Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home

11/12/2025

Roger Jones

Roger W. Jones, 82, of Engleville Road, Sharon Springs, New York died Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family and dedicated caregivers.

Born on January 25, 1943 in Utica, NY, he was the son of William Sam Jones and Mildred T. Fovel Jones. He was a graduate of Ilion High School, where he was active in football and baseball. He entered the US Air Force following high school, obtaining the rank of E-3 Radar Squadron. In 1982, Roger and his family moved to Schoharie County, previously residing in Herkimer County.

Most recently, Roger was a custodian for Schoharie Central School.

Roger was of Catholic faith. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He encouraged political involvement and was a fierce advocate for nature and conservation. He felt a connection to Native American Culture and often donated to them. Roger taught his family to think independently. He was a true outdoorsman and lifelong deer hunter with respect. He would only kill what he could eat. He was an avid fisherman as well. In his later years, he continued to hunt for his best shot, trading in his guns for a camera. He loved music and the arts. He had an amazing sense of humor right to the end.

His parents and cousins, Keith Leonard and Ron Mesick predeceased him.

Roger is survived by his children, Chari Jones of Schenectady, NY, Kevin and Mary Ann Jones of Cobleskill, NY, Kelly Jones and Kane Ahuna of Portland, OR; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis and Christine Jones; the mother of his children, Barbara Jones; former second wife, Ellen Neal-Jones; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services held privately, at the convenience of the family.

The family wish to extend a special Thank You to Roger's caretakers, Jennifer "Jenny" Irwin and her mother, Jeanne Irwin, Molly Perry, Tabitha Kutinsky, Helios Nurse, Cory, Helios Social Worker, Rob, Helios Health Aid, Jo Ann. and Jenna Reese from the Office of the Aging.

Contributions in memory of Roger W. Jones may be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820; The Sharon Springs Free Library, 129 Main Street, Sharon Springs, NY 13459; The Adironack Council, Albany Office, 342 Hamilton Street, 1st Floor, Albany, NY 12210; or to The American Lung Association at action.lung.org .

View Roger Jones's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/08/2025

Arnold English

Arnold Louis English, 92, of Ploss Road, Richmondville left this world to be reunited with the love of his life, Margret in Heaven on Friday, November 7, 2025.

Arnie was born on September 4th, 1933, in Cobleskill to Clayton & Lena (Radliff) English and was a lifelong Schoharie County resident.

Arnie was a graduate of the former Richmondville Central School. He received his bachelor's degree from SUNY Oneonta, where he met his wife, Margret. They married following graduation. He then received his master's degree from SUNY Albany. He spent his career at the former Richmondville Central School as a teacher, coach, and Guidance Counselor. He was also on the Committee for Special Education and was an advisor for the Student Council.

He was a long-time member of the Richmondville Volunteer Fire Department. He was involved with Boy Scouts; specifically Scout camp and Explorers. He was a driver and Bingo caller for Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad.

He was a member of Richmondville United Methodist Church, where he served on the Pastor Parish Relations Committee and was a Trustee.

Over the years, one of his favorite joys was camping. He always loved the feeling of being able to pull out of the driveway and go wherever the road might lead. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan, seeing them play in many parks and always looking to catch their games on the radio or TV. He was also a North Carolina Tarheels college basketball fan, with the Syracuse Orange not far behind. In his retirement, he had a hobby farm raising beef cattle and pigs.

He was predeceased by his wife Margret Ellen English; his siblings: Clayton English, Raybern English, and Dorothy Mitchell, and his daughter-in-law, Jill (Gavlak) English.

Surviving him are his children: Michael Brian (Penelope) English of Altamont, NY, Christopher Louis English of Cobleskill, NY, Mark Edward (Robin) English of Oneonta, NY, and Mary Lee (Butch) Pickett of Richmondville, NY; his grandchildren: Sarah Marie English, Dominick Louis (Amanda) English, Mark Edward (Karina) English Jr., Margret Rose (Luis) Ramirez, Catherine Lee (Thomas) Johnston, Emily Olivia English, Ellen Anne Pickett, Naomi Lee (Tristan) Peterson, William Arnold Pickett and step-grandson, Xander Terpening and great-grandchildren: Dominick, Joey, and Anthony English, Layla, Lily, and Lexi Johnston, and Avery Lee Scholl-Hess.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2:00pm at the Richmondville United Methodist Church followed by interment at the Richmondville Rural Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to: Richmondville United Methodist Church, PO Box 8, Richmondville, NY 12149, the Richmondville Volunteer Emergency Squad, PO Box 11, Richmondville, NY 12149, and HELIOS Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820.

