GRACE M. CHERRY

Grace M. Cherry, late of Sparrowbush, NY, passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at the Roscoe Community Nursing Home, Roscoe, NY. She was 86.

The daughter of the late Frank B. Cherry and Helen Gilson Cherry, she was born in Sparrowbush on August 6, 1921.

Grace retired from Gamos Store in Sparrowbush after many years. She was a member of the Sparrowbush United Methodist Church.

She is survived by two sisters, Helen Chandler of Sparrowbush and Anna Campbell of Matamoras, PA; her sister-in-law, Veronica Cherry of Matamoras; her nieces, Sharon Branning, Joy Ryerson, Cherry Rosenthal, Kathy Aiken and Ellen Casper; her nephews, James Chandler, Michael and Tim Cherry; and several great nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brothers, F. Edgar Cherry and R. Philip Cherry; and her sister, Kitty Cherry.

Funeral services were held on Monday, May 19, 2008 in the Sparrowbush United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Mayer officiating. Interment took place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sparrowbush United Methodist Church, Sparrowbush, NY 12780 or to the Sparrowbush Engine Co. #1, Sparrowbush, NY 12780.

BETSY L. EILERS

Betsy L. Eilers of Jay, NY passed away at her home May 13, 2008. She was 72.

The daughter of J. Frank and Ruth Behling of Narrowsburg, NY, she was born in Atco, PA on July 1, 1935.

Betsy worked at Peggy Runway Lodge, the resort her parents built and operated on the Delaware River. She flew in her father’s Piper Cub and was president and club champion of her high school NRA. She played clarinet in the high school band and was a cheerleader. She won the Narrowsburg Centennial Beauty Pageant in 1951 and was crowned Centennial Queen.

While attending St. Luke’s Hospital Nursing School in NYC, Betsy met her husband, Robert R. Eilers, and married on September 8, 1956. They lived in Mt. Kisco, NY, where she worked at Northern Westchester Hospital and also worked for “A-1”, a professional ambulance service. When her sons were cub scouts, she served as a den mother. After many years of camping and falling in love with the Adirondacks, they moved to Jay and built their current home.

During her 30 years in the North Country, Betsy was primarily an emergency room nurse at CVPH. She was known, loved and respected by all who knew her. A supply closet in CVPH’s new Emergency Care Center was dedicated to her with a brass plaque, to honor her determination to have everyone keep the supply closet neat, stocked and organized. Her quick efficiency was a trademark, but she is remembered for always delivering compassionate care to all of her patients, no matter how busy the ER was. She set the standard for nursing excellence. She served as a nurse during the 1980 Olympics, working at the ski jump and Olympic arena. Never one to miss an opportunity to have fun, she also rode on the luge and the bobsled. Betsy was a member of the United Methodist Church of AuSable Forks, helped with church dinners, and especially enjoyed working with the children at vacation Bible school. She sang in the Ecumenical Choir every Christmas season, and also liked to play the guitar and piano. For several years, she was a member of the Jay Entertainment and Music Society. When several family members were diagnosed with celiac disease, she rose to the challenge and became a “chef extraordinaire” of gluten-free feasts for both family and friends. Betsy was always willing to help others learn about the gluten-free diet. She loved her gardens and the outdoors (canoeing, kayaking, camping, and horse-back riding, though she was VERY dangerous playing horseshoes).

She is survived by her husband, Bob Eilers; her sister, Grace Johansen of Beach Lake, PA; her son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Debbie Eilers of Morrisonville, NY, her daughter and son-in-law, Shari and Tom Olmstead of Peru, NY; son and girlfriend, Dave Eilers and Ginny Trimarchi of Glenmont, NY; six grandchildren, Phil St. Clair, Ryan and Sarah Eilers, Jaimie and Erica Olmstead, Dan Eilers and his fiancé, Kristen Zerrhan; her great granddaughter, Jaedan Eilers; and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents; two sisters, Ruth Brock and Alma Evans; and one nephew, Paul Brock.

