Hornell, NY / Arkport, NY

Barbara Elizabeth “Aunt Barb” Manhart – (82) – of 8935 County Road #52 (Burns Road), Arkport, NY died early Thursday morning (January 18, 2024) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on October 30, 1941, she was the daughter of Milo & Marjorie (DeGroff) Manhart, Sr.

Barb grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School and later served as a member of the US Navel Reserves, receiving her honorable discharge on September 1, 1967.

An active member of The Salvation Army, she interned at the School for Officers Training in New York City in 1963. She was commissioned a Lieutenant in 1965 and held appointments in Philadelphia and Staten Island where she was promoted to Captain. She also held appointments in New York City and Buffalo, NY.

Upon her return to Hornell in 1972, she held the position of Senior Citizens Coordinator for the City of Hornell and Director of Community Organization for the Hornell Area for SCEOP.

Moving to Shreveport, LA in 1982, Barb began working at Barksdale Air Force Base in 1983 where she received numerous awards. She was assigned to the 2nd Medical Group where she served until May, 2001. She was then assigned to the 2nd Contracting Office until her retirement in July, 2006. Following her retirement, she moved back to the Hornell area that she loved so much.

Barb loved to travel and, throughout her lifetime visited every state in the union, with the exception of Alaska. She has also visited 5 providences in Canada along with 5 countries in Europe (England, France, Germany, Switzerland & Belgium).

She was member of Hornell United Methodist Church and also a member of the Hornell Alumni Association. Barb also served on the Advisory Board of the Town of Burns.

In addition to her parents, Milo & Marjorie, Barb was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Raymond Manhart, Robert Manhart and Milo Manhart JR; 2 sisters, Delores Manhart Wing and Ruth Hill; along with many other family members.

Surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

The family of Barbara “Aunt Barb” Manhart will receive friends on Thursday from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Hornell United Methodist Church, 7528 North Main St. Ext., Hornell, NY. Funeral & committal will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 12:00 (Noon) with Pastor Lenny Fuller and Rev. Gary Miles officiating. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Barb’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Women’s Auxellary Canaseraga American Legion, 16 Main St., Canaseraga, NY 14822 or to the Hornell United Methodist Church, 7528 North Main St. Ext., Hornell, NY 14843.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Roberta A. “Bobbi” Ward – 72 – of 7555 Airport Road, Hornell (Town of Hornellsville) died unexpectedly on Wednesday (January 10, 2024) at her home.

Born in Hornell on February 2, 1951, she was the daughter of Robert & Jeanne (Geary) Ward.

Bobbi grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1969). Following high school graduation, she briefly resided in New York City where she worked as a comic artist for a local newspaper.

For a time, she traveled throughout the United States and Canada, eventually making her way to the Pacific Northwest settling in Eugene, OR where she resided for several years. While living in Oregon, Bobbi attended Oregon State University where she majored in Accounting. She later lived in Sandpoint, ID where she worked as a desk clerk / accountant for a local trucking company.

In 1993 Bobbi moved back to the Hornell area and in 1994 began working as a Student Aid Representative for Alfred University, a position that she held for over 15 years. After “retiring” from Alfred University, she was employed as a part-time cashier for Wegman’s Grocery in Hornell.

Bobbi was a former member of United Presbyterian Church of Hornell. She was an accomplished artist who enjoyed charcoal pencil drawings, oil pastels and chalk pastels. Bobbi also loved creating beautiful stained glass window ornaments and stained glass lamps. More recently, Bobbi enjoyed knitting and loved making beautiful hats, scarves, headbands and baby blankets that she would give to family, friends, and donate to the local Red Cross. Of course she remained a fan of the Oregon State University Ducks Football Team!

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her infant brother, James J. Ward who died in 1957; and her former husband, Barry Wengren who died in 2022.
Surviving are 2 sons, Kyle (Chantl Moore) Wengren of Portland, OR and Erik (Lisa Kimball) Wengren of Canisteo; her twin sister, Bonnie (David Blanding) Salter of Canandaigua, NY; her granddaughter, Robin Boyd; along with 2 nieces, Marianne Dineen and Melissa McCarthy.

