Published:  12/18/02

PLATTSBURGH — Ethel M. Guynup, 97, died peacefully Monday, Dec. 6, 2002, at the Meadowbrook Healthcare Facility.

She was born in Redford on Sept. 6, 1905, the daughter of Frank and Emma (Bouvia) St. Clair.

Ethel married Charles W. Guynup on Jan. 21, 1925. He predeceased her in 1967.

Mrs. Guynup was a member of St. Joseph's Church in Treadwells Mills, the American Legion Auxiliary Post 1619 in Plattsburgh and the VFW Auxiliary 30 in Peru.

Ethel worked for several years for the Copeland and other city families and then for Plattsburgh State College, as a cook.

She enjoyed painting, reading, reading poems, flower gardening, cooking and most of all her family and friends. She will be remembered mostly for her kindness and her generosity towards others.

Survivors include one daughter, Mary (Betty) Kendrick of Plattsburgh; six sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Geraldine Guynup of Plattsburgh, William and Doris Guynup of Plattsburgh, Gerald and Nancy Guynup of Plattsburgh, James and Wanda Guynup of Plattsburgh, Gene and Sharon Guynup of Plattsburgh and John and Theresa Guynup of Peru; one sister, Rita Beaudoin of Plattsburgh; one sister-in-law, Gertrude St. Clair of Plattsburgh; 28 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by three sons, Charles Jr., Bernard and Lawrence; one grandson, Gene Jr.; three brothers, Arthur, Charles and Howard St. Clair; four sisters, Margaret St. Clair, Florence Drolette, Dorothy Darrah and Kathryn Chisholm.

Calling hours will be private and at the convenience of the family. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Treadwells Mills. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery in Plattsburgh in the spring.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion Auxillary Post 1619 or the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxillary Post 309.

Keeseville — Olive M. Elkins, 82, formerly of Keeseville, died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002, at the Meadowbrook Healthcare Center in Plattsburgh, where she has resided since May 2001.

She was born in Mechanicville, May 28, 1920, the daughter of Arthur M. and J. Marjorie (Leggett) Elkins.

She attended schools in Saratoga, Albany, Rouses Point and SUNY at Plattsburgh.

Olive was employed for over 30 years at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. She was certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists and the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel as a Clinical Laboratory Specialist in Histology and taught Practical Histology to students of the CVPH Medical Center School of Certified Laboratory Assistants.

She was a charter member of the New York State Histology Society and was serving as secretary at the time of her retirement. Following retirement from CVPH she worked almost four years as Chapter Director of the Northeastern New York Chapter of the American Diabetes Association.

While living in Plattsburgh she was a charter member of the Elizabeth Street Wesleyan Church and served as Sunday School Teacher, Secretary and Superintendent, as well as church clerk and President of the Wesleyan Woman.

After moving to Keeseville she became a member of the United Methodist Church and served in many capacities. She was a member of the R.S.V.P., Senior Citizens of Keeseville, Senior Citizens Council of Clinton County Inc. and a member of the CVPH Auxiliary.

Survivor include one son and daughter-in-law, Russell A. and Doreen. S. Courson of Keeseville; two brothers, J. D'Arcy Elkins and Daniel Elkins, both of Kingston; ten grandchildren, Ms. Suzanne Thompson of Tucson, Ariz., Ms. Bonnie Grassi of Phoenix, Ariz., Girard L. Grassi III and his wife Sharon of Phoenix, Ariz., Mrs. Lisa Bartlett and her husband Fred of Glens Falls, Crea Courson of Raleigh, N.C., Gabrielle Courson, Claudine Courson, Mackenzie Courson, Michaela Courson and Connor Courson, all of Keeseville; four great-grandchildren, Nicole LaPier, Fred Jacob Bartlett, Girard Lucien Grassi IV and Ashley Grassi; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a daughter, J. Marjorie Atwater in 1989; and two brothers, Walter and James Elkins.

A funeral service will be held Friday, Dec. 20, 2002, at 11 a.m. at the Good Shepard Church of the Nazarene in Keeseville. Burial will be in the spring in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Rouses Point.

Donations in her memory may be made to the FitzPatrick Cancer Center in Plattsburgh.

Arrangements are with the Hamilton Funeral Home.

Plattsburgh — Marjorie G. Havens, 74, of Truman Avenue, Plattsburgh, died Friday, Dec. 13 2002, at her home.

She was born in Keeseville, Dec. 31, 1927, the daughter of Henry and Anna (Poland) Clodgo.

She was a bookkeeper at North Eastern Industrial Piping in Plattsburgh and also worked at the CVPH Medical Center.

Mrs. Havens enjoyed reading and crocheting.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Pamela Havens of New Hartford; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jacqueline and Larry Meyers of Connecticut, and Elizabeth "Meg" and James Hamilton of Keeseville; one brother, Sherman Clodgo of Plattsburgh; two sisters, Margaret Clodgo of Plattsburgh and Theresa Fritz of Chazy Lake; one step sister, Phyllis and Donald Brown of Keeseville; 3 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; four brothers, Henry M., Arthur J. and Frank R. Clodgo, and Peter R. Gladu.

