Doris L. Howell, 95, of Watkins Glen, N.Y., died Saturday, April 11, 2026 at home. Born in Camptown, PA, she was the daughter of Glenn and Edith White Peet. She grew up on a farm in Camptown with her older brother, Elwin (d. 2015). Doris graduated from Wyalusing Valley High School in 1948 and from the Robert Packer Hospital school of Nursing, Sayre, PA in 1951. Initially, she practiced as an operating room nurse and then in 1960 moved to become the School Nurse at Bradford Central School. She served there for many years. On February 22, 1962 she married Edson N. Howell (d. 2018) and moved to the family farm near Tyrone, N.Y. Doris enjoyed working outside on the farm and in her garden for many years after retirement. Surviving are three daughters, Glenna Traiger (spouse Saul Traiger) of Los Angeles, CA, Linda Howell, of Watkins Glen, NY, and Donna Lynd of Canastota, NY. She leaves four grandchildren, David, Sarah, Morgan and Taylor; and two great-grandchildren, Molly and Calvin. According to her wishes there are no services. Those wishing to remember Doris may consider a memorial donation in her memory to the Tyrone Vol. Fire Department, PO Box 69, Tyrone, NY 14887. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen. You may express condolences to the family or “Light a Candle of Remembrance” online at www.RoyceChedzoy.com

Dundee: Carolyn E. Merritt, age 83, of Dundee, NY passed away Saturday April 18, 2026 in the comfort of her home with family at her side. Honoring her wishes there will be no calling hours, and services will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dundee Fire Company 12 Union St. Dundee, NY 14837. Carolyn was born April 27, 1942 in town of Torrey, NY, the daughter of the late George E. and Esther May (Cole) Jayne. She graduated from Dundee Central School in 1960. On August 5 of that same year, she married her high school sweetheart Stewart F. Merritt Jr. who passed away on January 1, 2023. A lifelong resident of Yates County; she was a Dairy Supervisor for D.H.I. (Dairy Herd Improvement) of Ithaca, N.Y. testing milk of every cow once a month throughout Yates, Schuyler, Steuben, Ontario, and Tioga Counties for 25 years; all the while being a farm wife, and raising her family. She retired in 2002. Mrs. Merritt was a member of the former Starkey Methodist Church, 4H, Farm Bureau; and served on the Town of Barrington Planning Board in her younger years, when she also enjoyed pheasant, and rabbit hunting; going to yard sales, and flea markets, horse races, and anything to do with horses. She is survived by four children James M. Merritt of Lakeland, FL; Robin (Richard) Slaby of Little Sioux, IA, Judith L. (Joseph) Woodruff of Penn Yan, NY, and Stewart H. Merritt III with whom she made her home; 6 grandchildren James Merritt of San Francisco, CA, Jordan Merritt of Mount Joy, PA, Morgan (Carson) Beasley of Easton, MD, Daniel Morehouse of Dubai, Joshua Woodruff of Penn Yan, and Justin (Samantha) Woodruff of Rushville, NY; 14 great grandchildren Lucas, James, Oliver, & Doris Beasley of Easton, MD, Malory &Brent Morehouse of KY, Maksim & Laikyn Woodruff of Penn Yan, Jayden & Austin Mincer, Landon, Paislee, Nolan, & Hudson Woodruff all of Rushville, NY; and countless nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by 5 sisters, and 4 brothers. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Jaime McCormick, for her loving care and compassion as Carolyn’s personal “Mother Hen” caregiver right to the end. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Dundee: Delbert Levi Woodard Jr., age 91, of Crystal Valley, NY passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Thursday April 16, 2026 at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hospital, in Penn Yan, NY. Services will be held at the convenience of the family on a date to be announced. Inurnment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Dundee, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306, or the Dundee Fire Company, 12 Union St., Dundee, NY 14837. Delbert was born October 18, 1934, in Penn Yan, NY, one of 6 children born to the late Delbert L. and Jennie M. (Mattison) Woodard Sr. He graduated from Dundee Central School in 1952. He entered the U.S. Army in June 1957 and was honorably discharged in October, transferring to the Reserves so he could return home to help his father on the family farm. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves for over 30 years. On October 21, 1961, he married the former Dorine S. Jayne at St. Michael’s Church in Penn Yan. A farmer by birth, Delbert later took a position with the United States Postal Service in Dundee, NY where he served as a Clerk for 34 years, retiring in 1996. Following his retirement, he enjoyed transporting Mennonite families for several years. Mr. Woodard was a member of the Johnson-Costello Post #355; the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #2030 Penn Yan; and he was a former member of the Postal Clerk Union. His passion for farming lasted a lifetime. He enjoyed hunting with friends and family, gardening, and was an avid sports enthusiast. He was also the family historian and genealogist, preserving a legacy of family history for future generations. He is loved and will be forever missed by his wife of 64 years Dorine S. Woodard at home; daughters Robin L. (Randy) Richardson, Annette D. Hungerford, Kimberly A. (Eric) Jensen and son Delbert L. (Ann Washburn-Bush) Woodard III all of Crystal Valley, NY, 9 grandchildren, Cody, Nichole, John, Brandy, Katie, Tyler, Morgan, Shelby, and Delbert IV; 6 great grandchildren, Aubrey, Ben, Arianna, Lily, Eli, and Levi; brother Daniel L.(Rose) Woodard; close family friend Peter (Ellen Stefansky) Lamirande whom he loved as a son; and countless nieces and nephews who all adored their uncle. Besides his parents, he was pre-deceased by a brother Donald Woodard; 3 sisters Beverly Cornish, Elizabeth Howell, and Connie Christensen; 2 brothers-in-law Donald Cornish and Leslie Howell; a son-in-law John Hungerford, and a nephew Peter Christensen. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Dundee: Michael James Campbell, age 51, left this world on Monday April 6, 2026 in Malone, NY. There are no calling hours or public services planned. The family will celebrate his life privately at their convenience. His final resting place will be in McDowell Cemetery. Michael was born July 9, 1974 in Corning, New York; he was the son of Joan L. Scotchmer and her husband Donald G. Campbell Jr. Michael was a mechanic who loved working on cars. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, hunting and fishing with his friends and family. He was a soft heart for all animals, and loved his pet mouse. His artistic talent shown through in his drawings and personal custom made cards. He is loved and will never be forgotten by his mother Joan L. Scotchmer, his sister Kelly A. (Danny) Northrup all of Dundee, NY; a brother Christopher C. (Mary Beth) Campbell of Waterloo; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and his best friend Pat Matuszek of Beaver Dams, NY. He was predeceased by his father Donnie Campbell Jr., and two nephews Andrew Earl, and Chad Druker II. Arrangements were handled by the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

A Celebration of Life Service for Lester M. Travis will be held on Saturday, May 16 at the Chubb Hollow Event Center in Dundee, NY. The informal service will begin at 11 am, followed by a luncheon at 12:30. Dress casually. All are invited but please RSVP to Rntravis54@gmail.com if you plan to stay for the luncheon.