The family of Roberta A. “Bobbi” Ward will receive friends on Friday (January 19, 2024) from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date at a time & place to be announced.
Bobbi’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Alpharetta, GA / Hornell, NY

Shawn M. Angell – 46 – of Alpharetta, GA, formerly of Hornell died Thursday (November 23, 2023) at the Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, following a brief illness.

Born in Hornell on April 29, 1977, he was the son of Richard “Rick” & Debra “Debi” (Towner) Angell.

Shawn grew up in Hornell and attended Hornell High School until transferring to Haverling High School in Bath during his sophomore year. While in high school (both Hornell and Bath) he excelled in sports, especially football, swimming & baseball. He set several high school swimming records while swimming with the Haverling Rams and was elected into the Haverling Rams High School Hall of Fame.

Following high school, Shawn earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach SC. He served his internship and was employed for several years at Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Moving to Georgia over 20 years ago, Shawn resided in the Roswell / Alpharetta areas and served as Regional Sales Manager for Benco Dental Supply Company.

As an avid sports fan and loving father & family man, Shawn enjoyed coaching his children in youth football, youth softball and youth baseball. He loved rooting for the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and the Atlanta Braves (MLB) and also enjoyed “hoisting a few” with his many friends.

Shawn loved to travel — especially to New York City and to Disney World. His favorite time of the year was the Christmas Season and he would spend countless hours baking homemade Christmas Cookies using a old family recipe.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Debra “Debi” Angell (died September 14, 2020); his paternal grandparents, DeForest & Catherine Angell; maternal grandmother, Mary Towner.

Surviving are his daughter, Isabella “Bella” Angell; his son, Watson “Watts” Angell; his father, Richard “Rick” Angell of Hornell; his sister, Kristie (Brian) Babcock of Hornell; his maternal grandfather, Vernon “Red” Towner of Avoca; 2 nephews, hunter Babcock and Christian Babcock; along with several aunts, uncles & cousins.

The family of Shawn M. Angell will receive friends on Saturday, January 13, 2024 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 2:00 PM with Rev. Tyrone Hall officiating.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Shawn’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com

Hornell, New York

James C. Tigner – 56 – of 34 ½ Willow Place, Hornell, died Thursday (January 4, 2024) at his home, following a long illness.

Born in Hornell on July 7, 1967, he was the son of Curtis Tigner & Rose Marie Davis.

James was a lifelong resident of Hornell and attended Hornell High School. Throughout the years he had been employed a several area businesses including Hoeffner Farm, General Marble of Hornell and Air-flo of Prattsburgh.

In his younger years, James enjoyed lifting weights and working out. More recently he enjoyed collecting scrap metal and spending time watching his favorite shows on TV.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis & Rose Marie Davis.

Surviving are 2 brothers, Edward “Moose” Davis of Bath and Fredrick “Fred” Tigner of Hornell; his sister, Bernice Tigner of Hornell; several nieces & nephews.

At James’ request there will be no calling hours. Family & friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service to be held on Friday (January 12th, 2024) at 1:00 PM at the Rehoboth Deliverance Ministries, 112 East Ave., Hornell, NY.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

James’ family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to Catholic Charities, 23 Liberty St., Bath, NY 14810.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralyhome.com.

Wellsville, NY / Hornell, NY

Jeffrey J. “Jeff” Hawley was called home to Heaven on December 30, 2023. He was 64 years old and resided at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility for 5 month due to his health.

Born in Wellsville, NY on August 9, 1959, he is the son of Edward & Judith “Judy” (Stoehr) Hawley and lived on the family farm on Niles Hill Road for several years.

Jeffrey grew up in Rushford, NY and attended the former Rushford Central School. Throughout the years he lived in several locations including Pennsylvania, Attica, NY and Allegany, NY. More recently he lived at 152 Pine St., Wellsville, NY and was a member of the Crosstown Alliance Church of Wellsville. He had a deep love for his Lord and Savior!

He worked on the Hawley Family Farm in Rushford and also worked on several area farms. Jeffrey enjoyed the outdoors and loved hunting (deer & small game) and fishing. He also had a deep affection for animals and was truly fond of his cat, “Miss Kitty.” He had a very kind heart, loved people and will be deeply missed, especially by his girlfriend of the past two years, Mary Ellen.

Jeff was married to the former Sandra “Sandy” Jenison who died about 10 years ago. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Edward & Judy Hawley.

