Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home

03/19/2026

Debra Ann Palmer

Herkimer - Debra Ann Palmer, 64, of Herkimer, passed away peacefully at her home on March 16, 2026, with her loving family by her side.

Born on August 5, 1961, in Cooperstown, Deb was the daughter of the late Grant and Donna Farley-Mower Palmer. Affectionately known by many as "Mamadukes," she was a source of comfort, strength, and unconditional love to all who knew her. She attended Richfield Springs schools and graduated with the class of 1979.

Deb dedicated many years of her life to caring for others as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Masonic Care Community, where her compassion and gentle spirit left a lasting impact on residents and colleagues alike.

She shared more than 20 loving years with her devoted partner, Anthony Seymour, who was truly the love of her life. Together, they built a life filled with care, laughter, and unwavering support.

Deb is survived by her beloved partner, Anthony Seymour of Herkimer; her children, Randy Decker of Cold Brook, Noelle Palmer of Rome, and Anthony Seymour of Herkimer; as well as many cherished grandchildren who brought her immense pride and joy. She is also survived by her brothers, Brad Palmer and Gary Palmer; her life sister, Tanya Cummings; and her chosen daughter, Heather Pryor.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her children, Amber Palmer and Brian Seelbach; her brother, Grant Palmer; and her sister, Jean Palmer.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 24th from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion, NY 13357. Deb will be laid to rest in Armory Hill Cemetery later in the spring.

To leave condolences for Deb's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com.

View Debra Ann Palmer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/17/2026

Harry L. Walker

Herkimer - Harry L. Walker, 92, of Herkimer, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026 at Valley Health Services.

He was born on October 9, 1933, the son of the late Clint and Caroline Adams Walker. Harry was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janet Graham, on January 1, 1956, at the Protestant Church in Riverside, Rhode Island. They shared 69 years together until her passing last year.

Harry was a graduate of East Providence High School, class of 1951, and continued his education at the Rhode Island Electronics School. He proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard from 1952 until his Honorable Discharge in 1955, during which time he was stationed throughout New England and in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Following his service, Harry began a long and dedicated career with General Electric in Utica, where he worked as a Test Equipment Engineer for 32 years before retiring in 1989.

Harry is survived by his son, Larry Walker of Wyoming and two grandchildren, Alexandra Walker and Lindsay Brenneke. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Janet, he was predeceased by a son, Stephen Walker and a daughter, Terry Walker.

In keeping with Harry's wishes, there will be no public services. Arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St., Ilion, NY. Harry will be laid to rest with Janet in Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica.

To leave condolences for Harry's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com

View Harry L. Walker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/11/2026

Today, March 11, we celebrate National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day.

Funeral directors serve families during some of the most difficult moments in life. Their work requires compassion, professionalism, patience, and an incredible attention to detail. From guiding families through decisions, to coordinating meaningful services and offering a steady and caring presence—this profession is truly a calling.

Today, we want to extend our sincere appreciation to our dedicated staff and funeral directors everywhere who serve their communities with dignity and heart every single day. Your commitment to helping families honor their loved ones does not go unnoticed.

Thank you for the care you provide, the comfort you bring, and the difference you make in the lives of so many.

Please join us in showing appreciation for funeral directors and mortuary professionals today. 🤍

03/05/2026

Paul Irving Pryor

Ilion - Mr. Paul Irving Pryor, 87, of Ilion, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026.

Paul was born on December 29, 1938, the son of the late William Pryor and Anna Geers. On September 3, 1960, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Patterson, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Oswego, beginning a marriage that would span decades of family, memories, and devotion.

Paul had a great love for bowling and golf, hobbies he enjoyed for many years. Whether at the bowling lanes or on the golf course, Paul always appreciated the simple joys of spending time doing what he loved.

