Kenneth A. Darrow
October 20, 2012

Mr. Kenneth A. Darrow, 97, of St. Hwy. 162, Sprakers, New York died Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Mountain Valley Hospice House in Gloversville.
Born on February 21, 1915 in the Town of Root, NY, he was the son of Charles Darrow and Marjorie A. Olmstead Darrow. Mr. Darrow was a lifelong area resident. He was a graduate of the Nose Hill Elementary School, Canajoharie High School and Clarkson College of Technology with a BME degree.
He married Mary S. McNamara on November 6, 1943.  Together they had four children, 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Mr. Darrow was employed by General Electric as a mechanical engineer in their Research and Development Center in Schenectady, retiring in 1980. He was a teacher in GE’s apprentice course. He was the holder of twenty-six patents.
He was a member of the Currytown Reformed Church, having held the offices of Deacon, Elder, Clerk of Consistory and Vice President of Consistory for many years.
Mr. Darrow was a member of Mapletown Grange #613, Montgomery County Pomona Grange, New York State Grange and the National Grange. He served on the Town of Root Town Board as Councilman for eight years and as Town Supervisor for fourteen years. He was a member of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors and served as Chairman of that board in 1964.
He is predeceased by his daughter, Janice D. Klemme; brother, H. Edward Darrow and sister, Dorothy Monk.
Mr. Darrow is survived by his wife, Mary M. Darrow of Sprakers, daughter, Patricia D. (Edward) Young of Palatine Bridge, NY; two sons, Robert D. (Karen) Darrow of Glenville, NY, William K. (Jean) Darrow of Webster, NY; son-in-law, Karl Klemme of Sprakers, NY; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2012 at 1:00pm at the Currytown Reformed Church with Pastor Donald Hoaglander officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday from Noon to 1:00pm at the Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Burial will take place in Fort Plain Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Mr. Kenneth A. Darrow may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078 or to the Currytown Reformed Church, 829 St. Hwy 162, Sprakers, NY 12166.
Please sign the online guestbook for Mr. Darrow at www.houghtalingandsmith.com.

Rita J. Swartz
October 17, 2012

Rita J. Swartz, a long time St. Johnsville resident passed away on Wednesday October 17, 2012 at her home with her loving family by her side.
She was married to Roland Swartz who passed away on June 7, 2006.
Rita is survived by her son,  Michael “Mickey” Swartz and his     companion Shannon Whiteman of St. Johnsville, two granddaughters, Amanda Swartz of Buffalo, NY and Tiffany Swartz of St. Johnsville, and special friends Robin Swartz and Trent Van Slyke.
In keeping with Rita’s wishes funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.  
The family would like to extend their most sincere appreciation to the entire St. Mary’s Hospital staff that cared for her during this        difficult time. The family would like to express their gratitude to Mountain Valley Hospice who made Rita’s last days comfortable.
All arrangements have been entrusted to the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, 20 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY, 518-568-7040.
All memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Valley Hospice, 108 Steele St., Gloversville, NY 12078.
To add to Rita’s on-line memorial please go to www.vincenteneafuneralservice.com on the Internet.

