Kopler-Williams Funeral Home

11/29/2025

Butch James

Hunt --- Harlan D James, lovingly known as "Butch," passed away on November 27, 2025, at the age of 77. He was born on August 27, 1948, Butch lived a full, hardworking, and big-hearted life—one defined by dedication to his family, his craft, and the outdoors he loved so deeply.

An avid hunter, Butch found joy and peace in nature throughout his life. He worked as an electrician for over 45 years at Morton Salt Company, where he was known for his reliability, skill, and strong work ethic.

For two decades he proudly owned and operated Parkside Sporting Goods, a place where he shared his passion for archery and hunting, welcoming countless members of the community. He offered a place to share hunting stories and to teach young hunters safe and efficient hunting skills.

Butch was always readily available to lend a helping hand, and his generosity left a lasting mark on many lives. His love of nature and animals also included farm life, where he raised beef cows and horses.

Butch also served his community as town justice and on the town board for the Town of Portage for over 30 years.

Butch will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, and willingness to help anyone in need. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories created will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Butch is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Laura K James; his children Jeremy (Denise) James, Jay (Debbie) James, Charity (Jeff) Ross; his bonus daughters, Laurie (Kelly) Denby, Rebecca (Todd) Clinton; and his beloved grandchildren Jordan (Jenn) James, Nathanial (Riley) Spencer, Dakota (Kim) James, Jesse (Katelyn) James, Lia (Corey) Davis, Brooklyn Stewart, Justice James, Jillian James, and Hunter James. Several great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces also hold a special place in his heart.

He is also survived by his loving brother Terry (Leona) James; sister Sandra (Joseph) Borden; sister-in-law Linda Clark; Larry (Debbie) Clark; brother-in-law David Geens; and his lifelong best friends Ivan Davis and Marty (Helen) Grover.

He was predeceased by his loving daughter, DeeDee Marie James; parents Alvin "Mike" and Edna Gil James; brother Keith James; sisters, Nancy Geens, Sheryl Schuster, Sheila Parinello; sisters-in-law Lola Clark and Loretta James.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 1:00 pm in the Short Tract Fire Hall where a Celebration of Life will continue until 6:00 p.m. Pastor Aaron Stone will officiate.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore.

In lieu of flowers, memorials if desired to: Short Tract Fire Hall

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11/28/2025

Leisa G. Thomas

Belfast --- Leisa Gay Stives Thomas of 104 S Main Street died Tuesday, November 25, 2025 in her home. She was born on November 10, 1957, in Seminole, Oklahoma, the daughter of the late Harold Stives and Patricia Welt-Stives.

Leisa earned her nursing degree in 1995 dedicating her life to caring for others. She was very proud to be a nurse. Leisa provided care at The Pines of Machias and the Absolut at Houghton nursing homes.

Leisa’s pride and joy were her children and her grandkids. She was a mom who called her kids multiple times a day, Whether to check in or just to say, I love you. She found joy in fishing, playing cards, listening to George Strait, spending time with her children and her aide, Shirley, who has been with her for seven years

Leisa loved to go to the casino and take the occasional trip to the bingo hall. She is also well known to be the heart of our huge family by bringing us together for many activities. Whether it was cards as a family on Sundays or a plan to go Christmas caroling on a hay wagon in Centerville.

Surviving are her children, Mason (Linda) Miller of Sequin, TX, Marcy (Mark) Miller of Lakeview, Janielle Thomas Beardsley of Fillmore, Jolynn (Tyler) Thomas of Warsaw, her grandchildren, Merrick Miller, Madison Miller, Alayna Beardsley and Westley Beardsley and her siblings, Bobbie Sneed of Seminole, OK, Tobin Stives of Bloomfield, CO, Richard Stives and Steven Stives both of Bolivar.

Family and friends may gather from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore where a funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm. Bob Schooley, pastor of the Centerville United Methodist Church, will officiate.

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11/24/2025

LaVern Charles Wolfer

Centerville --- LaVern Charles Wolfer of 8616 County Road 3 went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 22, 2025 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born on April 22, 1933 in Centerville, a son of the late Kenneth and Joyce Wilcox Wolfer. He married Kathleen Lemke who survives.

LaVern was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving from 1950 to 1954. He was a former farmer, a former owner and operator of his own propane business and a truck driver.

