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Nancy O. Richards

7/13/2023

    Nancy passed away peacefully at home on July 13th after just celebrating her 89" birthday a few days prior.
    Nancy grew up in Marcellus, NY and graduated from Marcellus High School in 1952. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Home Economics from Cornell University in 1956. After graduating from Cornell, she married Elmer Richards in August of 1956 and taught Home and Careers at Homer High School for a year.
    What ensued was Elmer Richards and Sons Dairy farm, a successful dairy farm in Skaneateles that is currently being run by the 2" and 3" generations Nancy kept busy with calf chores, baling hay and bookwork, amongst the other demands of raising a family and running a farm, but always managed to prepare a family meal at noon for everyone to enjoy.
    Despite her early start to every day, she always made time to visit with friends, family, and especially her grandchildren with her kitchen table serving as the family gathering point. Nancy was an amazing soul who always had a smile on her face and an unforgettable laugh that just made you feel good inside
    Nancy was predeceased by her husband Elmer in 1994. Nancy's legacy is not the dairy farm she built with Elmer but the family she leaves behind.
    She is survived by her four children, Craig (Rhonda), Jim (Peg), Sue (John Duppert) and Brenda (Chris). Ten grandchildren, Chris (Anna), Marcus (Anna), Cassie
(Paul Mead), Eric (Erika), Pete (Karen), Michael, Nancy, Sarah, Connor, and Alex. Ten great- grandchildren, John, Lydia, Grace, Sadie, Paige, Elmer, Emma, Evan, Ty, and James. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Eleanor Pearsall and several nieces and nephews. Our deepest gratitude goes to her amazing health care providers, Dee, Pearl, Donna, Nicole, Jessica, Jessica, and Linda.
    Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 18th from 4 to 6pm at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, Skaneateles. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to S.A.V.E.S or the
Skaneateles Fire Department.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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George R. Komer

7/9/2023

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New Hope – George R. Komer passed away peacefully July 9, 2023 at The Commons, Auburn, New York.

George was born August 26, 1924 in Paterson, NJ the son of Joseph and Henrietta Komer. In 1940 he and his mother moved to Tuscarora, NY. He graduated from Nunda Central School in 1942 and three days later joined the U.S. Navy, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three silver stars along with other medals. On November 9, 1945 he was honorably discharged from the navy at Sampson, NY.

George married Joyce Irene Sherman on January 17, 1948 in Mt. Morris, NY. They operated a dairy/poultry farm together in Tuscarora for 13 years. In October of 1957 he went to work for the US Department of Agriculture, Soil and Water Conservation Service in Wyoming County. He left SCS in 1960 to accept a trainee position in the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. George and Joyce and their four children, Catherine Myers (Victor), Mark Komer (Glenda), G. Michael (Laurel Midgley), Susan Kennedy (late William) moved to New Hope, NY. A fifth child, Elizabeth Komer (Donald Alvord) was born there. While his children were growing up, George was a Master Scout Leader and was very active in many projects for the Mid-Lakes Methodist Church. George moved through the ranks of ASCS becoming State Executive Director in 1978 and retired in 1981. Since that time, his family continued to grow to include 15 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

George and Joyce were very active during retirement. They operated a small apple orchard and Christmas tree farm, leased a sugar bush and produced maple syrup for four years. Together they started and operated an antique shop for 15 years. They also traveled extensively throughout the United State in their RV. From 1983 until 2006 they spent most of their winter months in Gulf Shores, Alabama. George thought he ought to go back to work in the summer months so in 2001 he stopped by the Ward O’Hara Agricultural museum to see if they needed any help. He was welcomed there and stayed eight years. He also was the Supervisor for the Town Of Niles.

Much of the family and work history above was written by George years ago, as he was a skilled manager and planner and always considerate about not burdening others with any work he could accomplish himself. He and Joyce built a new home in 1989 and had fun adding a nine hole golf course, pond and flower gardens. Watching birds and wildlife was great entertainment for George and still is for Joyce.

Memorial donations may be made to Mid-Lakes United Methodist Church 3703 State Rt 41A, Moravia, NY 13118 or Four Town Rescue Squad, 5923 New Hope Road, Moravia, NY 13118

Graveside service will be held privately for the family.

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Donna J. Cottrill

7/6/2023

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Donna J. Cottrill, 60, of Elbridge passed away at Upstate Medical Center on Thursday, July 6th. Donna was born on March 3, 1963 in Auburn, NY. She graduated from Skaneateles High School, class of 1981.

Donna had a love for animals, especially cats. Her beloved cat, Onyx, was her pride and joy. She did not have any children of her own. Donna had several nieces and nephews; William, Rachael, Calista, Abrianna, Thomas, Sabrina, Samantha, Kylie and Kortney. She loved spoiling them. Whatever the occasion, be it a holiday, birthday or graduation, she was overly generous with gifts. She loved to hear about their accomplishments and endeavors.

Donna’s world revolved around her work and family. She worked for the West Genesee School District for 36 years. She especially loved camping with her family. She enjoyed drawing, crossword puzzles, shopping, finding bargains and garage sales.

Donna was predeceased by her mother, Betty Jane Albring. They are surely having the time of their live with each other. Donna is survived by her father, Edward Albring; brothers; Donald Albring, John (Stacey) Albring, Lee (Millie) Albring, Al (Danielle) Albring, and a sister, Valentina (Patrick) Feeney.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 12th at 10 AM at the Owasco Reformed Church. Burial will be private.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Skaneateles American Legion Post 239, Jordan Road, Skaneateles, following the service at church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY, 41 York Street, Auburn, NY 13021.

To leave condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.

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