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Marathon Memorial Chapel, 4071 Route 221/P. O. Box 815, Marathon, NY (2025)

10/20/2025

Joan M. Root

Joan M. (Young) Root, 80, of Marathon, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at her home, while surrounded by her loving family.

Joan was born in Cortland, NY, on October 25, 1944, the daughter of the late Carl and Lillian Holtmart Young.

Joan’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and familial devotion. She retired from SUNY Cortland after 20 years of exemplary service, during which she touched the lives of countless students and staff with her kindness and unwavering support. Her professional journey also included valued positions at Gregg's Big M in Marathon and Crescent Corset in Cortland, showcasing her strong work ethic and commitment to her roles.

Joan was a devoted mother to her three children: Michael Root of Marathon, David (Carrie) Root of Chester, SC, and Michelle Ryan of Marathon. She was a proud grandmother to twelve grandchildren: Derek (MacKenzie) Root, Alexis (Cody) Smith, Kendra Root, Ryan Root, Olivia (Michael Hunter) Young, Austin (Giada) Root, Hunter Root, Nicholas Ryan, Nathan (Brooke) Ryan, Noah Ryan, Nolan Ryan, and Addison Ryan. Each grandchild received a unique piece of her love and guidance, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Joan was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Harper, Hudson, Dax, Benson, Charlotte, and Ellie, who brought immense joy to her later years. She also leaves behind by her beloved sisters, Shirley (William) Coffin of Tully and Joyce (Carl) Oros of Sarasota, FL, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember her with fondness and gratitude for the warmth she brought into their lives.

Joan was predeceased by her husband, Donald Root, on August 18, 2016, who was her partner in life and love. The loss of her granddaughter Alisha Nicole Root in 1989 and the recent passing of her great-grandchild Koa Smith in 2025 weighed heavily on her heart. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Doris Whitmore and Janet Irvin.

Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Joan and Koa may be directed to Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), P.O. Box 22324, New York, NY 10087/

Joan will be remembered not only for her significant contributions to her profession but more importantly for her deep love of family and friends. Her legacy of compassion, strength, and resilience will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. As we celebrate her life, let us hold dear the lessons she imparted and the love she shared.

View Joan M. Root's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/01/2025

Horace J. Lumsden

Horace J. Lumsden, 92, of Marathon, NY, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Guthrie Cortland Regional Medical Center, Cortland, NY, after becoming ill at home.

Born in Johnson City, NY, on August 7, 1933, Horace was the son of the late George William Lumsden and Pearl Wall Lumsden. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1954. His commitment to his country was a source of pride throughout his life and exemplified his strong sense of duty and integrity.

As an esteemed member of the Sheet Metal Union in Binghamton, NY, Horace contributed his skills and expertise as a sheet metal worker. His craftsmanship and reliability earned him the respect and admiration of peers and employers alike.

Horace his survived by his daughter, Suzanne Lumsden of Owego, and his son, Michael (Roxann) Lumsden of Binghamton. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Thomas) Eldridge of Castle Creek, Stephen (Raven) Lumsden of Binghamton, and Rebecca Lumsden of Binghamton; his great-grandchildren, Caroline Eldridge, Trevor Eldridge, Elijah Reynolds, and Xavier Lumsden; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Horace is preceded in death by his siblings: George Lumsden, Wilma Woytovich, Robert Lumsden, Mary Lou Morabito, and Betty Lumsden.

Private graveside services at Riverview Cemetery, Hancock, NY, will be held at the convenience of the family.

View Horace J. Lumsden's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/25/2025

Marlin "Rudy" White

Marlin "Rudy" White, 91, of Marathon, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Rudy was born in Marathon, NY, on February 12, 1934, the son of the late Marlin J. and Susanne Parker White. For over 30 years, Rudy served as a conservation officer for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). His dedication to protecting the environment and wildlife exemplified his strong sense of responsibility to the community and nature. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the field, Rudy was honored with his name inscribed on the Montana Game Warden Star Badge.

Rudy proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, a chapter of his life that underscored his unwavering commitment to his country. He was also an active member of the Osco-Robinson American Legion Post #617 in Marathon and the Marathon Lodge F&AM, reflecting his belief in community service and brotherhood.

In his younger days, Rudy embraced the outdoors with great enthusiasm, being an avid trapper, hunter, and fisherman. These hobbies not only brought him joy but also fostered a profound respect for the natural world—a lesson he passed down to his family.

Rudy is survived by his loving children, Marlin "Curtis" (Amy) White of Marathon, Marlene (Brian) Schwingel of Horseheads, and Jefferson (Kathleen) White of Newark Valley. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren and cherished two great-grandsons, who adored him dearly. His siblings, Harold (Lo**ta), Connie, Martha (Sam), Margery (Jeff), and Susie (Robert), along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins, also mourn his passing.

Rudy was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joan Corwin White, who passed on January 29, 2022, as well as his sisters, Marilyn Liddington and Nina Jean White.