Betsy has donated her body to UVM medical school of Vermont to help others even after her death.

There will be a memorial service at the United Methodist Church in AuSable Forks on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with food and refreshments in the church hall afterwards.

The family requests that donations be made to High Peaks Hospice, 4322 Main St., 2nd Floor, PO Box 192, Port Henry, NY 12974. Their care was exceptional, with special thanks to Kathy Lamb and Jan Raykiewicz, angels on earth.

WILLIAM FINK

William Fink of Vestal, NY died Saturday, May 17, 2008 at Willow Point Nursing Home in Vestal. He was 89.

Born in Hortonville, NY, Bill moved to Vestal in 1963, having worked for many years at the Sullivan County Democrat in Callicoon, NY. He also served as a Town of Delaware councilman.

William was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows, and retired from the Binghamton Press, and drove school bus for Vestal, NY school district and a rural bus for BC Transit for many years. He was also a newspaper carrier for years in his Vestal neighborhood.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Leola Fink; a daughter, JoAnn Orzell; a grandson, whom he adopted and raised, Jay Fink; a granddaughter he adopted and raised, Jenifer Barnes; grandson Michael Orzell and wife Jeannie; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Madolin Tenbus; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass was offered on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Vestal. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing may make memorial donations to Our Lady of Sorrows Church or the OLS-Seton Campus Scholarship Fund, 1112 Broad St., Endicott, NY.

Special thanks to the staff at Willow Point Nursing Home for their superb care.

SARAH BETH GEORGE

Sarah Beth George of Lackawaxen, PA and longtime resident of the area, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008 in Lords Valley, PA. She was 21.

The daughter of David A. and Diana Hoppe George, she was born in Harrisburg, PA on January 14, 1987.

As a child, Sarah was a member of the GSA under leadership of Susan Holbert of Lackawaxen. Sarah was a graduate of Wallenpaupack High School, where she graduated in the top 10 percent of her class. She was currently a junior at Marywood University, where she was a three-year Dean’s List student. She was the Vice President, soon to be President, of the American Chemical Society, a club at Marywood. She was accepted at an internship at the University of Florida, which included studies at Kennedy Space, Center at Cape Canaveral. She had aspirations of a doctorate degree and teaching chemistry and biotech at a college level. She attended St. Lukes Lutheran Church of Lackawaxen. She was a member of the Knitting Circle at Marywood University. The Knitting Circle would make items for the elderly.

A family statement reads, “Sarah was a loving daughter, sister, and granddaughter. She was a special person with many talents and passions. She was an avid artist. She enjoyed photography. She loved the outdoors, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, kayaking, and jogging near Minisink. She was an inspiration to many that knew her. She will truly be missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her parents, David and Diana George at home; her sister, Cassandra Michelle George at home; her brother, Zane Joseph George at home; paternal grandfather Arthur M. George of Harrisburg, PA; maternal grandfather Fred Hoppe of Westfield, PA; her boyfriend, Mark Granquist of Honesdale, PA; and many uncles, aunts and cousins.

She predeceased by her paternal grandmother, Helen George; her maternal grandmother, Josephine Hoppe; and her maternal step-grandmother, Tressa Hoppe.

A Celebration of Life was held on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at Marian Chapel in the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life at Marywood University, Scranton, PA.

Donations can be made to Marywood University or to the donor’s favorite charity.

GIORGIO P. IACOBACCIO

Giorgio P. Iacobaccio, late of Glen Spey, NY, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2008 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Arden Hill Campus, in Goshen, NY. He was 78.

Funeral services were held on Friday, May 16, 2008 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY, with the Rev. Peter Tran Van Phat officiating. Interment will be private.

MIRIAM KAILER

Miriam Kailer of Liberty, NY passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at the Sullivan County Adult Care Center. She was 81.

The daughter of the late Sol and Marian Selonica Goodman, she was born on April 7, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY.