Burial and graveside service will be held in the spring in St. John's Cemetery in Keeseville.

Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of ones choice.

Arrangements are with the Hamilton Funeral Home.

Plattsburgh — John I. (Jack) Parish, 70, of Erin Ave., Plattsburgh, died on Monday, Dec. 16, 2002, at his home with his family by his side.

He was born near Thornhope, Ind., on Aug. 21, 1932, to Richard H. Parish and Dorothy G. (Bucks) Parish.

He graduated from Grass Creek High School as valedictorian in 1950. He was an honor graduate from Air Force pilot training. He attended Clinton Community College and graduated with honors. He also attended Plattsburgh State University.

He retired from the Air Force in February 1983. He was a command pilot with 821 hours of combat flying in Vietnam. After retiring from the Air Force he worked in contracting at Plattsburgh Air Force Base.

His awards and decorations include, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 10 Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal, two Presidential Unit Citations, one Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for Valor, four additional Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, Combat Readiness Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal with device, Vietnam Service Medal with five campaign devices, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Vietnamese Air Combat Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Mr. Parish was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, The Retired Officers Association, American Military Retirees Association and the Oxford Club. He was also a member of the Elks Club, the American Legion and the National Rifle Association.

His wife, the former Mary Lou Horn, survives him, originally from Grass Creek, Ind., and two sons, John D. of Peoria, Ariz., and Bradley A. and his wife Denise of Plattsburgh, N.Y. One brother, Dr. Charles R. and Nancy of Redkey, Ind., also survive him. Three special aunts survive him, Martha Firmani of Logansport, Ind., Lois and Chet Kiser of Paris, Texas, and Mabel Rocky of Grass Valley, Calif.

He was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy and father Richard Parish and by his brother Michael, all of Sebring, Fla.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street in Plattsburgh, N.Y. A graveside service with full military honors will be held Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002, at 10 a.m. at Ever Rest Cemetery in Logansport, Ind., with pastor David Sommers officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations are sent to Hospice of the North Country, 586 Rugar Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

Ellenburg Depot — William D. Durkee, 61, died Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Hartford, N.Y., on Feb. 3, 1941, the son of Clifford and Beatrice (Woodell) Durkee.

William was employed as town constable in Union Vale, N.Y., before becoming town superintendent. He was a former member of the Union Vale Fire Department. He was also employed at the Clove Valley Rod and Gun Club for several years.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Darlene and Roland Burlingame of Union Vale, N.Y., and Doreen and Henry Knapp of Ellenburg Depot; Mary (Strack) Durkee of Union Vale; and his mother, Beatrice Durkee of Saranac Lake; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronald and Noella Durkee of Fulton, N.Y., and Donald and Dot Durkee of Lake Clear, N.Y.; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Evelyn and David Martell of Saranac Lake, Barbara and Milt Merchand of Fulton, N.Y., and Jessie and Norris Aubin of Saranac Lake; five grandchildren, Roland Jr. and Stephanie Burlingame, Carrie Ann, Debra and Henry Knapp; one great-granddaughter, Dana Ashley; and several nieces and nephews.

A son, Dana Durkee and his father Clifford died earlier.

Calling hours will be Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the E.F. Drown Funeral Service in Ellenburg Depot and on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Auchmoody Funeral Home in Hopewell Junction. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday from the Clove Valley Cemetery in Union Vale.

Willsboro — Rita E. Cohan, 80, died suddenly, Dec. 16, 2002.

She was born in Wadhams, N.Y., May 8, 1922, the daughter of Loren and Mae (Mannix) Eggleston.

Rita was a member of St. Joseph's Church in Essex, where she served as an Eucharistic Minister, Lector, treasurer of St. Philip's/St. Joseph's Altar Rosary Society, a member of the church choir and the CDA Court St. Joan of Arc 867.

She grew up in the Grange, her father being one of the men who started the grange movement in Essex County. She presently belonged to the Whallonsburgh Grange 954.

She was employed, as a receptionist, by the Office for the Aging in Essex County and previously had worked for many years at NAPA and Anson's Dairy.

First cousins, Dorothy Deronde of Elizabethtown and Katherine Morse of Wadhams, step daughter and husband, Susan Cohan and Patrick P. Patnode, as well as many dear friends, including, Kathy Henderson of Chazy and Tom and Donna Spaulding of Crown Point survive her.

She was predeceased by her parents and a sister, Helen.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Essex, N.Y., at 10 a.m. Saturday Dec. 21, 2002. Burial will be in the Wadhams Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Animal Shelter SPCA, Lakeshore Road, Westport, NY 12993.

Huestis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

CROWN POINT — Mollie N. Titus, 71, beloved wife of Donald Titus, of Creek Road, died suddenly at her home Monday, Dec. 16, 2002.

She was born in Ticonderoga, N.Y., on June 7, 1931, the daughter of Harold and Theresa (Kelly) Noel.