A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at the Marathon Cemetery on Friday, October 17, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Rudy may be directed to the American Legion Post #617, 1034 U.S. Highway 11, Marathon, NY 13803.

View Marlin "Rudy" White's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/22/2025

Patricia A. Hatch

Patricia A. (Northrup) Hatch, 88, of Marathon, NY, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Cortland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Cortland, NY, while surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Cortland, NY, on July 9, 1937, Pat was a lifetime resident of the area. She cherished her roots in the community and dedicated her life to those she held dear. She was the cherished daughter of the late Harry and Iris Perkins Northrup. Pat had a passion for nurturing plants and spent countless hours enjoying her garden. This carved a special place in her heart for the beauty of nature and provided her with a peaceful retreat that she often shared with her family.

She is survived by her sons LaVerne Hatch of Arkansas and Bruce (Ann) Hatch of Marathon, who cherished her guidance and unwavering support throughout their lives. Her legacy continues through her adoring grandchildren, Amanda (Terry) Little of Philadelphia, PA, and Stefanie Courtney of Virgil, along with her great-grandchildren: Carter, Collette, Clover, and Cruz Courtney, and Louise Little, who brought her immense joy and fulfillment. She also leaves behind her brothers, Lanny (Colleen) Northrup of Rochester and Wayne Northrup of Maryland; her sisters-in-law, Sally and Donna Northrup, both of Florida, and her brother-in-law, Ronnie Anderson of Florida.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Enos Hatch, in 2014. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Sonny Northrup and Ronnie Northrup, her sisters, Iris Anderson and Estella Holmes. Despite the loss of her loved ones, Patricia’s spirit remained unwavering and her warmth continued to touch those around her.

Funeral services for Pat will be held at the Marathon Memorial Chapel, 4071 State Route 221, Marathon, NY on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the start of the service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be in Texas Valley Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Pat may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011. Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Pat leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and kindness. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

View Patricia A. Hatch's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/18/2025

Beverly Ann Plew Scharwath

Beverly Ann Plew Scharwath,age 88,passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Guthrie Cortland Regional Medical Center, Cortland, NY.

Beverly was born on July 5, 1937 in Thompson, PA to her parents Harlow and Dorothy Plew. She was raised in Marathon, NY and graduated from Marathon High School in June of 1954. After she graduated high school she married John Schumacher, Jr. and had two sons, James, and Jay. She later moved to Philadelphia, PA where she pursued a Bachelor's Degree in English from LaSalle University where she graduated in May of 1979. Upon graduation from LaSalle, Beverly married Robert and they relocated to California. While in California, Beverly held a career in human resources at Parker Seal. After her retirement from Parker, she and Bob moved to Kentucky, where they enjoyed their retirement by traveling, spending time with friends and family, and doting over their beloved husky Brooke. Beverly had a wonderful life. A life full of love, family, a career, and many fulfilling hobbies. She was an avid scrapbooker, she loved going camping, and she loved spending time with friends and family most of all. One of her proudest accomplishments in retirement was being able to travel to and camp at every state park in Kentucky. Beverly was also a skilled piano player. She played at home for her family and friends, and she also played piano for her church that she regularly attended. Although Beverly enjoyed many hobbies, her most notable was her love for elephants and collecting them. At the time of her passing she had over 500 elephant collectibles, and if that was not impressive enough, she made sure that every one of them was documented on where it came from and the story behind it. Just as important, she spent hours making sure that every elephant had its place and was organized in just the perfect display.

Beverly is survived by her children, James (Lois) Schumacher of Marathon, Jay (Cheri) Andrews of Perkasie,PA and stepson Robert Scharwath, Jr. of Illinois. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Tammy Schumacher of Marathon, Jason (Scotty) Schumacher of Cortland, Karen Schumacher of Wasilla, AK and Rachel, Rebecca, and Sarah Andrews of Perkasie, PA.She is also survived by two step-grandchildren, Christian Scharwath and Hailey Scharwath. She is survived by her sister Priscilla Scheller of Fulton, and her brothers David (Joan) Plew of McGraw, Paul (Pamela) Plew of Valencia,CA, and Phillip (Sally) Plew of Florida. She is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Beverly was preceded in death by her father Harlow Plew (1997), mother Dorothy Plew (2013), husband Robert Scharwath (2022) and sister Phyllis Wood. She is also preceded in death by her beloved Husky Brooke.

Although Beverly has gone home into her Savior's arms, her memory here will always be cherished. As A.A. Milne so beautifully said in Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky am I to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard.” The family would also like to send a special thank you to the nurses and doctors on unit 2 south at Guthrie Cortland Hospital for their above and beyond care and compassion for Beverly and her family in this difficult time.

A private celebration of Bev’s life and internment at the Marathon Cemetery will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider the World Wildlife Fund or any similar organizations that aid in the preservation of the elephant population to honor Beverly's passions.

View Beverly Ann Plew Scharwath's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Marathon Memorial Chapel

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