He was a member of the Higgins Wesleyan Church and one of his greatest joys in life were his horses.

Surviving in addition to his wife are their children, Tina (Ken) Wilcox of Centerville, Ty (Sherri) Wolfer of Virginia, Daniel (Tammy) Wolfer, Don (Glenda) Wolfer, Charlie (Vickie) Wolfer, Tyson (Laurie) Wolfer all of Centerville, 18 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Leslie “Mike” Wolfer.

Family and friends may gather from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm on Monday, December 1, 2025 at the Higgins Wesleyan Church, 8222 Higgins Rd where a funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm. Rev. Bruce Smith will officiate. Burial with military honors, accorded by the Dee Victor Thomas Post 1155 of Fillmore, will be held in Alger Cemetery, Fillmore.

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11/15/2025

Bonnie S. Chechele

Hume --- Bonnie S. Chechele of 10829 Claybed Road went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 13, 2025 in Olean General Hospital. She was born on February 19, 1958 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, a daughter of the late Stephen and Veronica Homza. She married Michael L. Chechele who survives.

Bonnie was a graduate of the Wyoming Area High School, class of 1976, in Exeter, PA. She had several jobs while in Pennsylvania which included a 20+ year employment with the Ousterhout Free Library, a 10+ year employment with Pittston Lumber and 10+ years with the Greater Pittston YMCA.

In 2007 Bonnie and her family moved to Fillmore where she was employed the Absolut at Houghton Nursing Home where she worked in activities until her retirement.

She enjoyed crocheting, coloring, taking care of her family, watching her game shows such as Press Your Luck, Match Game and the Price is Right. She also enjoyed watching lifetime and hallmark movies.

Bonnie will be remembered for her infectious laugh, warm and caring spirit, her generosity but most of all her compassion and empathy for others.

Surviving in addition to her husband is their son, Mikey Chechele of Fillmore, a sister, Donna (Joe) Schartzer, a brother, Stephen (Donna) Homza, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, friends, co-workers and many “adopted” children who called her mom.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by a sister, Linda Sue Homza.

Family and friends may gather from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore and on Friday, November 21, 2025 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the Corpus Christi Parish in the St. Anthony of Padua Church, 224 Memorial St., Exeter, PA where A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 am. Rite of Committal will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Park, Dallas, PA.

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11/10/2025

Evangeline Goldie Osgood Grant

Houghton --- The ultimate mom and caregiver, Evangeline “Vangie” Goldie Osgood Grant, passed away Saturday, November 8, 2025, while in the Wyoming County Hospital Nursing Facility where she had been in attendance since August 9th. In the previous 4 years, she was in residence at the Field of Dreams Assisted Living Facility in Allegany, NY; a place that had become like home to her. Living in Houghton, with her beloved husband of 70 years, “Vangie” and Harold, who predeceased her, raised their five children.

Vangie was born on April 8, 1933, in the town of Stockholm, NY to parents Rev. Dennis and Clara Parker Osgood and, as a preacher’s kid, moved frequently through the years as her father ministered to many churches in the Wesleyan Methodist Church. She graduated high school in Kingston, NY and worked at the W.T. Grant store in Kingston. Catching the eye of the youth group leader, Harold (“Hank”), she married the love of her life on June 30, 1951, in Chichester.

Survivors include her five children: David (Molly Wenke) Grant of Florida; Vicki Grant-White (Earl) of Houghton, NY; Michael (Donna Hartman) Grant of Honeyoe, NY; Valerie (Michael) Smith of Caneadea, NY; and Rebecca (Larry) Griffin of Houghton and Florida. Boasting 19 grandchildren and 34 (and 1 on the way) great-grandchildren, she loved sincerely all of her “grands” with open arms, often babysitting 8-10 at a time. Grandchildren are Tara Grant, Julianna Bordonaro, Liz Bordonaro, Caellin Grant, Max Grant, Brandon Fegley, Lia O’Gorman, Shayna Skretny, Aaron Grant, Daniel Grant, Amanda Baker, CT Calhoun, Chelsea Young, Justin Smith, Benjamin Smith, Tonya Akin, Sean Griffin, Brittany Griffin, and Joshua Griffin. There were 3 persons named after her: Lia (Evangelia) Elan O’Gorman, Evangeline Liberty Grant, and Evan John O’Gorman. Other survivors include brother-in-law James Ross and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her sisters and brothers including, Esther (Peg) and Rev. Robert Capen, Durward and Ruth Osgood, Donald and Joan Osgood, and Marilyn Ross.

