Clifford B. Bullock

Clifford Bruce Bullock, age 90, of Edwards, passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at his home.

There were calling hours for Clifford on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Edwards. His funeral service was on Thursday, October 11th at 11:00 a.m. at the Edwards United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Edwards.

Clifford was born on June 29, 1928 in Edwards, NY to the late Glenn and Louise (VanBuren) Bullock. He attended Edwards Central School. Cliff married Thelma L. “Sally” Smith on October 19, 1950 at the Gouverneur Methodist Parsonage. The couple owned and operated Willow Shade Dairy Farm for many years. Cliff also drove milk truck for six years. Sally passed away on July 24, 2016.

He was a former member of the Grange, Federal Farm Agency, and a member of the Edwards School Board, Edwards Volunteer Fire Department, National Farmers Organization, a member and Board of Director of the St. Lawrence Valley Ayrshire Club and a former 4-H Leader. He enjoyed snowmobiling, 4-wheeling and traveling.

Cliff is survived by his two sons and their wives, William and Sheila Bullock and Larry and Deborah Bullock all of Edwards; three daughters and their husbands, Joanne and Richard Lynn of West Cornwall, CT, Barbara and Charles Newcombe of Edwards and Carole and David LaVoie of Fulton; two brothers and their wives, Charles and Sue Bullock of Edwards and Herb and Scottie Bullock of Canton; five sisters and their spouses, Mary Jane and Earl Knight of Michigan, Joyce and Bill Cooper of Florida, Anna and Dick McCormick of Gouverneur, Lois McAllister of Florida and Leona and Paul Baker of Watertown. Cliff is also survived by 17 grandchildren, of whom they raised their granddaughter, Brenda Coronato of Rayford, NC; 3 step grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his wife and parents; two brothers, Harold and James; and two sisters, Agnes Smithers and Margaret Bullock.

Donations in memory of Clifford may go to the Edwards United Methodist Church or the Edwards Volunteer Rescue Squad.

Dorothy Ruth Macaulay

Dorothy Ruth Macaulay, 88, passed away on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Gouverneur Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Calling hours were held on Tuesday, October 2nd from 1:00 to 3:00 pm with a funeral service at 3:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Rev. James Warrington, pastor of Macomb Community Wesleyan Church officiating and private burial in Oldsville Cemetery, Macomb.

Dorothy was born in Lyons Falls on December 8, 1929, the daughter of Howard and Nellie Gaddis.

She married George A. Macaulay on January 25, 1948.

The couple operated the family farm on the Yellow Lake Road, and Dorothy worked at E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur as a ward clerk for 33 years.

Dorothy enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, baking, and sharing her favorite recipes with her family, such as teaching them her secrets to homemade doughnuts or cabbage rolls. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

She is survived by her three children Michael and Brenda Macaulay of Fowler, Linda and Donald Reynolds of Albion, George and Joni Macaulay of Pleasant Lake, her companion Wallace Sibley of Gouverneur, 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Dorothy is predeceased by her husband George, two sons Larry Macaulay and Jim Macaulay, her sisters Helen Macaulay and Gwen DeGrace, and her grandson Richard Macaulay.

Memorial donations in Dorothy’s memory may be made to Gouverneur Hospital, 77 W. Barney Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642.

Gary J. Orford

Gary J. Orford of Dongan Hills, Staten Island, N.Y. passed away in Seaview Nursing Home on September 23, 2018.

Gary was born in Gouverneur, N.Y. on April 6, 1940. He was the son of the late Phyllis Phillips and Emerson (Doc) Orford. Gary’s wife of 51 years was Linda Orford (Kurtz) and they shared four wonderful children together: Stephen Orford, Christine Orford, Robert Orford, and Scott Orford, all of Staten Island. His siblings included Sherlyn DePrima, Debra Samuels, and the late Sandra Phillips.

Gary enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up in the Adirondacks and would often reminisce about the many, wonderful, outside adventures that pristine area had to offer. On Staten Island, he was a Boy Scout troop leader for his sons, once again, enjoying nature. Gary was also a published author and avid Syracuse football and basketball fan. Go Cuse!