Surviving are his son, Jeffrey Hawley JR; 5 brothers, Clyde Hawley of Waterbury, CT, Warren Hawley of Rushford, NY, Dean (Pam) Hawley of Greenback, TN, Wayne (Candy) Hawley of Rushford, NY and Stephen (Jennifer) Hawley of Morganton, NC; 1 sister, Donna Hawley of Belfast, NY; several grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

At the family’s request there will be no calling hours. A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Jeff’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Crosstown Alliance Church, 450 North Highland Ave., Wellsville, NY 14895.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, NY / Athens, PA

Judy M. (Felt) Fuller – 77 – of Hornell, formerly of Athens, PA was called home Friday evening (December 15, 2023) at St. James Hospital, Hornell, NY, following a long illness.

Born in Sayre, PA on May 23, 1946, she was the daughter of Ralph & Marjorie (Walsh) Felt. They were thrilled to welcome a baby girl after having five lively sons.

Growing up in Athens, Judy was a graduate of Athens High School (Class of 1964). She attended Penn State University.

Judy was a hard worker and dedicated business owner. Spending time with family was most important to Judy. She spent a happy childhood with her parents, brothers, grandparents, and cousins. She was a devoted Aunt to her 13 nieces and nephews. It brought her much joy to spend time with her 3 grandchildren and, most recently, her great-grandson. Judy was a lover of animals, especially her dog Annie, her constant sidekick who brought her much comfort during tough times. She enjoyed baking, reading, sewing, gardening, and decorating for the holidays. Spending the day shopping and having lunch with her daughter was one of Judy’s favorite pastimes.

Judy was a loyal servant of Christ. She served as an active member of her church congregation, most recently, the Sayre Christian Church and the Hornell United Presbyterian Church.

In addition to her beloved parents, Ralph & Marjorie Felt, Judy was preceded in death by her infant brother, Ralph “Butchie” Felt, Jr.; her sister-in-law, Darlene Felt and nephew, Michael Felt; sister-in-law, Phyllis Felt; and her companion of 10 years, Chip Johnston.

Judy is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Sean Gaffney of Hornell, NY; adoring grandchildren, Ryan (Emily) Gaffney of Hornell, NY, Hope Gaffney of Buffalo, NY, & Lily Gaffney of Hornell, NY; her sweet great-grandson, Robert “Baby Bobby” Gaffney; 4 loving brothers, Jack (Elaine) Felt of Sayre, PA; Robert Felt of Athens, PA, Joseph Felt of Haymarket, VA, & James (Kitty) Felt of Sayre, PA; special niece, Tammy Mastrantuono of Waverly, NY; fellow grandparent, Robert Fuller of Athens, PA with whom she made many trips to Hornell for family events and holidays; her little buddy, Annie; along with her extended Felt family, Wellsboro family and friends.

The family of Judy M. Fuller will receive friends at the Sayre Christian Church, 427 South Keystone Ave., Sayre, PA on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM where a memorial service will take place at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM. Interment will be at Tioga Point Cemetery, Athens, PA.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in her name, Judy’s family suggests they be made to your local animal shelter.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church Street, Hornell, NY.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.

Bolivar, New York

Kenneth “Ken” Moller-Stillson – 73 – of 1st Street Ext., Bolivar, NY, died Friday afternoon (December 15, 2023) at Olean General Hospital.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Hornell, NY

Maria Stiles – 61 – of 19 Locust Dr., Hornell, died Tuesday morning (December 12, 2023) at her home, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Hornell on July 2, 1962, she was the daughter of Wesley & Rosemary (Kuhn) Hamilton.

Maria grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of St. Ann’s School (class of 1976) and later graduated from Hornell High School (class of 1980). While in high school, she enjoyed many activities including playing flute for the HHS Band and was a member of the JV Cheerleading Team and later Varsity Cheerleading Teams.

Following high school graduation, Maria was employed for about 11 years as a sales clerk for JC Penney Clothing in Hornell. For 23 years she served as a dental assistant for John P. Meyer DDS, retiring due to illness. She enjoyed people and loved her years working with the public.

Maria was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church. She was a member of the Hornell Alumni Association and a former member of the Hornell Association. As an adult, Maria enjoyed many years of dancing for Miss Lisa’s Dance Studio.

