson, Canton, Larry D. and wife, Diane Donaldson, Canton, a daughter, Leola and husband Kenneth Fredette, Canton, a brother, Charles Blair, Utah, sisters, Mildred Pike, Rochester, Leona Hodge, Rochester, Amy McCrae, Georgia, 17 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Joseph, William, Bill, Frank, Bernard and Ed Blair, and a sister, Eva Blair. Helen was born on July 24, 1923 in Norfolk, the daughter of Kay and Louise Dominy Blair. She married Leslie W. Donaldson on December 14, 1944 he died on February 25, 2013. Helen and her husband owned and operated a farm in the Town of DeKalb for over 50 years. She loved to sew, make quilts and paint. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Kathryn T. Schaper 07/07/2013

Kathryn T. Schaper
Kathryn T. Schaper, 66, of DeKalb Junction, died, July 7, 2013, at her home. Services will be at a later date.
Kathy is survived by her husband, Ronald Williams, daughter, Carol and her husband Michael Guentherman, Wylie, Texas, son in law, Phil Barton, Schulter, Oklahoma, grandchildren, Matthew Barton, Kylie Guentherman, Ashley Guentherman, and Katy Guentherman. She was predeceased by a daughter Anne Barton. Kathryn was born on January 11, 1947 in Salem, Massachusetts, the daughter of Richard and Kathrine VanWhelle. She graduated from Ewing High School, Ewing, NJ in 1964, she received her bachelor of political science degree from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, and she then attended New York Theological Seminary. Kathy was a teacher’s aide at Hermon DeKalb Central School for over 20 years. She was a member of the DeKalb Historical Association, and CSEA. She loved animals, milking cows, dogs, gardening (plants and flowers), she was a professional knitter, making items for TAUNY, Pickens General Store, and the Cancer Centers.
Contributions can be made to the DeKalb Historical Association and the American Cancer Society.

Betty J. Gale 05/23/2013

Betty J. Gale
Betty J. Gale, 69, of Rensselaer Falls, died, May 23, 2013, at her home, services will be private. Betty is survived by her daughters, Gena Gale and Bill Merrick, Potsdam, Janna and Dag Alstad, Westminster, MD, grandchildren, Dylan Hutton, Kala Alstad, Kendall Alstad, Nicole Schober, Makenzie Merrick, brothers, Dean Bresett, Redwood, Jay Bresett, Fowler a sister, Linda Tharrett, Fowler, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Lloyd Bresett Jr., Thomas Bresett, sisters, Gene Jesmer, and Joyce Griffin. She was born on July 26, 1943, in Gouverneur, the daughter of Leonard and Georgina Patton Bresett. Betty married Brent Gale on July 20, 1960 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church, Reverend Brown officiating; he died on January 6, 2007. She was a home health care aide for the Community Development Program in Canton and prior to that she was a bartender at the Meadows in Fowler. Betty loved researching family genealogy, traveling, gardening and animals. Contributions can be made to the Dr. Ravinder N. Agarwal Renal Center in Ogdensburg.

Steven G. Hamilton 05/06/2013

Steven G. Hamilton
Steven G. Hamilton, 55, of DeKalb Junction, died, May 6, 2013, at Claxton Hepburn Medical Center. There will be a family gathering at his home, 2665 SH 812, on Friday, May 10th, 6 -8 PM and Saturday, May 11th , 10am – 2 PM. Steven is survived by his wife, Joy, daughters, Erica M. and husband Dale Avery, Kernersville, NC, Carrie A. and husband Gary Taylor, Canastota, Amber L. and husband Shane Carr, Gouverneur, Danielle (Danny) and husband Chester Soto, Canastota, grandchildren, Aiden Coller, Brody Carr, Holly Carr, Christian Soto and his cat Sissy “Little Princess”. Steven was born in Gouverneur, February 1, 1958. He married Joy E. Gaumes on August 15, 1981 in DeKalb, Justice of the Peace Glenn Minnick officiating. Steven was a bagger man at Heuvelton Whey and did construction and roofing. He loved being with his family and friends, fishing, hunting big and small game, being outdoors, having BBQs and watching the Young and the Restless. Donations can be made to the Richard Winter Cancer Treatment Center.