View Arnold English's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/06/2025

November is a month of preparation for the cold winter we are about to endure. That doesn’t mean there can’t be fun ahead of time. Here are some events scheduled for this November for Schoharie County. We’d love to hear of other fun events to do in and around our local community.

Holiday Artisan Market at the Gallupville House- Sat. November 8th, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Gallupville House
913 State Route 443, Schoharie, NY
If you are looking for gifts for the holiday season before it’s too late, then please visit the Holiday Artisan Market hosted by Gallupville House. They will have many vendors and beautiful creations to peruse. In addition, the Gallupville Methodist Church will be having a bake sale on-site.

Watercolor Painting Holiday Edition- Sun. November 9th, 1:00 pm
The Studio for Art and Craft
576 Main St, Cobleskill, NY
The holiday season is usually adorned with beautiful decorations and pieces, but they mean all the more when we make the art ourselves. The Studio for Art and Craft is hosting a watercolor painting event for all ages. Please register ahead at https://www.facebook.com/thestudioforartandcraft

Trivia Night at the Library- Sat. November 20th, 6:00 pm
The Community Library
110 Union St., Cobleskill, NY
Do you and four people you know possess the cosmic knowledge of all subjects? Then please come to The Community Library for Trivia Night. Teams of 5 go head-to-head with general topics as the subject to be known.

11/05/2025

Gloria Wojciaczyk

Gloria Wojciaczyk, 94, formerly of Cobleskill, New York died Sunday, October 19, 2025, at her daughter Connie's home in Coram.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Vincent de Paul's Catholic Church with Father Joseph Arockiasamy officiating. Burial will follow at St. Vincent de Paul's Catholic cemetery.

View Gloria Wojciaczyk's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/03/2025

Fern Kovac

Fern M. Kovac, 85, of Bear Gulch Road, Summit, New York, died at her home peacefully, with a beautiful view of the lake, on Friday, October 31, 2025.

Born on March 6, 1940, in Glen Cove, NY, she was the daughter of Dwight L. Seaton and Lillian M. Ferns Seaton. She had been a resident of Summit, since 1953, spending summers on the lake with her parents and grandparents.

In addition to being a mother and homemaker for her 4 children, she was also a hairdresser, running her business through her home.

In 1982, at the United Methodist Church in Albertson, Fern was married to William Kovac, Sr. He preceded her in death on January 19, 2021.

She served on the Town Council for Summit.

She was a member of Summit United Methodist Church, where she also served as a lay preacher and was a member of the Board of Trustees.

Fern enjoyed going to Church and had a love of fellowship with God. Her devotion and work with the church and community of Summit was one of her great passions. Along with her community service, she liked arts and crafts, with an interest in many things from making a model Christmas village train town with her husband to crocheting blankets and infant clothing for friends and family. She enjoyed caring for her family and pets. She had a love for nature, marveling over the local eagles as they flew over the lake and built their nests.

She is survived by her children, Kenneth and Anne Dammers of Bayville, NY, Dwight Dammers of Manhattan, NY, David Dammers of Cobleskill, NY, Kathy Ellis of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, Danielle, Gabrielle, Audrey, Liam, Jessica, Rachel, Kristen, and Vanessa; sister, Lynn A. Hubel.

She loved everyone and was loved by so many.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 10th at 1:00pm at Summit United Methodist Church with Pastor Richard Blodgett officiating.

A graveside service will be held at Summit Cemetery at a later date.

View Fern Kovac's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/30/2025

Halloween is tomorrow!

Be ready to hand out treats, or you are liable to be tricked. We hope everyone has fun and remains safe. Please share with us your favorite Halloween traditions or costumes, so that others may be inspired.

10/29/2025

Frances Van Deusen

Frances M. Van Deusen, 98, of State Route 10, Cobleskill, New York died Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Robinson Terrace in Stamford.

Born on June 28, 1927, in Cobleskill, NY, she was the daughter of William Proctor and Mary Parslow Proctor. She was a lifelong resident of the Cobleskill area.

Frances was a cafeteria aid at Lark Street School for 4 years. She then became a nurse's aid at the hospital from 1973 to 1980.

She was a member of Christian Community Church of Faith in Richmondville. She was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aeries of Cobleskill #2695.

On June 14, 1946, Frances was married to Richard Van Deusen. He preceded her in death on December 9, 2014. She was also predeceased by her son, William Van Deusen; and daughter, Jan Pendagast.