An accomplished International Insurance Executive, Gary visited 30 states and 32 countries over a span of his illustrious career. Working for Continental Insurance Company where he met his wife, as well as AIG, Royal, and Globex International, which he helped form in 1993 and for which he was recently presented with an award for his years of commitment and dedicated service. He so cherished this award.

Gary was a very intelligent, well educated man who earned a BBA from the College of Insurance in Manhattan. He was truly an enjoyable, polite and loving person who cherished his family and the many friendships he made throughout his 78 years. Gary, thanks for the memories. Viewing was held on Thursday and Friday, September 27 and 28 at the Hanley Funeral Home, 60 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island, N.Y. 10306.

Service notice: John R. Manson

A graveside service will be held for John R. Manson of Macomb on Sunday, October 14th at 1:30 pm at Riverside Cemetery, Rossie with a celebration of life to follow at the Rossie Community Center. Mr. Manson, 72, passed away on December 25, 2017.

Robert Paul Rice

Robert Paul Rice, 71, passed away on Sunday, August 19, 2018 in Gouverneur.
There are no funeral services and arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.
Paul was born in Canton on June 7, 1947 and was raised by his parents Lloyd and Eva Peck Rice on the family farm in Macomb.
He enjoyed gardening, drawing and painting, spending time outdoors and with his dog. Paul also enjoyed searching for and collecting Indian artifacts, rocks, and minerals. He was a member of several mineralogy associations including the St. Lawrence County Rock & Mineral Club and had donated mineral specimens to the local colleges and museums.
Paul is survived by his nieces and nephews Bruce Rice of Macomb, Mary Rice of Hammond, Jane Zeller of Fowler, Bobby Rice of Pillar Point, several great nieces and great nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, a brother Forrest Rice, a niece Patsy Liscum and nephews David and Emerson Rice.
Memorial donations in Paul's memory may be made to the St. Lawrence County Rock & Mineral Club.

Robert G. “Bob” Tripp

Robert G. "Bob" Tripp, 79 passed away on Friday June 08, 2018 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse.   As per Bob's wishes a private family graveside service will held at Hailesboro Cemetery.  
Robert is survived by his wife Phyllis, two sons Robert Jr. of Richville, and Brian of Fowler; two daughters Deborah and her husband Kevin Hadfield of Fowler, and Carol and her husband Piere Besaw of Fowler; eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.  He is also survived by two sisters; Faye Stronach of Gouverneur, and Bernice Lariccio of Binghamton. He is predeceased by two sisters, Jean Bowman and Louise Conklin.
Bob was born on February 15, 1939 in Ogdensburg, a son of the late Carl and Eva Baker Tripp.  On December 01, 1958 he married the love of his life, Phyllis Fuller at the Gouverneur First United Methodist Church Parsonage with Rev. Wood officiating. Bob and Phyllis celebrated their marriage together for 59 years.
Bob owned and operated several businesses over the years.  He operated a construction company, he operated Bob's Market and diner in Fowler, and also Tripp Fuel Company in Fowler.  Bob was a life member of the Gouverneur Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed raising Honey Bees and operating heavy equipment and spending time at his camp in Waddington.
Memorial donations in Bob's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Syracuse NY Office, 6390 Fly Road 2nd Floor, East Syracuse, NY 13057 or to the American Heart Association, Memorial/Tribute Processing Center, PO box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.  Arrangements are with Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.

Service notice: Iva Storie

A funeral service for Iva Storie will be held on Saturday, June 16th at 2:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with her burial to follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Hammond. Calling hours are 1-2 pm on Saturday, previous to the funeral and 6-8 pm, Friday evening. Iva passed away on February 25th, 2018.