As country music fan, Maria and her husband, Dan, attended countless country concerts and rock & roll concerts throughout the years. Having a deep love of family, they enjoyed many, many years of taking “beach vacations” to Myrtle Beach, SC, Florida and Virginia Beach.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wes & Rosemary Hamilton; her brother, John Hamilton; and her sister-in-law, Jennifer Hamilton.

On February 23, 1980, Maria was married in St. Ann’s Church to Daniel “Dan” Stiles who survives. Also surviving are her daughter, Theresa Marie (Brian Butler) Stiles of Hornell; 3 sisters, Ann (Roger) Hamilton Leclaire of Hudson Falls, NY, Patricia (Ethan) Allen of Jacksonville, NC and Christine (Don) White of New Berlin, NY; 2 brothers, Mike (Lisa) Hamilton of Alfred Station, NY and Joseph Hamilton of Charlotte, NC; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family of Maria Stiles will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Funeral Service will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 3:00 PM with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Maria’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to either the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Ann & Carl Myers Cancer Center, C/O Noyes Memorial Hospital, 111 Clara Barton St., Dansville, NY 14437. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com

Almond, New York

Wilma F. Root – 92 – of 1 South Main St., Almond (where she has resided for the past 75 years), died Friday afternoon (December 8, 2023) at the Highland Park Rehab & Nursing Facility in Wellsville following a long illness. She had resided at Manor Hills Nursing facility in Wellsville for the past year.

Born in North Bingham, PA on March 9, 1931, she was the daughter of Irving & Bess (Empson) Mullen.

Wilma grew up in the Almond-Andover area and attended Alfred-Almond Central School. She had been employed for a time at Loohn’s Cleaners and later in the food service department of Alfred State College (SUNY Alfred). In her younger years, Wilma was an excellent seamstress who made much of her own clothing. She was also skilled at upholstering furniture as well as knitting & crocheting.

She enjoyed being outside doing yard work and took great pride tending to her flower garden and trimming trees & bushes. She also loved visiting the casinos in Salamanca & Atlantic City and especially enjoyed playing the slot machines where she was known to WIN BIG on occasion.

On January 16, 1959, Wilma married Theodore “Ted” Root who died March 12, 2012 following 53 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her son, T. Donald “Donnie” Root; her grandson, Eric Drake; her siblings, Harlan Mullen, Onalee Robinson, Robert Mullen, Ruth “Minnie” Changose, Roger Mullen, Alvah Mullen and infant Virginia Mullen.

Surviving are 2 sons, Jerry (Kathy) Drake of Almond and Guy (Eileen) Drake of Wellsville; her step-daughter, Terri Jean Root Jackson of Olathe, KS, 1 brother, James “Jim” (Virginia) Mullen of Wellsville; her grandchildren, Paul (Terri) Drake, Mary Bess (Shawn) Clark, Matthew (Christine) Drake, Michelle Drake, Brian (Clarissa) Drake, Greg (Taren) Drake, Ashley Hirt and Nate (Emily) Hirt; several great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

At Wilma’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Wilma’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, (Suite 310), White Plains, NY 10605.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.

Hornell, New York

Kenneth W. “Ken” Kruse – 57 – of Upper Glen Ave., Hornell, died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon (December 6, 2023) at St. James Hospital where he was taken by Hornell City Ambulance after being stricken at home.

Born in Poughkeepsie, NY on January 28, 1966, he was the son of John & Marion (Murcko) Kruse.

Ken grew up in Poughkeepsie and was a graduate of Spackenkill High School (class of 1984). He later attended Dutchess Community College.

He resided in Staatsburg, NY for about 15 years and was employed as a field Technician for Verizon. He has resided in the Hornell area for the past 4 years.

Ken had a deep affection for all animals — especially his 7 canine companions (dogs), Lola, Chico, Daisy, Shiraz, Buttercup, Trixie & Kali. He enjoyed watching movies on TV, playing video games and listening to music.

Preceded in death by his first wife, Cheryl Kruse.

Ken was married on May 21, 2009 to the former Christina McKenna who survives. Also surviving are 3 children, Kenny Kruse, Daniel Kruse & Jillian Kruse; his step-daughter, Mariah Lynn; his parents, John & Marion Kruse; his sister, Mary Slocum; his brother, John Kruse; 3 grandchildren; nieces & nephews.

At Ken’s request there will be no calling hours. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Ken’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com