She is survived by her daughter, Maxine Christman and Richard of Delanson, NY; son, Warren Van Deusen and Patricia of Cobleskill, NY; daughter-in-law, Linda Van Deusen; son-in-law, Donald Pendagast; grandchildren, Amy Van Steele and Curt, Mary Hinkley and Mike, Caryn Anderson, Michael Van Deusen, Ryan Van Deusen and Nicole, Donald Pendagast and Zachary Stewart, Christopher Pendagast and Candice; great-grandchildren, Natalie and Joshua Mitchell, Brett and Kirsten Renee Anderson, Parker Van Deusen, Cody and Ryleigh Van Deusen.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 10:00-11:00AM at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043. A funeral service will follow at 11:00AM with Pastor David Houck officiating. Burial will take place in Cobleskill Rural Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Frances M. Van Deusen may be made to Christian Community Church of Faith, 355 State Route 7, Richmondville, NY 12149.

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

10/27/2025

💖 Today, we join the fight against breast cancer and honor all those affected by this disease.

At Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, we proudly show our support and raise awareness for early detection and ongoing research.

10/24/2025

Donna Moore

Donna Moore, 84, of State Highway 7, Richmondville, New York died Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Albany Medical Center.

As a young girl, Donna had worked in local dress and glove factories as a seamstress. She was later the accountant for the family concrete business. She enrolled in business classes to further her career at SUNY Cobleskill, where she retired after 25 years.

Donna had many skills and talents, impressively self-taught, though she was very modest. She could sew and crochet, made the most delicious chocolate jumbles at Christmas, and kept a beautiful garden and home. Donna loved her family unconditionally and was a cornerstone for many. She will be missed by all, including her many backyard birds. May she rest peacefully knowing she has left a loving legacy.

She was predeceased by her parents, John and Dorothy Sperbeck; brother, Ronnie Sperbeck; and sister, Carolyn Moeckel.

Cherishing her memory are her children, Steven Moore (wife Karen), Cheryl Moore (wife Tamara); grandchildren, Alex Moore (wife Victoria), Brandon Moore (Ariel), Arden Farnsworth-Moore; great-grandchildren: Ellie and Madilyn; sister, Marie Berry; brother, Alan Sperbeck; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 10:00-11:00 AM at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043. A funeral service will follow the visitation at 11:00 AM with Pastor Richard Unger officiating. Burial will take place in Zion Rural Cemetery.

Donations can be made to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, PO Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092.

View Donna Moore's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/23/2025

Where are our President’s Buried?

For this segment of our Thursday Thoughts, we’d like to share a historical burial site of President- John Tyler, 10th President of the United States of America

President John Tyler has a unique presidency under his belt. He was the first president who was not elected. His position was changed as he was vice president during the passing of President William Harrison, thus becoming president himself. He is buried in Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.

For more information, please visit- https://thetombstonetourist.com/graves/john-tyler/

10/16/2025

Fall is a joyous time in our state. The wonderful colors from the leaves changing, the cooler temperatures, pumpkins, apple cider, and donuts. Please share with us your favorite fall activities so others may be inspired.

10/11/2025

Caroline Clark

Caroline Edna Clark, 83, of Gray Road, Summit, New York died peacefully in her sleep at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Born on August 2, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of Charles and Florence (Augustine) Daoust. She had been a resident of the local area for the past 40+ years, previously residing in Bay Shore, New York.

On May 17, 1963 in Babylon, New York, Caroline was married to George Roger Clark and together they raised 6 children. Carol and Cheryl, twin daughters. Christine and Roger, twin sister and brother, and two adopted sons, William and Jeff.

In addition to being a loving mother, Caroline operated the Clark Family Farm in Summit, New York.

She and her husband George were active foster parents to many wonderful children over the years. Caroline enjoyed music, camping, traveling, animals, gardening, and was an active member of the local farming community. In her younger years, Caroline enjoyed driving in amateur drag races on Long Island.

Caroline was of Catholic faith.

Caroline is survived by her children, Cheryl M. Clark of Summit, New York, Roger S. (Angie) Clark of Cobleskill, New York, William (Nicole) Nesenger of Cobleskill, New York, Jeffrey R. (Christina) Clark of Wolfe City, Texas; 12 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Caroline was predeceased by her husband George; her siblings, Charles J Daoust, Clifford Daoust, Claire E Sperbeck; and daughters, Carol J. Woreth, and Christine J. Hoffman.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 10:00-11:00AM at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043. Burial will take place privately at the Clark Family Cemetery in Summit, New York.

Contributions in memory of Caroline E Clark may be made to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, PO Box 40, Howes Caves, New York 12092.

View Caroline Clark's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.