Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home

03/13/2026

Elinor Nark

Elinor Nark, 96, of Mineral Springs Road, Cobleskill, NY died Thursday, March 12, 2026, peacefully in her sleep, at her home, with her family by her side.

Born on August 14, 1929, in Trenton, NJ, she was the daughter of John L. Robson and Inez H. Hodgkins Robson, the middle child of seven. She was a graduate of Newton High School, Class of 1947.

Elinor assisted Nark Brother's Trucking Co. and the family farm with their bookkeeping. She started her working career with Picatinny Arsenal then married Robert L. Nark on September 6, 1953, in Succasunna, NJ. They moved to New York for a short period of time, then to Schoharie County. Following their move, she began working for Cobleskill School District, as a secretary. She also volunteered for Cobleskill Hospital and worked for Walmart.

She enjoyed knitting and formed a group with a couple of friends who called themselves the knitwitts. They would get together and knit and chat and laugh. She was especially fond of laughing and always had a smile.

Her husband, Robert L. Nark predeceased her on September 9, 1999.

She is survived by her son, Wayne (Kathy) Nark; daughters, Barbara Nark and Jean Race; brother, Harlan Robson; sister, Helen Mazzarella; 7 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 11:00am at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043.

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

https://www.merenessputnamfuneralhome.com/obituaries/rose-nark?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQhczlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeF43r5CmllTjgNDwLT_M6ADCpl1ndyxdBQZxheKiDbw9ENpfBFsdrXkb57b8_aem_wgslWjgcLBzaOh6L8B2fLA

View Elinor Nark's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/12/2026

Where to get flowers for a funeral?

Flowers help to make a funeral vibrant, beautiful, and show your support. Families often ask where to get flowers and how to ensure they get to the funeral home. Our recommendations are as follows

1. Visit your local florist and see if they are willing to deliver.
2. If you live away from where the funeral will be taking place, visit or call a local florist to the funeral’s venue.
3. Call the funeral home that is assisting with the funeral for their recommendation.

We don’t advise ordering online unless directly from a funeral home website. Online flower vendors often don’t order from local florists, and their shipping can lead to damaged flower arrangements or, in some cases, the orders never arrive.

03/07/2026

Kathryn Phillips

Kathryn (Kathy) Phillips, beloved mother, grandmother, friend, and lifelong advocate for peace and kindness, passed away peacefully and beautifully on March 5th, 2026. She is preceded in death by her adored husband, Jesse Phillips and is survived by her three children — Sean Mahoney (Chrissy), Jennifer Dennie, and Sarah Phillips (Earnie Moehlau) as well as her eight adored grandchildren and her loving brother Peter Reynolds.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was a city kid, growing up with a close, extended family and immigrant grandparents. Her father, who passed when she was just 18, was a heroic NYFD Battalion Chief. She was close with her mother, whom she doted on until her final days, and kept close in her circle of friends and family.

She moved to Upstate NY at 18 and attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with intentions to become an engineer where she was one of the first 60 females admitted in the history of the college. She quickly changed courses though and graduated from SUNY Albany with a degree in accounting.

She built a long and meaningful career, over more than 40 years as an accountant, working on the railroad for 27 of those years — all the livelong day, as she liked to say. She found genuine excitement in numbers and took pride in her work with the New York Susquehanna and Western Railway. She blissfully retired from the railroad in 2016 and spent her time visiting with family and friends at her leisure.

For four decades, she hosted her unforgettable Summer Solstice parties at her home in Dorloo, NY — celebrations filled with light, laughter, music, and the joyful sense of belonging she created so effortlessly. She loved dancing to live music, especially when her friends’ The Rubber Band was playing, and her energy on the dance floor became one of the treasured hallmarks of those gatherings.

She cared deeply for the environment and carried a thoughtful, compassionate worldview, grounded in that people and the planet deserve protection. Determined yet open-hearted, she never judged people — welcoming others exactly as they were. She stood for what she believed in with strength, kindness, and a steady sense of justice.