Lucille Phelps

Lucille J. Phelps, age 80, formerly of Gouverneur, passed away on April 26, 2018.
Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Thursday, May 3, 2018 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Her funeral service will be on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home officiated by Rev. Beth Quick. Burial will follow in the Hailesboro Cemetery.
Lucille was born on July 12, 1937 in Harrisville to the late Arthur Edwin Clarke and Helen Elizabeth (Cring) Clarke. She graduated from the Harrisville Central School in 1955, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts and her Master’s degree in Elementary Education at Oswego State University.
Mrs. Phelps began her long career with the Gouverneur Central School as an Elementary Industrial Arts Teacher for 10 years at all six Elementary Schools in the District. She briefly worked as the Junior High School Wood Shop Teacher before a 27-year career teaching the fourth grade; retiring in 1997.
Lucille married Bruce S. Phelps on June 29, 1968 at the Gouverneur Methodist Church officiated by Rev. Stanley Brown. Bruce passed away on January 30, 2014.
Lucille enjoyed woodworking, traveling, reading, and genealogy. She was a lifetime member of the Harrisville Historical Association, the NYS Teachers Association, and the Harrisville United Methodist Church.
Her survivors include two sons and a daughter-in-law, and two grandsons; Bruce A. Phelps of Gilbert, AZ, Charles S. and Allison L., Jared S. and Jaxson L. Phelps of Pocono Lake, PA.
Donations in memory of Lucille may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes Barre, PA 18702. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Service Announcements

Service Announcements

GOUVERNEUR – The funeral service for Retha H. Brown, of Gouverneur, who passed away on February 11, 2018, will be held Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gouverneur First United Methodist Church. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home.
HARRISVILLE – The burial service for Marla R. Martin, formerly of Harrisville, who passed away on April 18, 2018, will be held Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Harrisville Cemetery. Arrangements are with French Family Funeral Home.

Garnet A. Hills

Garnet A. Hills, 86, passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 5th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the Gouverneur American Legion. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.
Garnet was born in DeKalb on June 5, 1931, the son of Albert and Vivian Lucus Hills.
He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War and worked at Groveton Paper Mill for nearly 20 years before working for the Town of Gouverneur, retiring as town superintendent in 1992.
Garnet married Mary K. Casey on June 10, 1961 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church with Rev. Stanley E. Brown officiating.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping, especially at Westcott Beach, but most of all, enjoyed spending time with family.
Garnet is survived by his wife of 56 years Mary, his 2 daughters Janet E. and Carl Rivers Jr. of Calcium, Sharon A. Liscum of Gouverneur, his son Brian Hills of Gouverneur, 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandsons, several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, a brother William Hills, a sister Marjorie Morse, and a son-in-law Kurt Liscum.
Memorial donations in Garnet's memory may be made to Cerebral Palsy of the North Country, NNY Community Foundation, 120 Washington Street, Suite 400, Watertown, NY 13601.

Erton Sipher

Erton W. Sipher of Harrisville and Gouverneur died Friday, April 27, 2018, at age 97.

Calling hours will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Monday, April 30, 2018 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. followed by his funeral at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Donna Thorpe officiating. Burial will be in the East Riverside Cemetery.
Erton was born on March 31, 1921, on the family’s dairy farm in Macomb to the late John W. and Marion (Hurst) Sipher. He graduated from the Gouverneur High School and the Cornell University College of Agriculture, where he studied animal husbandry. Cornell honored him with an Outstanding Alumni Award and a Department of Animal Science Award of Merit.
He operated Greenbriar Farms until his retirement. Erton was a long-time member of the St. Lawrence County Fair Board, was active in farm organizations, wrote the book “The Gene Revolution” and was a lifelong New York Yankees and New York Giants fan.
Erton was married to Zelda Elizabeth Mullen from 1944 until her death in 1987. He was married to Clara Day from 1997 until her death in 2015.
In addition to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his survivors include his children and their spouses, David (Judy), Mary Ann (Eric Freedman), Karen (Robert Bailie), Paul (Brenda), Amy (Steve Holleran), and Clara’s family.
In lieu of flower, donations in Erton’s memory may be made to the Gouverneur Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur NY 13642, or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Connie Lee Ketcham