Above all else, Paul cherished his family. He is survived by his two daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and Scott Devereese and Pamella and Carl Stafford, all of Ilion. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Miranda Meinzer and her husband Chris, Alexandria Stinson and her husband Deron, Scott Taylor and his husband Michael, Carlianna Gauthier and Jessica Robinson. Paul was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren, Grayson Meinzer, Chase Meinzer, Medisyn Lyle, Alijah Stinson, Lilly Gauthier, Emma Gauthier, Bryce Gauthier, Wyatt Devereese-Taylor, Isaac Devereese-Taylor and Jada Cochis and many nieces and nephews.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, nine brothers, Kenneth, Francis, Edward, Floyd, Jack, Harold, Robert, Raymond, and Gerald Pryor, and two sisters, Shirley Mulcahey and Ruth Russ.

A funeral service will be held on March 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, 443 Henry Street in Herkimer. In keeping with Paul's wishes, there will be no public calling hours. Arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion, NY 13357.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Paul's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.

To leave condolences for Paul's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com

View Paul Irving Pryor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/26/2026

We had such a great time at Utica University yesterday! Heather Rauch of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home and Michelle Ironside-Kinville of Ironside Funeral Homes were guest speakers in Professor Dave Roberts’ Death, Dying & Bereavement class and spent the afternoon chatting with about 30 amazing students. They asked thoughtful, honest questions about what our day-to-day really looks like as funeral directors, how this profession shapes our lives in ways that aren’t always “typical,” and what it’s like to be called to this kind of work. We shared that for us, this isn’t just a job — it’s truly a calling centered on compassion, service, and being there for families when they need it most. Thank you to Professor Roberts and his class for the warm welcome and such meaningful conversation!

02/23/2026

We’re proud to stand with our community and raise awareness for heart health — because every heart matters. At Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, we’re wearing red to honor those affected by heart disease and to help spread the word about this important cause.

📊 Did you know?
• Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States – far surpassing all forms of cancer combined.
• Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of heart disease or stroke.
• Heart disease claims the lives of 1 in 3 women — that’s a life lost every 80 seconds.

Wearing red isn’t just a color choice — it’s a conversation starter, a sign of support, and a reminder to take heart health seriously. Whether it’s a simple red shirt, tie, or accessory, each piece helps shine a spotlight on this life-changing issue.

💬 Join us — wear red, share these facts, and encourage the women in your life to know their numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, BMI) and take action for a healthier heart.

Together, we can make heart health a priority.
❤️

02/21/2026

Louella V. Matousek

Utica - Mrs. Louella Virginia Matousek, 85, of Utica, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at the Wynn Hospital following a brief illness.

Louella was born on June 17, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland, a daughter of the late Robert L. and Louella V. Reindollar Ott.

On June 10, 1961, Louella married the love of her life, James F. Matousek, Jr. in Baltimore, Maryland. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and adventure. Following her husband's career with Dupont, and later, with Re*****on Arms Co., they resided in Seaford, DE; Wilmington, DE (twice); Old Hickory, TN; Martinsville, VA; Mohawk, NY; Herkimer, NY; and finally, Utica, NY. The two shared many wonderful years together, and as roommate in the Masonic Care Community, until James' passing in April in of 2024.

Louella began her professional career as a Paralegal Clerk in Baltimore, Maryland, prior to the family's first move to Delaware. While she dedicated herself to her work early on, her greatest devotion was always to her family.

She was a long-time, active member of the Mohawk Reformed Church in Mohawk, NY, where she faithfully served and especially loved leading Bible study groups. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life and was reflected in her kindness, wisdom, and servant's heart. Louella was an avid reader who could often be found with a book in hand. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, traveling throughout the world, and staying active within her church community. Most of all, she cherished time spent with friends and family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and great-grandmother whose steady presence and gentle strength will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her beloved sons, James F. Matousek, III and his wife, Sandra of Arlington, Tennessee, and Robert A. Matousek, Sr. and his wife, Fatima of Waller, Texas; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mohawk Reformed Church in Mohawk, NY, officiated by Reverend Brian Engel at a date and time to be announced.

Louella's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at the Masonic Care Community of New York.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY 13357.

To leave condolences for Louella's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com

View Louella V. Matousek's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/16/2026

Marie L. Crim

Herkimer - Mrs. Marie L. Crim, 75, of Herkimer, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026 at the Wynn Hospital.

