Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home

12/22/2025

This season reminds us how meaningful it is when friends show up for one another. In our profession, that spirit of friendship becomes a team of dedicated funeral professionals supporting each other with compassion, care, and understanding. Together, we’re grateful for one another and for the families and community we serve every day.

Wishing you peace, comfort, and connection this holiday season. Happy Holidays from all of us. 🤍

12/16/2025

Mary Murray

Mary Agnes (Murray) Murray, 96, of Watervliet, NY (formerly of Cobleskill, NY) passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025 at St. Peter's Hospice Inn after a long illness with her loving family at her side.

Mary was born on November 27, 1929 to the late Agnes (Connelly) and Richard J. Murray Sr. in Schenectady, NY. She was predeceased by two brothers, Richard J. Murray Jr. and Frank Murray and one sister, Kathleen McGraw. She is survived by one sister, Margaret Cashen.

Mary was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School, class of 1947. She went on to the State University of New York at Plattsburgh where she graduated in 1951 with a degree in home economics. She taught home economics at Cobleskill Central School for several years before starting her family.

Mary and her husband, John, lived in Schoharie County (Schoharie and Cobleskill), for over 65 years. They spent the last 5 years living at Shaker Pointe in Watervliet. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and a delighted great-grandmother. Her family and home were the center of her life. Her special chocolate chip cookies were always available for anyone who entered her door. She treasured her long time friends and was always happy to make a new friend. Mary had a deep faith and was a devoted communicant of St. Vincent De Paul's Roman Catholic Church in Cobleskill where she was a former religious education teacher and a member of various church committees. Mary was a very accomplished sewer, making many of her own clothes and those of her daughters in their youth. She later became an avid quilter and blessed her family and friends with her many quilting talents. She was a long time member of the Peaceable Day Quilt Guild in Cobleskill as well as a volunteer for the Cobleskill Regional Hospital Auxiliary. Mary also excelled at making a lovely home and had an extensive flower garden where she spent many happy hours.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, John F. Murray Sr. She was a devoted mother to her four children: Denise (Phil) Tracy, John F. (Kelly) Murray Jr., Marilyn (Gary) Mittleman and Paul (Kelley) Murray. Mary was a proud "Mimi" to her twelve grandchildren: Dan Tracy, Mark (Kriss) Tracy, Andrew (Allie) Tracy, Jack (Lauren) Murray, Michael (LeeAnn) Murray, Mary Kate (Ryan) Geary, Caitlin O'Haire, Caroline Mittleman, Matthew Mittleman, Erin Murray, Ryan Murray, Kiersten Murray and three great-grandchildren: John M. Murray, Brendan Murray and Mac Murray.

A special thank you to Mary's caregivers, Colleen, Jodi and Debra for their kindness and compassionate care.

As per Mary's request, a private funeral Mass for the family will be celebrated. She requested no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to honor Mary's memory may be made to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 or https://www.communityhospice.org/donate/.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, Cobleskill, NY. Burial will take place at Cobleskill Rural Cemetery at a later date.

View Mary Murray's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/15/2025

Justine Navilio

Justine Navilio, age 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family after a short illness on December 12, 2025.

Justine was predeceased by her beloved husband, John, the love of her life. They shared a devoted marriage of 63 years, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Together they raised four children: Janet (Peter) Kuchta, John (Cathie) Navilio, Joanne (Steve) Brandt, and James (Dawn) Navilio, who were the center of Justine's world.

Her life was defined by her unwavering devotion to her family. She was a supportive and nurturing mother, a proud and loving grandmother, and a steady presence for all who needed comfort or encouragement. Justine's home was always open-welcoming not only family, but many friends who were drawn to her warmth, kindness, and generous spirit.

Justine enjoyed her volunteer work at the Best House in Middleburgh making new friends. She loved her plants and was an avid bird enthusiast.

Known for her positive outlook, Justine faced life with grace even in difficult moments. Her gentle strength, compassion, and enduring love left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Justine will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children, grandchildren Christopher Kuchta, Scott Kuchta, Jenna Kimmel, Michael Brandt, Alyssa LaValle and John Navilio along with seven great-grandchildren, extended family, and the many friends whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love, positivity, and family devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In Justine's memory, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org

View Justine Navilio's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/11/2025

Thursday thoughts

12/10/2025

It’s that time of year! The Wreaths Across America wreaths have been delivered. If you sponsored any please contact us for pickup/placement.

12/09/2025

Ronald C. Proctor, Sr.

Ronald C Proctor Sr, 66, of Richmondville, NY, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, with his loving family and friends surrounding him.