Don and Mollie were married on April 10, 1950, by Father Ruddy in Ticonderoga, N.Y., in the rectory of St. Mary’s Church.

Mollie was the proud and loving mother of seven children and 13 grandchildren: son Tim, his wife Renée, their son Joshua and daughter Tiffany of Crown Point; daughter Marion (Teddi) Lowell, husband Mel, and her son, Donald Hayes and his wife Lori of Vermont; son Mark and his daughter Nicole of Crown Point; son Pat, his wife Dawn, their son Caelin and daughter Marissa; daughter Lori Vezzi, her husband Ron, their daughter Noël and son Nicholas; daughter Mary LaVallie, husband Fred, their sons Michael and Andrew and daughter Kristin of Ticonderoga; and son Jim, his wife Cheryl and their sons Regan and Jared of Ballston Spa, N.Y.

She was predeceased by her parents.

She is survived by her sister, Carol and her husband Benjamin Stanley. Mollie also has many nieces and nephews.

After their honeymoon, Mollie moved to Crown Point and became an active member of the community. While being a mother and homemaker first and foremost, she served as deputy town supervisor from 1963 to 1977 and belonged to the auxiliaries of A.E. Phelps Engine Company #1 and later, company #2. In recent years, she donated her time to Crown Point's food pantry at the United Methodist Church. Mollie was employed for ten years at the Champlain National Bank in Crown Point as well as, working alongside Don in running the family business, Crown Garage.

While her husband, family and grandchildren were the main focus of her life, Mollie also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and visiting with her friends. She was also quite proud of her flower gardens. Most recently, she enjoyed walks with Don and her Scottie, Peggy Sue.

Calling hours will be at the Harland Funeral Horne in Port Henry, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday. The funeral will be Thursday, 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church in Crown Point. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Father William Meunch with the Reverend Alice Hobbs.

Pall bearers laying their mother to rest will be Mollie’s children, Tim, Mark, Pat, Lori, Mary and Jim. Burial will follow immediately after at the Fairview Cemetery in Crown Point.

The family asks that any donations be made on Mollie's behalf to the Food Pantry at the United Methodist Church in Crown Point.

North Hudson — Sandra E. Dresser, 54, of 3105 U.S. Route 9, went to join her maker early Sunday morning, Dec. 15, 2002, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, N.Y., after an extended illness.

Sandra was born Jan. 14, 1948, in Moriah Center, N.Y., the daughter of Walter and Marquerite Mihill Malbon.

Sandra was a resident of North Hudson for the past 29 years. She enjoyed gardening, arts and crafts and she loved to fish. She was the dispatcher for the North Hudson Volunteer Fire Department for 10 years.

Sandra was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Lillie Bezio of Broadalbin.

Survivors include her husband of 29 years, Donald F. Dresser of North Hudson; her daughter, Robin Dresser and her special friend, Dwayne O’Leary of Germantown; her granddaughter Racheal of Germantown; one brother, Rowan and his wife Joanne Malbon of Mineville; three sisters, Mrs. David "Barbara" Smith of Port Henry, Mrs. Clifford "Myra" Duprey of Plattsburgh, Mrs. Neil "Kathie" Rancour of Moriah; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at the Edward L. Kelley Funeral Home, Schroon Lake. Interment will follow at the Schroon River Cemetery, North Hudson.

Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Pall bearers will be Todd Malbon, Scott Malbon, Robert Bezio, Walter Dever, Neil Rancour and Glenn Fiore.

The family asks their friend to join them at the North Hudson Fire House following the services.

It is suggested that memorials take the form of donations to the FitzPatrick Cancer Center, 75 Beekman St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Frances M. Coss, 69, of Michele Avenue, Plattsburgh died Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. She was born in Plattsburgh on July 4, 1933, daughter of Leo Joseph and Viola Alvina (Gerou) Miller.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A funeral service will be held Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be later next year in St. Peter's Cemetery in Plattsburgh.

Sharon C. Demers, 55, of 17 County Route 21, Constable, N.Y., died unexpectedly, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002, at the Monroe Regional Medical Center in Ocala, Fla.

She was born in Westville, N.Y., April 16, 1947, the daughter of Leland and Joyce (LaValley) Avery.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bruso-Desnoyers Funeral Home in Malone. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Westville, with the Rev. Francis Flynn and Rev. Richard Demers officiating. Burial will be in St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Trout River, N.Y., in the spring.

RITA M. PROVOST, 84, of Paisley, Fla., died peacefully on De. 5, 2002, at the Ocean View Center in New Symrna Beach, Fla.

Rita was born in Plattsburgh on April 29, 1918, the daughter of Orville and Margurite Mable (Trudeau) Ducatte.

There are no calling hours. A memorial Mass will be held in the spring. Burial will be in the St. Peters family plot in the spring.

To contact the Press-Republican, Phone: (518) 561-2300 or send mail to:
Press-Republican, 170 Margaret St., P.O. Box 459, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

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