Her home was a sanctuary for many. She opened her doors freely, offering support, a listening ear, and a warm place to land for friends and loved ones who needed it. Her generosity was quiet but profound, woven into the way she lived every day.

Above all, she was a believer in peace — in the world, in her community, and in each person’s capacity to offer it. Her legacy lives on in her family, in the traditions she nurtured, in the countless lives she touched, and in the enduring spirit of connection, celebration, and compassion that defined her life.

A celebration of life will take place this summer with future invitations. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to WAMC Radio in Kathy’s honor. She would love your support of her local National Public Radio station which she listened to daily.

View Kathryn Phillips's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/05/2026

March is a month of hope. The cold is beginning to thaw. The birds chirp just a bit more. We begin to think of wonderful ideas of spring and the splendor it brings. But even still, there is still much to do around. Get your head out of the clouds and get out there. Here are some events in the local area. We’d love to hear of other fun events to do in and around our local community.

Setting Up a Bluebird Nesting Box- Mar. 14th, 10:00-11:30 am
Landis Arboretum
174 Lape Rd, Esperance, NY
If you're an avid fan of watching bluebirds and are hoping this season to see even more of their wonderful color in the sky, then why not make them a home near your home? The Landis Arboretum is hosting a nesting box class to show the fundamentals. Please register with them on their Facebook ahead of time- https://www.facebook.com/LandisArb

CPI’s 3rd annual Soup Stroll- Mar. 14th, 12:00-3:00 pm
Cobleskill Partnership, INC.
Bull’s Head Inn, 105 Park Pl, Cobleskill, NY
Please join Cobleskill Partnership, Inc. at their third annual soup stroll. You’ll get to sample many soups. Many of which you may beg for the recipe. Please buy tickets on their website- https://www.cobleskillpartnership.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEydElaSzZabElOMXBvdHFOdnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5DWod2F77wyLNfrMMvu5kEgrDJ2CgtH91ukvvV1FDUy3_b-hg62GXtHvo5Tg_aem_cINWxFIRmcY7kquENctXLg

Easter Pottery Peeps & More- Mar. 15th, 4:00 pm
The Studio for Art and Craft
Serious Brewing Co., 116 Caverns Rd, Howes Cave, NY
Please understand that these are decorative, not for consumption. The Studio for Art and Craft is hosting a pottery extravaganza at Serious Brewing Co. You can make peeps, an egg luminary, a chocolate bunny, or an egg plate. Please register ahead of time at- https://app.getoccasion.com/p/n/WjpZNZvK/v5

Make Your Own Dish Garden- Mar. 21st, 11:00 am
Cross Hill Heirlooms
116 France Lane, Cobleskill, NY
Our amazing local florist Jenna Malette is hosting a Make Your Own Dish Garden event. Please join her in making one of these amazing options: small 8" ceramic garden of 3 plants and a succulent $40, medium 10" ceramic garden of 5 plants and a succulent $55, or large 11" ceramic garden of 8 plants and a succulent $80. Light brunch refreshments included. Please reserve your seat by calling 518-369-1414.

March Paint & Sip- Mar. 22nd, 2:00-3:30 pm
Sunken City Cider
193 Stryker Rd, Gilboa, NY
Sunken City Cider is hosting a paint and sip with their expert Denise. Sipping on drinks while painting is an amazing way to spend an afternoon. $50 includes 1 drink of your choice, paint supplies/materials, and pro instructions.

03/04/2026

Harold John Loder Sr.

Harold John Loder, Sr., 96, of Beards Hollow Road, Richmondville, New York died Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at his home.

Born on November 21, 1929, in Whitestone, NY, he was the son of Harold Edwin Loder and Helen J. (Kral) Loder. He was a graduate of Richmondville Central School, Class of 1947 and Cobleskill Ag & Tech, Class of 1949. He spent most of his life in the local area, previously residing in Whitestone, NY.

Harold owned and operated the family farm. He was CEO of Schoharie County FSA, retiring in 2003 at the age of 74.