Martha Victor Francesco
October 18, 2012

Martha Victor Francesco, age 79 and a long-time resident of College Place, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on October 18, 2012.  
She was born on April 26, 1933 in Pahoa, Territory of Hawaii. Martha was a devoted wife of 60 years to her husband Rocco R. Francesco.
Raised in Hawaii, Martha was a member of St. Agustin Catholic Church in Waikiki on the island of Oahu.  She often recalled leaving church on the     morning of December 7, 1941 and seeing many planes flying overhead towards Pearl Harbor.  
Martha graduated from Kaimuki High School in 1951 and soon after met Rocco, a young Air Force airman, stationed at Hickam AFB, whom she later married.  
After Rocco was honorably discharged from the Air Force, they moved to upstate New York with their first child in tow. Their family would be complete with their sixth child born in 1962. Always missing Hawaii, Martha and Rocco once again called Hawaii home in 1968. As a homemaker, Martha enjoyed her family and her large extended Hawaiian family.  
She truly was a gentle soul who always found beauty and compassion even in the most difficult situations. Martha’s sense of humor often did not match her quiet, unassuming ways. In 1986, a year after her husband retired from teaching, they moved back to upstate New York. It was here that Martha found her love for gardening, which often resulted in an abundance of produce that was enjoyed by neighbors and friends. Eventually the decision was made to move closer to their eldest son, which brought her to live in College Place/Walla Walla, Washington about ten years ago. It is here that she peacefully lived out the final years of her life.
Martha is preceded in death by her parents Edward Wikoli Victor and Esther Makaena, her son Jon W., her son-in-law Valentine Santarone Sr., and her brother-in-law, Tommy Abihai. She is survived by her   husband, Rocco Francesco; her son and daughter-in-law, Ronald Kalani and Lara Francesco; her daughter Darlene Leilani Santarone; her daughter and son-in-law, Desiree Ipolani and Marshall McKillip; her son and daughter-in-law, Kevin Nahua and Karen Francesco; her son John Kuipo Francesco; older sister, Rose Abihai; eleven grandchildren, Malia Martin, Kiana Francesco, Alan Francesco, Jonathan Francesco, Anthone Santarone, Valentine Santarone Jr., Crystina Aona, Shawlea Aona, Krystal Francesco, Katrina Francesco, John Lacaden; thirteen great-grandchildren, Noah Francesco, Alex Martin, Titus Martin, Patience Francesco, Aleisha Santos, Kristiny Faria, Trinity Faria, Valentine Santarone III, Caleb Santarone, Ka`ena Kim, Hi`ilani Kim, Tamateo Pooloa, and Kalli Francesco.
A private service will be held for the immediate family in          remembrance of Martha’s life.  
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA 99362.  Family & friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.

Anna “Annie” Lasher
October 17, 2012

Anna “Annie” Lasher, 90, of Bullshead Rd, Amsterdam, went to be with her family and Lord on October 17, 2012.  
She was a long-time consumer of Liberty Enterprises and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting her.  
Annie was of the protestant faith and a member of United Presbyterian Church, Amsterdam, N.Y.
Annie was born in Fort Plain, N.Y. to the late Eugene and Elizabeth Lasher, and spent the majority of her life in the Montgomery County area.
She was semi-retired but, enjoyed attending The Liberty Day Habilitation Program. Annie loved to bake cookies and was very proud to sell these cookies every Friday.  
When at her home, she took great joy in spending time with the house cat “Willow.”  One of Annie’s favorite pastimes was visiting the museum and residence of the actress Lucile Ball, in Jamestown, N.Y.  She was a member of the Red Hat Society and loved to dress up and wear her jewelry wherever she went. Being a member of the Red Hat Society was very fitting seeing as Annie’s favorite color was red.  Annie had a passion for music and especially loved Polka Music.  Annie put a smile on everyone’s face and will truly be missed by everyone at Liberty.
She was pre-deceased by her brothers; Howard and Harold Lasher, sisters; Tresa LaValley, Betty Austin, and Catherine Lasher.  
In addition to being predeceased by her parents, she also leaves behind several extended family members.
Annie is survived by her loving family, staff, and friends at Bullshead Rd.  Annie had an adopted family which included Paul and Suzanne Fields; adopted grandchildren; Bailey and Samantha Fields. She also leaves behind close friends; Jacki Carpenter, Mary Ellen Holland, and Wendy “Winney” Moore.
A Celebration of Life took place on Monday, October 22, 2012, at 12:00 P.M., at the United Presbyterian Church, located in Amsterdam, N.Y. The Rev. Cynthia Leonard performed all services.   
Family and friends were invited to attend a calling hour at the church from 11 A.M. to 12 P.M.
Interment immediately followed at Fort Plain Cemetery, Fort Plain, N.Y.
All arrangements have been entrusted to Betz, Rossi, and Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, N.Y. 12010.  Please visit and sign the family’s guest book at www.brbsfuneral.com.