Marie was born in Bridgewater, NY on November 26, 1950, a daughter of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Crossmen Foley. She attended and graduated from Bridgewater Schools. On February 17, 1968, she was united in marriage to her husband of 51 years, Richard E. Crim, at Cedarville Community Church in Cedarville. Richard passed away on June 30, 2019.

She is survived by two sons, Richard E. Crim, Jr. and his wife Violet and Robert Crim; two daughters Rhonda Crim and Regina Vriesema and her husband Jeremy; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a special niece and caregiver, Jennifer Mower; one brother, John Foley; her sisters, Elizabeth Reed, Deb Krum, Rita Foley and Tina Jackson and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two sisters and one brother.

In keeping with Marie's wishes, there will be no public services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY 13357.

To leave condolences for Marie's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com

View Marie L. Crim's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/09/2026

Shirley S. Pearson

Ilion - Shirley Mae Steiner Pearson, 95, passed away in the comfort of her home on February 8, 2026.

Shirley was born on July 2, 1930 in Ilion, to Frederick and Clara Santmire Steiner. She attended Ilion Schools and graduated with the class of 1948. After graduation, she worked as a telephone operator in the Ilion Telephone Office. She also worked for the Ilion Central School System as a Library Aide in the Senior High Library until her retirement in 1992. Shirley was a lifelong member of the Ilion United Methodist Church and volunteered for many years at the church's Cornerstone Store.

On August 9, 1952, Shirley married her High School sweetheart, Donald Verner Pearson, with whom she shared a loving union until his death in 2011.

Shirley is survived by her 3 children, Cynthia and her husband, David Garrett of Barneveld, Douglas Pearson and his wife, Ruth and Dale Pearson, all of Ilion; 5 grandchildren, Danielle Pearson and her companion, Dan Donarumma of Rochester, Nathan Pearson and his wife, Madison of Ilion, Kalynn Walpole and her companion, Brad Gallagher of Saratoga, Amanda and her husband, Francesco Fracioli of Utica and Jessica Garrett of Rutland, VT; 7 great-grandchildren, Blaire and Reilly Pearson, Shae Gallagher, Lila and Francesco Fraccioli, Althea Gile and Andrew Perry; 5 nieces, Judith Hendrix, Patricia Hendrix and her companion, Dennis Wright, Diane and her husband Bala Talbot, Ida and her husband, Chad Dickenson and Barbara and her husband, Kevin Davis.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Don; her brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Mary Steiner; her sister-in-law, Arlene "Sis" Pearson; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Audrey and William Hendrix, and their daughter, Suzanne Kellog.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Jennifer Colon, Diane Hughes and especially, Michelle Goodbread, whose care, compassion and nursing skills made it possible for Shirley to live out her life in the comfort of her home.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 from 2-4 pm in the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY. A service will follow at 4 pm at the funeral home, with Pastor Joelle Faulks, officiating. She will be laid to rest in Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion, later in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Shirley's memory may be made to the Herkimer County Humane Society, 514 NY-5S, Mohawk, NY 13407. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To leave condolences for Shirley's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com

View Shirley S. Pearson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/05/2026

Hometown pride! 💙

Congratulations to Brian Angelichio of Ilion, NY on being hired as Offensive Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers! From our small-town roots to one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, this is an incredible achievement and a testament to hard work, dedication, and talent.

Way to represent Ilion on the national stage, Brian—we’re cheering you on!

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finalizing a deal to hire Brian Angelichio as their offensive coordinator, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday, per sources.

01/30/2026

Anne Jeanette Powers

Albany, NY - Anne McBath Powers, of Albany, NY passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026.