He was a 84 year member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Richmondville.

Harold was a member of the Richmondville Central School Board of Education for 17 years, Richmondville Town Planning Board, Freemasons, Rotary Club, Richmondville Historical Society, Beards Hollow Society, CRCS Education Foundation, and the FFA, where he earned the American Farmer degree with the support of Joseph Radez.

On July 24, 1955, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Richmondville, Harold married A. Marie Knapp.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Judith (Loder) Knapik.

Harold is survived by his wife, Marie Loder; children, James (Tamera) Loder, Amy (Christopher) Sweezy, Andrew (Marci) Loder, Harold (Tiffany) Loder, Jr., Matthew (Julie) Loder, Alda Loder; grandchildren, Courtney (Ben) Narkis, Brett (Kristen) Loder, Taylor (Kristin) Sweezy, Connor (Tiffany Co) Sweezy, Kyle Sweezy, Claire Sweezy, Madeline Loder, Sebastian Loder, Morgan Loder, Keenan (Mariah) Loder, Brennan Loder, Hannah Loder, Olivia Loder; great-grandchildren, Ashley Narkis, Natalie Narkis, Jolene Loder, Jameson Loder; and 1 great-grandchild expected in June.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10:00am-12:00pm at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Richmondville. A memorial service will follow at Noon with SAM Stephen Gerhardt and SAM Robert Holt officiating. Burial will take place at Beards Hollow Church Cemetery in Spring 2026.

Contributions in memory of Mr. Harold John Loder, Sr. may be made to Richmondville Historical Society, Bunn Mill, 111 High Street, Richmondville, NY 12149.

View Harold John Loder Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/03/2026

Coleman W. Vickary

Coleman W. Vickary, 79, formerly of Canajoharie, died Monday, March 2, 2026, at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center in Schenectady, with his loving wife of 54 years by his side, following a courageous battle with LBD.

Born on December 19, 1946, in Amsterdam, NY, he was the son of Eugene P. Vickary and Jane (Manolini) Vickary. He had been a resident of Canajoharie most of his life.

He was a graduate of Canajoharie High School, Class of 1964. He attended Monmouth College.

On November 10th, he married the love of his life, Connie (Kiskis) Vickary, beginning a lifelong journey of love, partnership, and devotion. Together they raised 2 children; daughter, Regina and Aaron Haig of Cobleskill, NY; son, Coleman Dominic Vickary of Sharon Springs, NY.

He is also survived by sisters; Dara Howard, Robin Pete, and Maple Cervo, as well as his grandchildren; Meriah Hayes, Aubreian Farnsworth, Collin Haig, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Coleman was an entrepreneur and inventor, focused on creating a legacy for his family. His legacy began as the owner and operator of American Standard Manufacturing. He found daily joys in working with his hands and spending time with his family; boating or playing golf. As a man of many talents he excelled in blacksmithing, woodworking, engineering, photography, and giving advice when asked.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 2:00-4:00pm at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043. A funeral service will follow at 4:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Bramanville Prospect Cemetery, at a later date.

View Coleman W. Vickary's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/26/2026

Robert F. Praetorius

Mr. Robert Frank “Bob” Praetorius, 75, most recently of Shasta Ave., Chico, California died Monday morning, February 23, 2026, at his home, following a 6-month battle with cancer.

Born on March 26, 1950, in Gloversville, NY, he was the son of Everett Praetorius and Ruth Fikes Praetorius. He was a graduate of Johnstown High School and SUNY Oneonta, where he received a bachelor’s degree. He was a resident of the Johnstown area most of his life, raising his family on New Turnpike Road in Fort Plain. For the past 8 years he has been a resident of Chico, a move that helped him be closer to his boys.

He worked for National Grid from 1978 until his retirement in 2010.