Miles Frasier Jr.
October 19, 2012

Mr. Miles Frasier, Jr. of Dillenbeck Road, Town of Palatine, New York died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, October 19, 2012 at home following a long battle with Crohn’s Disease. Born on December, 11 1928 he was the son of the late Miles and Florence Dempster Frasier, Sr. He was 83.
Miles attended schools in Gloversville, Palatine Bridge and Canajoharie, graduating in June of 1947.  Following graduation he worked in the credit department at Beech Nut until he was drafted into the armed services. In December of 1952 he was honorably discharged from the United States Army at the rank of Sergeant.
Upon his return to the area, Miles continued to work for Beech Nut and worked part time at the Yosts Truck Stop and was credited with saving the owners life when it caught fire. In 1985 he retired from Life Savers as a foreman.
In 1973 he entered into politics over the controversial “Okuwari Park.” He won the election and was Town of Palatine Supervisor for 24 years, retiring in 1997 after serving as chairman of the board.  Politics weren’t his only love; he also enjoyed growing Roses for many years. He won numerous awards and became a life member of the American Rose Society. He also served as President of the Mohawk Valley and Schenectady Rose Societies. Visitors from all over the United States, Canada, England, France and Australia were welcomed into his gardens. Miles also named a new rose for the Jackson and Perkins Company and wrote several articles for the Flower and Garden Magazine.
During his lifetime, Miles was involved in many organizations which included: past president and judge for the Men’s Garden Club, was a past president and charter member of the Mid County Volunteer Ambulance Corps., past governor and chaplain of the Canajoharie Chapter of the Loyal Order of the Moose, The Canajoharie- Palatine Chamber of Commerce, Life Savers 25 Year Club, Fort Plain Lodge No. 433 F&AM, B.P.O.E. #2621, The American Legion Post 554 and The Montgomery County Farm Bureau. Miles was an avid outdoorsman enjoying fishing, hunting, trapping and camping. In 1977 he worked with his son, Ron in starting the Rose View Nursery which formerly became Frasier’s Florist, which recently celebrated being in business for 35 years.
Miles had much to be proud of during his lifetime, he always looked out for the “little guy” and when necessary even took on big      government. His proudest moment as Town of Palatine Supervisor, was helping to re-establish the Mohawk Indians at the old county home in Yosts.  After 20 years, they still reside at the present location and have a gift shop. He welcomed with open arms the Amish Community, which has flourished and become great neighbors and brought new life to the land and Town of Palatine. Above anything else, he loved his family, his home, and his country. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him and considered him a friend.
Survivors include his one true love and wife of 61 years, Kathryn Abeling Frasier; their only son, Ron Frasier and his wife Sandy; two grandchildren, Sierra and Dakota Frasier; a brother, Delos Frasier and his wife Dorothy; a sister in law, Evelyn Abeling; and several nieces, nephews and cousins
A Graveside Service of Remembrance took place on Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 1 o’clock at Evergreen Cemetery, Sandflats, Fonda, NY.  
Relatives and friends were invited to attend.  
Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Mountain Valley Hospice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the staff at Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317.  
Please visit the online guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.

Ellen Martha Schreiber
October 7, 2012

Ellen Martha Schreiber, 90, died October 7, 2012 at a Windsor, N.C., nursing home after a long illness.
She was born on April 10, 1922 in Ontario, Canada to the late Daniel and Elizabeth McFarlane Gardiner, who emigrated from Scotland.
She was married on September 19, 1942, to Carl E. Schreiber, who died on June 11, 1977. They lived in Niagara Falls, Gloversville, Johnstown, Canajoharie and Palatine Bridge, N.Y. After her husband’s death, Ellen lived in Lockport, N.Y., and Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Norfolk, Va.
She was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School, a charter member and emergency medical technician with the Mid-County Volunteer Ambulance Service of Fort Plain and Canajoharie, N.Y., and a volunteer at Lockport Memorial Hospital and Chesapeake General Hospital.
She was a member of Bayside Christian United Church of Christ, Virginia Beach, where she was a deaconess.
Survivors include a daughter, Connie Sage and her fiance, Philip Conner, of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; son John C. Schreiber and his wife, Sue, of Columbus, Ohio; three grandchildren, Karen, Carl and Daniel Schreiber, all of Columbus, Ohio; a sister, Violet Daigler and husband, George, of Akron, N.Y.; brother, Louis Gardiner of Ransomville, N.Y.; brother-in-law Richard Schreiber and wife, Helen, of Three Mile Bay, N.Y.; several nieces, nephews and cousins in North Carolina, New York, Canada and Scotland.    
A graveside service and internment of ashes will be held at a later date in Gloversville, N.Y.
Miller Funeral Home in Edenton, N.C., is assisting the family with arrangements.