Miriam was a member of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance and the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop. Before retiring, she was a clothing buyer in New York City.

She is survived by two nephews, Barry Kailer of Washington and David Kailer of Alaska; her ex-husband, Richard Kailer of San Francisco; and a longtime friend, Leah Gevirtz of North Carolina.

She was predeceased by her sister, Doris.

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at Liberty Cemetery, Liberty. Rabbi Marvin Goldman officiated.

JAMES EDWARD PELLOW

James Edward Pellew of Creamton, NY and formerly of Middletown, NY died May 19, 2008 at his home. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, the former Marlene Schoonmaker. He was 64.

The son of James E. Pellew of Sparrowbush, NY and the late Hazel Mann Pellew, he was born on January 4, 1944 in Middletown.

James was a mason and worked throughout Rockland County in New York before taking ill. He was an avid fisherman, enjoyed playing guitar and especially loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his son, Matthew Pellew at home and fiancée Christine Lord; daughters Veronica Veign and husband Gary of Goshen, NY, Lisa Fox of Mt. Hope, NY, Jamie Pellew of Honesdale, PA and Sheila Ciufo of Mahoopany, PA; a brother, Gene Pellew of Oregon; sisters Connie Miller of upstate NY, Joyce Yuroshek of Sparrowbush and Margie Neumeister of Ohio; nine grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at Hessling Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale, PA.

SEMON A. RHODES

Semon A. Rhodes of Shohola, PA passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Milford Senior Care, Westfall Township, PA. He was 92.

Semon was a resident of the area for 30 years and was a member of the Shohola Fire Department and the Marsch Kellogg American Legion Post #139 in Milford, PA. He was a U.S. Army, World War II veteran. He was a retired yardman for Narrowsburg Lumber Co. of Shohola.

The son of the late George H. and Clara Burlingham Rhodes, he was born April 19, 1916 in Jamaica, NY.

He is survived by two daughters, Jean Hunt of Matamoras, PA and Audrey Miller of Manorville, NY; one son, Allan Rhodes of Chemung, NY; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Alice Mae Rhodes; and his second wife, Margaret Lee Passuth Rhodes.

A Mass of Christian Burial took place at St. Patrick’s Church, East High Street, Milford, on Friday, May 9, 2008 where the Rev. Gerald Mullally officiated. Burial was in Milford Cemetery, Dingman Township.

Memorial donations may be made to the Activity Department at Milford Senior Care, 264 Route 6 & 209, Milford, PA 18337.

ELLA RUMSEY

Ella “Jeanette” Rumsey, late of Port Jervis, NY, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2008 at Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility, Liberty, NY. She was 86.

The daughter of the late Clarence and Hazel Cuddeback Gilson, she as born in Port Jervis, NY on May 20, 1921.

Jeanette was a retired sewing machine operator for Little Tots, Inc. in Port Jervis. Jeanette is a member of the Hope Free Church, Matamoras, PA and a graduate of Port Jervis High School, class of 1939. She was a charter member of the Deerpark Seniors; a member of the Friendly Seniors of Sparrowbush; a 45-year member of the Neversink Valley Grange #1530, Huguenot, NY; and a member of the Daughters of The American Revolution, Port Jervis.

She is survived by her daughter, Eleanor Gobel of Monticello, NY; five sons, Henry A. Rumsey and his wife Dianna of White Lake, NY, James Rumsey and his wife Jean of Johnson City, TN, George Rumsey and his wife Sherrill of Port Jervis, Gerald Rumsey and his wife Barbara of Barryville, NY and Douglas Rumsey and his wife Nancy of Port Jervis; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her husband, Henry M. Rumsey; her grandson; Franklin Rumsey; one sister; and two brothers.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at the funeral home with the Rev. Robert Grieve officiating. Interment took place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY.

Memorial donations may be made to The Hope Free Church, Matamoras, PA 18336 or to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., Hudson Valley/Rockland/Westchester, NY Chapter, 2 Jefferson Plaza Ste. 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-4060.