He was born on December 16th, 1958, as one of the smallest twins born at the Cobleskill Hospital. He was crowned the "king of babies" that year. He was the son of Ray Proctor Jr and Mary Proctor, also of Richmondville, NY.

He is survived by his wife, Polly Proctor, of 37 years, children, Ryan, Danielle (Neil), and Jessica (Nathan); grandchildren, Robert and Carter Cook.

He was predeceased by his twin brother, Donald Proctor, his younger brother Ray Proctor III, and his grandson Neil Cook Jr.

Ronnie went by the nickname "Newt" growing up on the Roe farm from 1970-1981.

He followed in his father's footsteps and became a Carpenter in 1978. He built hundreds of pole barns and garages all over New York State.

He worked for many companies, including Bellevue Builder's, Journeyman Carpenter in Oneonta NY, Finger Lakes, and ZMS Structures as a lead foreman.

Ronnie was never meant to be a follower so he started up his own company called RPS Construction with his son Ryan.

Although Ronnie's passion was carpentry he was also a jack of all trades. There was nothing he couldn't do. He was always willing to help anyone in need even if he was struggling himself.

His hobbies included demolition derby's, collecting antique John Deere tractors, and working on small engines.

Ronnie was the greatest husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be sorely missed by

all who knew him.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 1:00-3:00pm at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY.

For those who can attend, please dress as you would normally in honor of Ronnie. If you have a cowboy hat, please wear it as well.

View Ronald Proctor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/05/2025

Alice Van Buren

Alice A. Van Buren, 92, of Route 20, Cobleskill, New York died Thursday, December 4, 2025, at River Ridge Living Center in Amsterdam, following a long illness.

Born on August 27, 1933, in Cobleskill, NY, she was the daughter of Floyd Hotaling and Dorothy Shafer Hotaling. She was a graduate of Cobleskill High School and was a lifelong resident of the local area.

Alice enjoyed spending time with her husband, Robert and her sons. Together she and her husband enjoyed antiquing and going to garage sales to find treasures. They were inseparable. Alice loved being outdoors and tending to her garden. She was very caring. She was strong and active, working hard to maintain her property well into her 80's.

On November 19, 1955, in Cobleskill, NY, Alice was married to Robert E. Van Buren. He preceded her in death on December 5, 2010. She was also predeceased by her son, Richard Van Buren on November 6, 1996, and her sister, Joyce E. Miller on February 7, 2025.

She is survived by her son, Robert (Joan) Van Buren of Cobleskill, NY; daughter-in-law, Marie Gross Van Buren; grandson, Richard (Hannah) Van Buren; granddaughters, Alexa Van Buren, Michelle Mau; great-grandchildren, Cecillia Mara, Declan Van Buren; sisters, Norma Ullman and Audrey (Doug) France.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 3:00-5:00PM at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY with a funeral service following at 5:00pm with Pastor David Houck officiating. Burial will take place in Cobleskill Rural Cemetery at a later date.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Alice Van Buren may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.

View Alice Van Buren's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/05/2025

Gary Ball Jr.

Gary Fredrick Ball Jr., 59, of Cobleskill, passed away unexpectedly November 25th, 2025, at his home. Throughout his life, Gary touched the lives of many with his presence and left an enduring impact on all who knew him.

Born on October 2, 1966, in Cobleskill, he was the son of Gary Norman Ball and Beverly Mae Terrell (Ball). He was a lifelong resident of Schoharie County.

He worked at the Mill in Cobleskill, Catskill Craftmen, and the Zone Camp in Stamford for many years. He enjoyed fishing, having a few drinks with friends while being the life of the party.

His parents and sisters, Allyson Lorette and Sharie Normandin predeceased him.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Amanda Torres; son Justin Ball; sister Cindy (Phil) White; 4 grandchilren, Michael, Anthony, Aliyah, and Melanie, who no doubt held a special place in his heart; and others who knew him intimately.

His memory will continue to be cherished by those who knew him and were privileged to be a part of his journey.

There will be no services at this time.

View Gary Ball's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/04/2025

Richard Veith

Richard V. (Dick) Veith passed from this mortal life on December 2, 2025, at the age of 91 years and 1 day.

Dick was born in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on December 1, 1934, to Oscar V. and Bertha (Moseman) Lewis. For the next 30 years Dick and his family would split time between Ft. Lauderdale in the winters and New York's Catskill Mountains in the summer.

Dick graduated from Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School in 1952, and went on to earn a business degree from the University of Florida in 1956.