Connie Lee Ketcham

Connie Lee Ketcham, formerly of Gouverneur, NY, died on Apr. 16, after losing her second battle with lung cancer in a hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was 65 years old.
Ms. Ketcham was born Connie Lee Gamble on March 13, 1953 in Watertown, New York and grew up in the Evans Mills area. She attended Indian River Central School and later obtained her graduation equivalency diploma. Ms. Ketcham married her first husband, Harold Cole, in Sept. 1971, and she then moved to the Gouverneur area. She and Mr. Cole later divorced, and she married her second husband, John Ketcham, in 1989. They, too, later divorced.
She met her current common- law husband, Robert “Mitch” Rice and moved to Skiatook, Oklahoma in 1992. She travelled across the country with Mr. Rice, who works on the pipelines, for a number of years, and she later joined the Local 798 Pipe Liners’ Union, when she, too, became an employee. She worked on the pipe lines until she was diagnosed with her first round of lung cancer, which forced her to retire.
She was cancer-free for 13 years. While she was in retirement, she had a number of hobbies, which included making and selling a variety of arts and crafts. These included flower arrangements, pot holders, picture frames, and welders’ caps. Ms. Ketcham also loved to sing karaoke; she loved country music. She played the violin, organ, and guitar.
Ms. Ketcham was preceded in death by Carl E. Gamble and Dorothy Russell- Wright, her parents and her older brother David Costantino.
She is survived by Mr. Rice; her two children, her son retired Chief Petty Officer William  and daughter Barbara Cole; an older brother, Carl Gamble; a younger sister, Tina Demo; three grandchildren, Tamara, Allison, and Jacob; several nieces and nephews, as well as several great-nieces and nephews; and four dogs, Spike, Buddy, Max and Sophie.
Funeral arrangements were held on April 20 at the Sien-Shelton Funeral Home in Skiatook. They were presided over by Reverend Dale Nielsen. Her body was cremated, and her ashes will be buried in the Osage Gardens Cemetery at a later date.

Danny Besaw

Funeral services for Danny Joe Besaw, 62, of Killeen, Texas and formerly of Antwerp, will be held at the United Church of Richville on Saturday, April 28th from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, prior to a funeral service at noon with pastor Karen Taylor officiating and burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Richville.
Mr. Besaw passed away quietly on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 in a Temple, Texas hospital.
Danny was born on October 20, 1955 in Gouverneur, the son of Keith and Ella (Bishop) Besaw.
He married Katherine "Kaki" McQuade, on August 25, 1979 in Richville.  They made their home in Antwerp for 38 years before moving to Killeen, Texas in 2014.  Danny was a carpenter and truck driver, but most of all, when not with family, he enjoyed his time spent coaching and mentoring youth. He was always involved with the Indian River Warriors. 
Danny was predeceased by his parents, beloved father-in-law, Emerson McQuade, and two sisters, Beatrice Stuckey and Mavis Missinni.
Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Katherine "Kaki" Besaw, two daughters Kimberly Powell and Tanya Besaw both of Killeen, six brothers Roland (Connie) Bowhall of Wisconsin, Harry (Margaret) Bowhall of Florida, Michael Bowhall, Randy (Barb) Besaw, Pete (Carol) Besaw, Kevin (Kris) Besaw, all of New York. He is also survived by his best fishing buddies and nephews Kyle (Julie) Besaw and Kory (Brandi) Besaw, four sisters Christine (Bim) Fuller, Sue (Rick) Newvine, DeAnna Hadfield (his twin) and Cindy (Vinny) Ferry all of New York, his mother-in-law Joanne McQuade of Richville, and six granddaughters Morgan Powell, Cassidy Dean, Allyson Powell, Teriana Travis, Jazmyn Travis and Leah Powell all of Killeen. Surviving him also are sister-in-law’s Karen (Mark) Franke, Michele (Mark) Erickson, brother-in-law Mike (Jaimee) McQuade as well as many nieces and nephews for whom he had a heart full of love and admiration.
Texas arrangements were at Dossman Funeral Home in Belton and New York arrangements are with Green Funeral Home in Gouverneur.
The family is asking for donations in lieu of flowers be made to a scholarship fund in Danny's name for the Indian River Lady Warriors. Checks may be made payable to Indian River Athletic Booster Club or IRABC with Dan Besaw in the memo section of the check and mailed to Indian River Booster Club, Darleen Brumfield, 32925 US Route 11, Philadelphia, NY  13673.