He was of Christian faith.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish and passed that passion on to his sons. He had a larger-than-life personality. For years he was affectionately known as the “Unofficial Mayor of Ephratah”. He cared deeply for his family, which often looked a bit like micromanaging. Summers he took on the role of pool lifeguard at his home. There were so many great memories made by the pool. He enjoyed eating out, traveling, and spending time with family. He had an unforgettable laugh and was often the life of the party.

On August 21, 1971, in Johnstown, NY, Bob married the love of his life, Linda Kretser. Together they celebrated over 54 years of marriage.

He was predeceased by his parents, Everett and Ruth Praetorius.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Praetorius of Chico, CA; sons, Eric Praetorius of Utah, Chad Praetorius and Rachel of Chico, CA; sister, Sue and Doug Moore of Arizona; brother, Richard “Dick” Praetorius and Sandra Tallon of Fort Plain, NY; sister-in-law, Sandra Duesler; brothers-in-law, Ronald and Eileen Kretser, Dave and Bonnie Kretser, Rick Kretser and Sarah Hart; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, that he loved very much; as well as cousins and friends.

No services are scheduled at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

View Robert F. Praetorius's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/26/2026

Where are our Presidents Buried?

For this segment of our Thursday Thoughts, we’d like to share a historical burial site of President- Franklin Pierce, 14th President of the United States of America

President Franklin Pierce is buried in the Minot Enclosure of the Old North Cemetery in Concord, New Hampshire. He is buried with his wife and children on their family lot.

For more information, please visit- https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=77802

02/23/2026

❤️ We’re Going Red for Heart Health! ❤️

This February, Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home proudly stands with our community in supporting heart health awareness — especially for the women we love. Heart disease remains the #1 killer of women, claiming 1 in 3 lives each year — that’s more than all forms of cancer combined.

By wearing red and talking about heart health, we help spread an important message: awareness saves lives. Did you know that more than 4 in 10 women in the U.S. have some form of cardiovascular disease such as heart disease or stroke?

What you can do:
• Wear red to raise awareness
• Encourage loved ones to know their numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.)
• Share heart health tips with family and friends

Let’s honor precious lives by educating ourselves and others — and remember, every red shirt can be a reminder to take care of the heart that beats for us. 💓

02/23/2026

Isaiah did great at the Goodyear Lake Polar Bear Plunge. Thank you to all the sponsors and jumpers who helped. A new record of $203,000 was raised for the kids.

02/19/2026

Joyce C. Bushey

Joyce C. Bushey, 79, of Hillside Road, Pattersonville, New York died Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at River Ridge Living Center in Amsterdam.

Born on December 28, 1946, in Queens, NY, she was the daughter of Jacob Bortscheller and Mary Corrigan Bortscheller.

Joyce received her Master's degree from SUNY Albany.

She was a Special Education Teacher for Cohoes School District, retiring in 2017.

She was of Catholic faith.

Joyce was a member of the Duanesburg Historical Society. She was a crafter, and quilter. She enjoyed sewing and completing diamond dots.

On February 26, 1971, at St. Vincent de Paul's Catholic Church Joyce was married to Lewis C. Bushey.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Lewis C. Bushey; sons, Michael Bushey, Matthew and Alba Bushey; granddaughter, Chloe Bushey; grandson, Xavier Bushey; siblings, Jacob Bortscheller, Jr., Maryjean Delpha, Lorraine (Laura) Hoyt, Kathy Bortscheller, Karl Bortscheller, Tom Bortscheller.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 5:00-7:00pm at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY. A memorial service will follow at 7:00pm at the funeral home.

View Joyce C. Bushey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/19/2026

Where can I get a death certificate for someone?”

Death certificates are obtained from the registrar/clerk in the municipality where the death occurred.

If you know the location where the person passed away, then contact the village, town, or city clerk and apply for a certified copy of the death certificate. The application is typically available online on the website linked to the clerk.

If the person died over 10 years ago, in New York State, Albany Vital Statistics is where you can make an application for a death certificate. They hold all records of New York deaths that are older than 10 years.

You can also ask the funeral home that provided services. They can usually let you know which registrar/clerk to make the application to.