Summers were spent in the northern Catskill Mountains hamlet of Maplecrest, NY where Dick's family owned the Sugar Maples Resort. While working at the resort, he met his life-long companion, best friend and soulmate, Doris Buck. Their courtship lasted 4 years as Dick attended the University of Florida and Doris SUNY Oneonta. On June 17, 1956, they were married in Jefferson, NY.

Dick and Doris settled into the family's routine of working summers at the Sugar Maples and Dick sold men's clothing in Burdine's department store during the winters in Ft. Lauderdale.

In 1961, Dick purchased his family's half of the resort from his grandfather. Dick and Doris would own and operate the Sugar Maples until they sold it in 1978.

In 1979, Dick and Doris moved to Cobleskill where Dick would sell insurance for Prudential until retirement. Dick was a successful salesman qualifying for Prudential's annual convention every year, and he was the top agent most years in the sales district.

Dick was a lifelong fisherman and was never happier than when he had a line in the water. In retirement Dick took up woodworking, where many of his projects became family heirlooms. He also closely followed his beloved St. Louis Cardinals and Florida Gators.

Dick was devoted to his family, a Freemason and a life-long Christian. He attended Sonrise Bible and Charleston Four Corners churches. Dick was a friend of Bill W.

Dick is survived by his son R. Sherwood Veith (Deborah), daughter Allison Parker (Roger), grandchildren Joshua Veith (Trista), Rachel Gillan (Jeffrey), Matthew Manda, Anastasia Manda, great-grandchildren Harper Veith, Jules Veith and Ava Gillan, his brother Raymond Lewis (Lori), son-in-law Paul Manda and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.

Dick was predeceased by his wife of 66 years Doris and his daughter Karalee Manda.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 1:00-2:00pm at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY with a funeral service following at 2:00pm. Burial will take place in Jefferson Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

View Richard Veith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/04/2025

December is a month of Holiday celebration and cold winter winds. There is plenty of fun out there and we are here to share some of the events in the area to get people into the Holiday Spirit. We’d love to hear of other fun events to do in and around our local community.

Wick and Sip @ Serious Brewing Co.- Sun. December 7th, 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Mineral Springs Soap
Serious Brewing Co., 116 Caverns Rd, Howes Cave, NY
If you're looking to make a handmade gift for the holiday season, why not a candle? Mineral Springs Soap of Cobleskill is hosting a class to make a candle at Serious Brewing Co. in Howes Cave. Please register ahead of time with Mineral Springs Soap.

Christmas in Schoharie @ The Fort- Sat. December 13th, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Old Stone Fort Museum & Schoharie County Historical Society
145 Fort Rd, Schoharie, NY
Looking to really get into the Spirit of Christmas, then join everyone for Christmas in Schoharie at the Old Stone Fort in Schoharie. There will be many events, raffles, and even a hot cocoa bar. There is even a contest to see who has Jumble/Jumbo cookies.

Poinsettia Dot Mandala @ The Studio for Art and Craft- Sat. Dec. 13th, 4:00 pm
The Studio for Art and Craft
576 Main St, Cobleskill, NY
Please join the Studio for Art and Craft in making a handmade gift of a beautiful plate with a Poinsettia design. Please register ahead of time with the Studio, and when you do, choose your background color. You will choose your flower color when you arrive on December 13th.

Blown Glass Ornaments @ Serious Brewing Co.- Sun. December 14th, 4:00 pm
The Studio for Art and Craft
Serious Brewing Co., 116 Caverns Rd, Howes Cave, NY
Looking to spice up your Christmas tree or someone you know. Please join The Studio for Art and Craft at Serious Brewing Co. in Howes Cave. You will be instructed on how to craft a beautiful glass ornament. Please register ahead of time with The Studio for Art and Craft.

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving

We are happy to celebrate this wonderful holiday. The key idea of this holiday is expressing what we are thankful for. We would love to hear what you are thankful for.

11/20/2025

Where are our President’s Buried?

For this segment of our Thursday Thoughts, we’d like to share a historical burial site of President- James K. Polk, 11th President of the United States of America

James K. Polk passed shortly after retiring as president due to contracting cholera during his visit in Nashville, TN, and poor medical treatment of the time. The law at the time of the outbreak was burial within 24 hours, so he was buried in the Nashville City Cemetery.

After some time, his wife and widow, Sarah, had him reinterred at their home, Polk Place. Two years after her passing, the heirs to the Polk estate sold the property. President Polk and his wife were entombed at the Tennessee State Capitol grounds, and they remain there now.

There is further controversy about finding a different resting place for them.
For more information, please visit-

https://www.historicnashvilleinc.org/2017/04/03/tomb-hill-debate-polks-final-resting-place/