David Spaulding

RICHVILLE – David Alan Spaulding, age 65, of Richville, passed away on April 7, 2018 at home.
David was born on June 3, 1952 in Gouverneur to the late Wesley J. and Ruth H. (Raven) Spaulding. He graduated from the Gouverneur Central School in 1970, Canton ATC, and from Syracuse University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree.
David served in the United States Army Reserves from 1972 until his honorable discharge in 1978. He worked for many years for Lockheed Martin in Syracuse as a Quality Control Manager, gaining access to the highest security clearance information and traveling across the world.
He loved technology and was often sought by family and friends for research and assistance. He had an interest in genealogy and found the importance of family and history.
His survivors include his son, Anthony “Tony” Spaulding of Auburn, NY; his brother, Wayne Billups of Groton, NY; 2 sisters, Gayle Spaulding of Baldwinsville, NY and Karen Jordan of Houston, TX.
David is predeceased by his parents and a sister, Joan Stenzel.
Funeral arrangements with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur are private. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Rodney Beach Kerr

Rodney Beach Kerr

Rodney Beach Kerr, 86, of The Villages went home to his Lord suddenly on Thursday, March 15.
He was born in Gouverneur, NY to LD and Adelaide Kerr. Upon high school graduation in 1949, Rod enrolled in Clarkson College to pursue an engineering degree. This was interrupted by a four year stint in the United States Air Force. He married the love of his life, Betty Lee in 1955, shortly after his honorable discharge from the Air Force. After completing his degree in 1957, Rod began a 30-year career with Kodak, retiring in 1986. Rod and Betty moved to The Villages from Rochester, NY in 1997. He was a devout Catholic and his faith in Jesus Christ was extremely important to him. He devoted much of his life to helping others. Rod was a member of the Knights of Columbus Color Corps and a member of St. Timothy Catholic Church parish. He enjoyed spending time with his family, writing poetry, bridge, softball, golf, woodworking, photography, travel, men's retreats and volunteering with Special Kids, Inc.
Rodney is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty, sons Michael (Barbara), James, William and David; grandchildren Ryan, Michael (Christie), Stephen, Mary Katherine, Kevin, Adam, Nathan and Heather; great-grandson Ethan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Rodney on Saturday, April 7 at 8:30 AM at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lady Lake. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donation may be sent to: Villages Honor Flight, P.O. Box 490 Lady Lake, Florida 32158-0490.
Online condolences may be left at www.beyersfhc.com. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home, Lady Lake, FL.

Korleen Spilman

GOUVERNEUR – Charlotte Korleen Spilman, age 77, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Friday, February 9, 2018 at Claxton-Hepburn Hospital in Ogdensburg, New York.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the funeral following immediately at the Gouverneur Community Center, 4673 SH 58, Gouverneur, NY.  A spring burial will be held at the Hailesboro Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur.
Korleen was the daughter of Percy and June (Taylor) Harper. On November 15, 1958, she married David L. Spilman, Sr. at the Gouverneur Methodist Church. Korleen graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1959 and from SUNY Empire State College in 1988.
Korleen worked at the VanSlyke & Curtis Drug Store in Gouverneur and Spilman’s Store in Hailesboro. Korleen helped run the family business Spilman’s Garage and maintained a 33 year career with the United States Postal Service. Korleen’s career with the Postal Service began in January 1960 as the Postmaster of the Hailesboro Post Office. In 1974, Korleen was honored as the first female Postal Supervisor in the State of New York. In 1981, Korleen became the Postmaster at the Gouverneur NY Post Office, and the last five years of her career with the Postal Service was in Quality Management at Syracuse MSC. After retiring from the Postal Service at the age of 52, Korleen owned and operated several businesses including Famous Food Emporium Catering, Decorating by Design, and Antique Emporium. During Korleen’s retirement, she was also an Associate Broker at Century 21 Millennium Realty.
Korleen enjoyed family, friends, music, entertaining, flowers, plants, cooking, shopping, reading, pottery, painting, stained glass, camping, selling real estate, and traveling.
Korleen’s life revolved around her family, people, public service, and community affairs. Korleen always worked hard and cared, not to be recognized, but to make a difference. Korleen volunteered her time at and was a member of several organizations including the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Planned Parenthood, Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce, Gouverneur Business Women, St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors, Gouverneur Area Development Corporation, EJ Noble Hospital Board, St. Lawrence County IDA, Heart Fund, March of Dimes, and the Kiwanis Club. Korleen was honored several times throughout her lifetime for her service and dedication to the people, organizations, and businesses of St. Lawrence County.
Korleen is survived by David L. Spilman, Sr., her children, Connie (Jeffrey) Stowell, David (Patti) Spilman, Jr., Shelly Dodds and fiancé Andrew Miller, Sherry Geer, Natalie Spilman, Nancy Spilman, and Martin (Julianne) Spilman. Korleen is also survived by her grandchildren Kelsey, Kyle, Matthew and Joshua Spilman, Taylor Dodds, Brandon Geer and Meggan Anson, Gaige Gonyeau, Lindsey Conklin, Blake, Tanner and Hannah Spilman, and several great grandchildren. Korleen is survived by her brother Douglas Harper, Aunt Evelyn Mary Washburn, her cat Petey, and her best friends Eldon Conklin, Francis Proper, and Janice (Hayden) Wall.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her Stepfather Marty Leahy, her dog George, and her “other mother” Millie Hayden.
Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Volunteer Transportation Services, PO Box 515, Canton, NY 13617; Gouverneur Community Center, or the Hailesboro Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 94, Hailesboro, NY 13645.