Vangie worked at Houghton College’s bookstore in the later 70’s and was a caregiver, which she loved, to individuals in the surrounding community. She was in a church bowling league for 4 years, was a member of the Houghton Fire Department Auxiliary, and a Wesleyan church member for many years, attending at Houghton Wesleyan Church.

Building on her love for young people, she, along with her husband, were dorm parents and took in several students in their home over the years when they didn’t have any place to go or needed help financially, earning her the title of “Macho” together with her husband’s moniker of “Pacho.”

She loved her books and reading, as well as playing on her “Black Beauty” piano and accordion. She often wrote stories and poems for others. She often joked that her initials both before and after marriage spelled something (EGO and EGG), though she wasn’t sure that she wanted to be either one of those.

Most importantly, Vangie was kind, quiet, and unassuming as she sat in the notice of others; observing other’s needs while going without herself, trying to obey what God required of her in loving one another. She truly lived up to the meaning of her name, Evangeline – “One who brings good news.”

Family and friends may gather from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 2:00 pm in the Houghton Wesleyan church. Paul Shea and Jon Cole will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Houghton Wesleyan Food Pantry, the Houghton Fire Department, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

View Evangeline Goldie Osgood Grant's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/06/2025

View Donald Harold Fegley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/06/2025

Gordon Earl Wendt

Short Tract ---- Gordon “Gordy” Earl Wendt of 10186 County Road 15 died Wednesday, November 5, 2025 in Noyes Memorial Hospital, Dansville. He was born on January 22, 1939, in Hinsdale, a son of the late Henry and Florence Grimes Wendt.

Gordy was a veteran of the United States Army serving from 1957 to 1959 and was a former Machine Operator for Mallory’s in Warsaw.

He enjoyed watching westerns, repairing tractors and repairing sewing machines.

Surviving are his daughters Lisa (Terry) Voss of Short Tract, Sam Curran of Oakland, three grandsons, Chris (Sara) Voss, Noah (Jen) Voss, Adam (Samantha) Voss, seven great-grandchildren, a great-great-granddaughter, his siblings, Betty McTarnaghan of Nunda, Rick Wendt of Short Tract, Ralph Wendt of Short Tract, June Simmons of Arizona and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, John Wendt, a sister, Millie Wendt and a son-in-law David Curran.

A private graveside will be held in Short Tract cemetery.

Memorials if desired to: Short Tract Fire Department

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10/27/2025

Louis F. White

Short Tract --- It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Louis F. White, our beloved husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend on October 23, 2025.

Louis was born on February 3, 1953, in Norfolk, Virginia, a son of the late Roger and Wilma Curry White. Louie lived a life full of love, laughter, and hard work. On November 4, 1972, he married Jean E. Thomas in Centerville, and together they raised four children: Michael, Vicki, Erica, and Brian.

A 1971 graduate of Fillmore Central School, Louie began his career as a machine operator before becoming a tractor trailer owner-operator for several companies until 2001. He later worked alongside his daughters in painting and most recently drove for Bugman & Sons in Dalton.

Louie had a passion for golf, often playing year-round with his trusted golf partner. He was always busy—mowing lawns, meticulously cleaning his vehicles, and hunting down the best car parts with Mike.

One of his favorite traditions was hosting the annual Crab fest, complete with family, laughter, and beer breaks on the back porch during hot summer evenings.

Louie is survived by his loving wife Jean and children; Michael (Sarah) White of Dalton, Vicki (Kevin) Clark of Hume, Erica (Steve) Powell of Fillmore, a daughter-in-law Kasey White, a proud grandfather to Devin, Carli, Kali, Olivia, John Thomas, and Maddex Palma, his brother, Roger (Carmella) White, sister Deb White, sister-in-law Beth White, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his youngest son Brian; three brothers, Bob, Rick, and Mike; a son-in-law, Pedro Ortiz; a nephew Chris White; and grandbabies Harley, Hope, Riley, and Brody.

Louie will be remembered for his unwavering love for family, his tireless work ethic, and the joy he brought to those around him.