Anne was born on November 16, 1926, at the Sanders house in Lisbon, NY to William K. McBath - of Lisbon, NY and Jessie J. McBath (nee' Veitch) - of Madrid, NY who soon brought her home to the family farm in Lisbon, NY. Anne was christened at the Presbyterian Church in Waddington, NY. The McBath family home rested on the shores of the St. Lawrence River where she grew up with her older sister Norma with whom she was very close. Norma Betty Grant (nee' McBath) settled in Long Beach, CA, and predeceased Anne in 2013. While growing up helping on the family farm and watching the large ships pass by on the St. Lawrence River, the sisters shared lifelong pursuits. At night, they would settle in with the family dog to listen to the radio with their father, and the family always loved to cheer on their beloved Montreal Canadiens. They enjoyed traveling, the arts, theater, sewing, knitting, sports and bird watching. They visited 14 different countries over the years, many times as part their family reunion with the Veitch historical society. We still have all the slides and slide projector. If you wanted to know about a bird, a tree, plant or a flower Anne could tell you or she would find out for you.

After graduation from Waddington High School in June of 1943, Anne was accepted to the Potsdam Teacher's College within the elementary education program and completed her Bachelor's degree. Her first job out of college in the fall of 1946 was at the Black River Elementary School (part of Fort Drum) teaching third grade. During her time at Black River, she received her Master's degree in teaching from Potsdam.

The next decision she made (in our humble opinion) would lead to many wonderful things. A family friend recommended that Anne take an available teaching position at the North Street School in Ilion, NY wrangling and leading 3rd graders, she taught there from 1949 to her retirement in 1957. While in Ilion NY she met her husband Richard K. Powers. They were married on July 9, 1955 at the Church of Annunciation, Ilion NY, officiated by the Rev. Daniel Horan. Her husband Richard K. Powers predeceased her in April of 1994.

She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was caring, patient and kind to all her family and friends. Anne grew up in an era where being part of local organizations and helping the community was how you spent your time. She was a member of the Ilion Little Theatre Club, Mohawk Valley Women's business association, Ilion Women's Bowling League, Ilion KofC Auxiliary, and Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts to name a few. Over the years Anne accomplished many things. Some of her highlights: winner of the Ilion Bi-centennial poster contest in 1976, many awards for her flower arrangements as part of the Ilion Garden Club, planting flowers and trees around the village of Ilion, volunteering with the Ilion Little Theatre Club and many school projects in support of her children and grand-children. She spent many summers on Piseco Lake NY, usually up at 5am in search of the loon or other wildlife. She ended up identifying many species of birds over the years for the National Audubon Society as a member representing the West Canada Valley Audubon Society. Anne served as a coordinator for the New York Breeding Bird Atlas project from 1981-1986, covering Hamilton County. At the conclusion she represented her area at the National Audubon Camp in Hog Island Maine. Anne was a lifetime member of the Federated Garden Clubs of NY State. She first joined the Ilion Garden Club in 1957, was President from 2000 - 2002, and loved to create arrangements and help others with creating their own. Every family holiday table over the years had something special that Anne created. After spending 59 years in Ilion, she carried that passion on when she moved to Slingerlands, NY in 2008 joining the Bethlehem Garden Club of Delmar. All of her work over this time was recognized when she received a NY State Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.

Another passion of Anne's was spending a day at the horse races in Saratoga, she cashed quite a few tickets over the years, but could be stingy with any horse racing tips. Anne made many friendships over the years as she was always able to connect with people through her projects and helping her husband with the real estate business. She had her real estate license and continued to sell into her 70's. She took up painting at the age of 78 and became quite the painter. She gave many of her paintings away to her family and we will always cherish those.

Anne is survived by her children and their spouses, Barbara Cristman (Dean) Ilion NY, Jack Powers (Maureen) Delmar NY, Robert Powers (Pia) Charlotte NC and her niece Roberta Grant Santa Barbara CA. Roberta was a great travel companion for Anne and she loved following her career. Also, her grandchildren; Jason Cristman, Jennifer Maggiolino (Dean), Brian Cristman, Jane Powers, Callan Powers, Nolan Powers and Riley Powers. She also has two great grandchildren Alexis and Kylie Maggiolino. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the people at Marie Rose Manor in Slingerlands and the Teresian House in Albany for all their support and care.

Calling hours will be Friday, February 6, 2026 at Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. in Ilion, NY from 2pm to 4pm. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 4pm with Rev. Betsy Jay, officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Anne's memory to the Ilion Garden Club, 12 George St. Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

To leave condolences for Anne's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com

View Anne Jeanette Powers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.