Retha Brown

Retha H. Brown, age 92, passed away on February 11, 2018, at the Gouverneur Hospital. There will be a memorial service honoring Retha in the spring. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Retha was born on June 18, 1925, at the family homestead in Lairdsville, NY to the late Frederick William and Lela Thirza (Jackson) Hiller. She graduated from the Vernon High School in 1942 and from the Utica School of Commerce in 1944. Retha married the Rev. Stanley E. Brown on June 18, 1949, at the Westmoreland Methodist Church officiated by her soon-to-be father-in-law, the Rev. Russell S. Brown. For the next 40 years, the Browns served the parishes of Hamilton, Gouverneur, North Gouverneur, and Massena, NY. In retirement the couple returned to their home in Gouverneur and served the United Church of Richville parish. Stanley passed away on November 6, 1993.
Mrs. Brown was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur, where she held office in the local church and served on committees at the District and Conference levels. She was a member of the United Methodist Women and was a past President and Treasurer of Unit 2.
Her community service was tireless. She was a member and past President of the Travelers Club, a Girl Scout Leader, and a Board member of Cambray Housing Corporation where she served as President from 2004-2010. At the time of her death she was an active life member of the EJ Noble/Gouverneur Hospital Auxiliary; she was a member of the Gouverneur Library Board, and a member of the Gouverneur Garden Club. She also captained a local trivia team, known as “The Brownies,” in support of the Gouverneur Reading Room.
Mrs. Brown was an artist, painting in oils, and showed her works at the Gouverneur Museum in the summer of 2012. She was an accomplished seamstress and an exceptional baker. One of her great loves was wildlife, including wild flowers, birds, and animals.
Her survivors include three children: son Craig H. Brown and his wife, Karen, and their children, Weston, Eleanor and Drew; daughter Lynne J. Brown and her wife, Shannon Rodes, and their daughters, Alexandra and Galen; daughter Dayle B. Burgess and her husband, Michael, and their children, Madeline and Nathaniel; and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Retha is predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Virgil Smith; and a niece, Elaine Smith Malecki.
Donations in memory of Retha may be made to the Gouverneur United Methodist Church, PO Box 157, Gouverneur NY 13642; the Gouverneur Library, 60 Church Street, Gouverneur NY 13642; or the Gouverneur Hospital, 77 West Barney Street, Gouverneur NY 13642.