Painted Post: Yvonne (Bonnie) Martini, age 93, of Painted Post, NY, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026. She was born on August 6, 1932 in Scranton, PA the daughter of the late Elsie and John Steinmetz. She attended Mansfield University where she met her husband, Nello Martini. They were married on July 7, 1956 at St. Frances Church in Scranton, PA and settled in the Painted Post, NY area. She taught briefly at Campbell Savona School District before starting a family and becoming a homemaker. She and her husband, Nello enjoyed summers at Seneca Lake, traveling, and their 40 years of marriage to each other before his untimely passing. Bonnie loved her family and cherished the time she spent with them, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed baking, reading, traveling and visits with friends. She enjoyed a glass of wine and would jokingly state that it was “wine time” in the late afternoon. She is survived by her children, N. Douglas Martini and Laura (Paul) Ferratella; grandchildren, Rocky (Adrienne) Martini, Michael Martini, and Beckie (Michael) Wooldridge; great grandchildren, Louis Ferratella, Paul Ferratella, Dakota Coughlin, Blaze Martini, Lucy Martini, Phoebe Wooldridge, and Lennon Martini, Malkolm Wooldridge. Bonnie was predeceased by her husband, Nello Martini, Jr., mother in-law Lydia Martini, father-in-law Nello Martini, Sr.; a brother Paul Steinmetz, sister-in-law Joan Steinmetz, daughter -in-law Jacqueline Martini; and son John Martini who unexpectedly passed on the same day. Honoring wishes, there will be no public services. Entombment will take place at the Italian/American cemetery in Scranton, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CareFirst, 3805 Meads Creek Rd., Corning, NY 14870, www.CareFirstNY.org Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home in Dundee, NY. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

New Port Richey, FL / Dundee, NY: Phyllis Marie Pratt, age 84, beloved wife of Thomas Pratt, Sr., of New Port Richey, Florida (formerly of Dundee, New York), passed away in The Villages of Florida surrounded by her loving family on Monday, March 16, 2026. Born on June 27, 1941 in Dresden, NY, to the late Harry and Leah (Petticrew) Irwin, Phyllis lived each day with a rich appreciation for the beauty in the world around her. She loved her geraniums and grew all kinds of vegetables with her green thumb. A woman of strong faith, she married Tom in St. Michael’s Church in Penn Yan, NY at the age of 18, eager to start a life together. They remained inseparable for nearly 67 years of marriage along with raising five children. She worked several years at Seneca Foods and helped launch the family business Tom Pratt Automotive in 1987. Her home was a bustling hub filled with the warmth of music, dancing, and her infectious laughter. She loved the water, swimming in her pool and watching sunsets at the beach. Those who knew her will remember her compassion, strength, and vibrant spirit that made her a true matriarch and rock of her family. One of Phyllis’s greatest joys was cooking. Comfort was always found in the kitchen surrounded by the smells and tastes of her signature dishes and baked goods, passing these traditions down to her children and grandchildren she so loved. She could make a delicious meal from only a few ingredients and always made extra for whoever dropped by. Her legacy will live on through the generations of family members who were at the center of her life; children Thomas (Suzanne) Pratt, Jr., Tammy (Alfred, Jr.) Claflin, Margaret (John) Socha, Peter Pratt, Joseph Pratt, and honorary son of the Pratt family Jacek (Angela) Knop; 14 beloved grandchildren and 7 adored great grandchildren. She also held a special place in the lives of members of the Tom Pratt Automotive family, often serving as a loving surrogate mother to Steve Brace, Sr., John Cornish, Glen Litchfield, and Karl Weichenthal. In addition to her five children, she is survived by three sisters Dorothy Sheldon, Hilda Santee, and Mary (Ron) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Sharon Viscardi, Judy Pratt, Sheila (Roger) Bassett, Jody Edmister, and Bridget (Don) Walsh. She was predeceased by one sister, Helen Wood, and her seven brothers Charles, Stillman, Clifford, Lawrence, Donald, Robert, and Ernest Irwin. A celebration of life will be held in Dundee, NY, in late spring, when the flowers she so cherished are in bloom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dundee Fire Company, 12 Union St., Dundee, NY 14837. The Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee is assisting the family. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Nancy Lee Baxter, age 75, a resident in the Florida Keys; passed away Saturday March 7, 2026 in a loving Hospice Care home in Tampa Florida. Nancy was born in Penn Yan, New York on May 9, 1950; daughter of the late Sidney and Helen Baxter. After High School Nancy attended Cortland College in New York and earned a degree in Physical Education. Nancy had a long profession as a Real Estate Broker and practiced in Florida, California and in Hawaii. She enjoyed assisting countless people find their dream homes. Nancy was a free spirit and known for her gift of gab. She had a knack of settling down in great destination locations before they became popular hot spots. The Florida Keys, Aspen Colorado, Big Bear California and Maui were some of her favorite places to live. Nancy loved to share her home and be a personal tour guide if you happened to visit or vacation with her. She was an avid photographer and a voracious reader. She loved cats, puzzles, traveling, sunsets, fishing, boating, snorkeling, swimming, beaches and flowers. In the past few years Nancy had the opportunity to work with an Author sharing details and information of an event that occurred in Aspen Colorado when she was the chief dispatcher of the Aspen Police department in the 1970s. Nancy is predeceased by her beloved brother Harry Baxter and her former husband Bill Brisbee. Honoring her wishes, a private graveside service is planned for this spring. If those who wish to do so, please send memorials to your local cat rescue shelter in Memory of Nancy. The Baird Funeral Home is honored to assist with local arrangements. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Dundee: Robert Druker Sr., age 81, of Dundee, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026 at the Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, surrounded by his family. He was known to all as “POPS”. He was the protector of his family, a true family man. The family invites friends to calling hours from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Thursday March 26, at the Baird Funeral Home 36 Water St. Dundee. Honoring his wishes, burial will be private at the conclusion of calling hours in Lakemont Cemetery, Hayes Rd. Dundee, NY. Robert was born April 24, 1944 in Newark, N.J, one of 3 sons of the late Harry Meyer and Frances Pauline (Chirichello) Druker. Educated in the School of Hard Knocks; which he made sure his boys were taught too. He entered the working field as a welder, building heavy equipment for Caterpillar, in Stanhope, NJ. On Dec. 11, 1966 in Maplewood Manor, N.J. he married the former Helen M. Cross. In 1976 he moved his family to Dundee; and worked for Midway Steel, before accepting a position building pole barns for Griffith Construction, retiring in 2006. After retiring he enjoyed helping his wife with her passion, HDR Stables, showing and breeding show horses. One of his passions was being out on the lake, any lake, fishing with family in search of the biggest bass. He is loved and will be forever missed by his wife of 59 years, Helen M. Druker at home; 2 sons Robert (Valerie) Druker Jr. of Dundee, and Chad (Stacy) Druker of Penn Yan; 4 grandchildren Robert (Venessa) Druker III, Anthony Druker, Darian Druker, Jessica Druker; 4 great grandchildren Brayden Davis, Kelsi Davis, Robert Druker IV, and Violet Druker; a brother Joseph Druker of Hillsborough, NJ; several nieces and nephews; Erika Rhodes, Aubrie Thornton, and to many other step grand and great grandchildren to list. His “Bonus Kids” who he was such a pinnacle point of their lives; and literally countless friends. Besides his parents he was pre-deceased by a grandson Chad Druker II, and a brother David Druker. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Dundee/Starkey: Betty Jean Travis, age 85, of Dundee, NY passed away peacefully in the comfort of her favorite chair on Wednesday March 11, 2026. Honoring her wishes there will be no calling hours or public service. She will be interred privately in Hillside Cemetery at the convenience of her family. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers may donate to the Dundee Fire Company Emergency Squad, 12 Union St., Dundee, NY 14837. Betty was born February 13, 1941 in Montour Falls, N.Y.; the daughter of the late Howard J. and Anna Elizabeth (Shires) Gilbert. On March 6, 1958 she married Gordon D. Travis. They immediately started a family welcoming 4 sons. Her life and love revolved around her boys, as she was a fulltime caregiver for the two youngest who both suffered from Muscular Dystrophy. When she was able to work, she was employed in the vineyards by Lew Green. She then worked for Central Supply in Soldiers & Sailors Hospital in Penn Yan. She eventually transitioned into housekeeping for several area hotels in the Watkins Glen area including the Glen Motor Inn, and Chieftain Motel. Her expertise and experience opened the opportunity to get back into the healthcare field when she was hired in the housekeeping and laundry department at the Penn Yan Manor Nursing Home where she retired from in 2005. Not one to sit idly at home, her retirement years were spent joining her husband and son chauffeuring all the friends they made in the Mennonite community. Betty gave of herself watching and caring for her five grandchildren. She absolutely loved and cherished every minute of it. She was so proud of everyone and all of their accomplishments. She deeply loved her 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by her husband of 68 years, Gordon D. Travis Sr. at home; 2 sons Gordon D. Travis Jr. also at home, and Kyle J. (Bridget) Travis of Penn Yan, grandchildren Chelsea (Joseph) Backiel, Darcie Travis, Nathaniel Travis, Rebecca Travis, and Joshua Travis; great grandchildren Hayden Travis, Aliyah Travis, Nicholas Travis, and Elliot Travis; a sister Sharon Thorpe; and several nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was pre-deceased by her two youngest sons, Patrick Travis in 1979, and Randy Travis in 1980; and 3 brothers Melvin, Franklin, and Howard Gilbert. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Dundee: Ruth Elaine Oliver, age 94, of Dundee, NY passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Ruth was born June 13, 1931, in Hopwood, PA. The daughter of the late Shriver S. and Bertha M (Myers) Osler, she graduated in the top of her class from South Union High School in Uniontown, PA in 1949. On Nov. 6, 1951, in Winchester, VA, she married Kenneth Ray Oliver, who passed away on May 9, 2020 after 68 years together. Work brought the family to Dundee in 1958 when Ken became employed by the Columbia Gas Co. Ruth worked at Dundee Central School, first as a teacher’s aid, then moving onto the high school business office. She was a very active member of the Dundee United Methodist Church, a former member of the Red Hat Society, and served many years on the election board. In retirement, she enjoyed volunteering at the food pantry, socializing with her friends, and doing research and puzzles on her iPad. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her son, Kevin R. Oliver of Dundee, her daughter, Tamara M. Oliver of Homer, NY, her “other son”, Robert Peelle of Glenora, NY, and several nieces and nephews. Ruth was also blessed to have a special friend, and caregiver, Amy Francione to assist her in her final months. In addition to her parents and husband she was predeceased by twin sons, Sean Linn & Mark Wayne Oliver; an infant brother, Stewart Osler; and her sister and brother-in-law, Genevieve O. & Marion Davis. Honoring her wishes there will be no prior calling hours. A memorial service will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Dundee United Methodist Church, 35 Water Street, Dundee. Pastor Beckie Laumeier and Deborah F Simon will be officiating. Entombment will be private in Hillside Cemetery, Dundee, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dundee United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 63, or the Dundee Fire Company, 12 Union St., Dundee, NY 14837. Arrangements entrusted to the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.

Penn Yan: Frank J. Francisco, age 87, passed away March 1, 2026 in Penn Yan NY. Frank was born July 1, 1938 in Newton, New Jersey to the late Henry J and Marie (Buth) Francisco. He was a graduate of Newton High School and SUNY Delhi. Frank was a dairy farmer, first on the family farm in New Jersey. In 1980 the farm and dairy in New Jersey were sold. In 1981 Frank purchased a farm and cattle to continue developing his Registered Andfar Holsteins in Penn Yan, NY. After dispersing the herd and selling the farm in 1992 Frank continued to work in the dairy industry as a Sales Rep for Taurus-Service. He delighted in working with his colleagues and fellow cattle breeders traveling extensively throughout a large central and western NY territory until he was 80 years old. Frank was an avid hunter and especially enjoyed pheasant hunting with his English Setters and in later years annual deer hunting trips with treasured friends in Tunkhannock, PA. Frank enjoyed cheering for the New York Yankees. He was an avid gardener and especially enjoyed growing Silver King Sweetcorn and delighting friends and family with his bountiful apple harvests. He was a communicant of Milo Center United Methodist Church. Frank is survived by his wife Linda whom he married in 1987. He is also survived by his daughters Lisa (Adam) Sonnen of Millville, Pa and Yvette (Steve) Hill of Apalachin, NY.; Granddaughter Cierra Sonnen.; his brother William (Jeanne) Francisco of Beaufort, S.C. He is also survived by Stepdaughters Charlene (David) DeMarco of Penn Yan and Deanna (Richard) Curren of Horseheads, NY. He was proud of being called Grampie or Papa by Nicholas Curren, Anthony (Noelle) Curren, Mikayla (Luca Masia) Curren and Caiden DeMarco.; Great granddaughter Lucinda Curren. Besides his parents Frank was predeceased by his sister Marie Cotton. Friends and family are invited to calling hours from 2:00 - 4:00 pm Tuesday March 10, at the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee; where a memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm with Pastor Kim Dean officiating. Inurnment will be in City Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Milo Center United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 299 Penn Yan, NY 14527; or the Dresden Volunteer Fire Dept. 3 Firehouse Ave. Dresden, NY 14441. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.