Family and friends may gather from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore where a memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00 am. Rodney Mix will officiate.

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10/23/2025

Jane Ellen Roeske

Fillmore – With deep sadness and steadfast faith, the family of Jane Ellen Gregg Roeske, 86, of Fillmore, previously of Caneadea, announces her passing on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Olean General Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Jane was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend whose life reflected grace, kindness, and an unwavering trust in God. A member of Houghton Wesleyan Church for more than 50 years, she shared her faith through acts of service, compassion, and hospitality. Her home was always open, her table always full, and her homemade pies became a symbol of the love she offered to all who entered. In her own words, with a big smile she would say, “there’s always room for one more”.

She was born August 16, 1939, in West Sand Lake, NY, the daughter of the late Harvey and Florence Beeker Gregg. On June 27, 1965, she married the love of her life, William A. “Bill” Roeske, at the First Baptist Church of Elma. Together, they built a life centered on faith and family, sharing nearly 50 wonderful years of marriage before Bill’s passing on March 15, 2015.

Jane graduated from Troy High School in 1956, earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Houghton College in 1960, and her master’s degree from Buffalo State University in 1964. Teaching was not just her profession but her calling. She began her career in the Iroquois School District in Elma, later teaching in Angelica and retiring from Fillmore Central School in 1996 after a long and devoted career that inspired generations of students.

From 1968 to 1978, Jane devoted herself to raising her family, then returned to the classroom to teach 1st through 4th grades. Beyond her work as an educator, she was active in her church, serving as a Sunday school teacher, as Sunday school superintendent, on college ministries committee, on the senior citizens committee and more. She was so grateful to serve her church and community and lived a life marked by gratitude, faith, and joy.

Jane found delight in bird watching, biking, sewing, quilting, knitting, traveling, cooking for her family, friends and college students, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. Her warm welcome, gentle spirit and generous heart made her a blessing to all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Martha (Shawn) Skeele of DeRuyter, and Peter (Faith) Roeske of Fillmore; six grandchildren: Aubrey (Samuel) Evans, Autumn Weikel, Noah (Danielle) Skeele, Adeline, Hannah, and William Roeske; and four great-grandchildren: Galilee Jane, Josiah, Judah Evans, and Damian Skeele. She is also survived by her sisters Virginia Polanski and Barbara Gregg, and nieces Ruth (Paul) Milone and Maryanne Polanski, as well as her sister-in-law Dorothy (Mel) Roeske Dye, and nieces: Brenda (Mark) Dye Mutton and Cheryl (Lou) Dye Holden.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 7:00 pm to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, at Houghton Wesleyan Church where a funeral service will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 3:00 pm, with Rev. David Huizenga officiating. Burial will take place Monday, November 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery, Belfast.

Jane’s life was a reflection of love, faith, hospitality and kindness. Her legacy continues through the many lives she touched—with her family, her students, and her community—all of whom are better for having known her.

Memorials if desired to: Houghton University Bill Roeske Scholarship Fund, Houghton Wesleyan Church or Gideon’s International.

*** banner art by Hannah Roeske, Jane’s granddaughter***

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10/18/2025

Arthur Drew funeral service with military honors

10/17/2025

Arthur E Drew Masonic Service

10/12/2025

Linda Lee Roth

Fillmore --- Linda Lee Miller Roth of 11003 Merwin Road went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 11, 2025 in Wyoming County Community Hospital, Warsaw. She was born on May 2, 1946 in Fillmore, a daughter of the late Melvin and Betty Cronk Miller. On July 31, 1965 she married Paul J. Roth who survives.

Linda was a graduate of Fillmore Central School, class of 1964, and was employed as a teacher’s aide until her retirement in 2013.

She was a member of the Houghton Wesleyan Church and enjoyed car rides, her flower gardens and spending time with her family and her extended Amish family.

Surviving in addition to her husband are their children, Paul Craig (Nancy) Roth of Fillmore, Sarah (Jeff) Luckey of Short Tract, her grandchildren, Dylan Luckey, Michaela (Shelby) Tucker, Corrin Roth and a niece, Heather (Tim) Beardsley and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents she was predeceased by a sister, Sharon Myers in 2015.

Family and friends may gather from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Houghton Wesleyan Church. Pastor Paul Shea will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton.

Memorials if desired to: Houghton Wesleyan Church.

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