Lorraine M. Knight

Lorraine M. Knight

Gouverneur - Lorraine M. Knight, 81, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown.
   Calling hours were on Sunday, October 22nd from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Rev. Orville Eacker, pastor of Stepping Stone Ministries, officiating and burial in Hailesboro Cemetery.
   Memorial donations may be made to the Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 164, Gouverneur, NY 13642.
   Lorraine was born on June 19, 1936 in Russell, the daughter of Harold and Lex Hill Merkley.
   She graduated from Knox Memorial School in 1953 and the attended Canton ATI and Ogdensburg Business School.
   Lorraine was married to Fredric Maine who passed away in 1980 and Leo R. Knight who passed away in 2004.
   She worked in public health for New York State and for St. Lawrence County for over 30 years. Lorraine had been a member of the Gouverneur Garden Club and the Gouverneur Daughters of Rebekah. She enjoyed spending time in her flower gardens making ceramics, and adored her cat Felicia.
   Lorraine is survived by her three children Sheldon and Marilyn Maine of Gouverneur, Barry Maine and his companion Donna McArthur of Clay, Kelley and Joe Lacks of Sylvia Lake, her six grandchildren Marcie, Ryan, Erica, Matthew, Anthony, and Jered, eleven great grandchildren, a brother John Merkley of North Carolina, nieces and nephews. She will be missed by her family.

Lois S. Strate

GOUVERNEUR- Lois S. Strate, age 90, of Gouverneur, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at her home under Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley.
As per Lois’ request, there will be no calling hours or funeral. Burial at East Riverside Cemetery will be at a later date. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.
Lois was born on December 7, 1926 in Gouverneur, NY to the late Charles and Bertha (Gladle) Dane. She went to rural area schools and then attended Gouverneur High School. Lois married Malcomb “Shorty” Strate on July 12, 1945 at the First Presbyterian Church in Gouverneur. Shorty passed away on March 18, 1992.
Lois worked in the cafeteria of the Gouverneur Central School for 27 years, retiring at the age of 73. While working at the school, she also did various jobs at the Gouverneur Tribune Press for 23 years. She enjoyed flower gardening, sewing and working on crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed going on Sunday rides with her son Randy and the dogs, Lady, Annie and Maggie.
Surviving are three sons, Terry Strate of Washington, Larry Strate of Buffalo and Randy Strate of Gouverneur; two daughters, Susan Cryderman of Virginia and Laura and Robert Hughes of Gouverneur; a brother, John Dane of Rochester and eleven grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Lois is predeceased by her parents, her husband, three daughters, Shirley Mitchell, Dianna Bowhall and Kathy Goodison; a brother, Jimmy Dane: a sister, Francis Downing and a great granddaughter, Bryonna Given.
Donations may be made in Lois’ memory to St. Lawrence Valley Hospice, 6805 US Hwy. 11, Potsdam, NY 13676 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 7, East Syracuse, NY 13057.

Jeffery James “Jeff Black” Cole

Jeffery James “Jeff Black” Cole

Gouverneur – Jeffery James “Jeff Black” Cole, 24, passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2017.
   A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 26th at 11:00 am at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur with Fr. Shane Lynch, pastor of St. James Catholic Church, Gouverneur officiating and burial in Hailesboro Cemetery. Calling hours are on Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home.
   Jeffery was born on May 13, 1993 in Watertown, the son of Joanie Cunningham Cole.
   He graduated from Gouverneur High School in 2011, had received training at emt/paramedic school, and recently graduated from SLTC lineman school in Georgia.
   Jeff had been employed at the Gouverneur Rescue Squad and by Lewis County Search & Rescue.
   He had many interests including motorcycle riding, becoming a lineman, fishing, and having a drink around the bonfire. Jeff also enjoyed helping people in need, saving lives, saving his money, and spending time with family and friends, especially his son, Kade.
   Jeffery is survived by his son Kade Cole, his mother Joanie, his sister Brittany and Jeremey Barker of Syracuse, his grandfather Ralph Cunningham and his companion Terry Davison of Gouverneur, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Jeff had many friends but a few such as Josh Walrath, Alex Bylow, and Jared Prashaw he considered brothers. He is predeceased by his grandmother Evelyn Cunningham.
   Memorial donations in Jeffery’s memory may be made to Community Bank f/b/o Kade Cole, 100 E. Main Street, Gouverneur, NY 13642 or a charity of one’s choice.