Published: 1/11/05

Middlebury, Vt. — Ruth Palmer Blakeslee died in Middlebury, Vt., on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at Addison House surrounded by her loving children and exceptional caregivers. She left us peacefully with dignity and grace.

She was born at home to William and Eva (Threehouse) Palmer of South Glens Falls, N.Y., on Jan. 21, 1914, weighing only 2 and one half pounds. She was kept in the warming oven to survive and described herself as "half baked ever since"!

In addition to her parents, Ruth was predeceased by her brother, George Palmer; and sister, Margery Palmer Reynolds.

Like many who experienced The Great Depression, Ruth was forced to give up her dream of attending Skidmore College to study art. After graduating from South Glens Falls High School she went to work for the Dr. Irving Falkenbury family as their nanny and housekeeper. She did not keep this job for very long because the dentist noticed how bright, hardworking and clever she was. He invited her to train as his dental assistant/technician and she proudly worked for several years. She studied and played the cello for the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra.

Ruth met and married Robert Blakeslee in 1937, a chemical engineer and the director of research at Imperial Paper and Color Corporation in Glens Falls, N.Y.

Ruth was actively involved in The Glens Falls Hospital Guild. She mastered the art of stenciling ornamental chairs with bronze powders and applied gold leaf. Many family members and friends treasure her artistic gifts.

Early in 1941, 8 months after the birth of their son, Stephen, Bob was called to active duty as a Lieutenant from the Army Reserve Corps in Glens Falls. His unit was secretly shipped to the Philippine Islands to begin the build up of American Forces in the Pacific. The Japanese attacked Manila the day after Pearl Harbor. The U.S. was forced to surrender April 9, 1942, and Ruth's husband became a POW for the next 3 and one half years after participating in the Infamous Bataan Death March. Ruth returned to work and raised her young son by herself, never giving up hope that her husband would safely return. It was not until the fall of 1944 that Bob returned as one of only 82 survivors out of 750 American POW's who were being transported to Japan on the Hell Ship named Shinyo Maru. An American submarine torpedoed and sunk this Japanese transport ship not knowing it had Americans on board. He was miraculously found days later by Philippine guerillas looking for survivors. An American submarine traveling through dangerous Japanese patrolled waters arrived in the middle of the night to secretly evacuate the lucky 82 survivors and took them to New Guinea. This is one more amazing survival story of "The Greatest Generation". Fighting men returned as heroes and were welcomed home by brave women who helped keep their family, community and country stable and strong during those awful war years. Ruth Blakeslee did an exceptional job as one of those incredible women of strength. Ruth's husband, Bob, died 32 years later soon after retiring from the wallpaper business in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Their beautiful love story shall be passed on and remembered by their family.

In addition to her son, Stephen Blakeslee of Glens Falls, N.Y.; Ruth is survived by her daughter, Nancy Blakeslee Wood and son-in-law Michael Wood of Middlebury, Vt. She leaves five granddaughters, Dana Blakeslee of Woodland Hills, Calif., Dorothy Blakeslee of Chicago, Ill., Mika Wood Frechette of Greenwich, Conn., Jamie Wood Schumacher of Roslindale, Mass., and Katy Wood Hills of Denver, Colo. Ruth took pride in the fact that she got to hold and know three great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her daughter-in-law, Linda Lewis Blakeslee of Glens Falls, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.

To celebrate Ruth's life, her family will come together at a future date in the summer. Interment will take place at that time in the Glens Falls Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Addison House, 152 College Street, Middlebury, VT 05753.

We are so grateful to the wonderful staff of Addison House who created a loving home away from home for Ruth for almost 5 years.

Ticonderoga — Peter Joseph Beuerlein, 70, of Ticonderoga, passed away Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, at the Moses-Ludington Hospital of Ticonderoga surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Dansville, N.Y., on June 11, 1934.

Mr. Beuerlein was a career military serviceman. He served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, having served during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

He was a resident of Ticonderoga for many years and was a communicant of St. Mary's Catholic Church of Ticonderoga. He was employed as a certified nursing assistant at the Moses-Ludington Hospital and Nursing Home of Ticonderoga for 22 years.

Mr. Beuerlein was a member of the Ticonderoga Emergency Squad and the Essex County RSVP for many years.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 44 years, Margaret H. (Turner) Beuerlein; one son, Bruce R. Beuerlein and his wife Maria of Ticonderoga; and one daughter, Rose A. Hayes and her husband Shawn of Ticonderoga. He was the devoted grandpa of his four grandchildren, Naomi Beuerlein, Bryce Beuerlein, Riley Hayes and Emily Hayes, all of Ticonderoga. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home, 11 Algonkin Street, Ticonderoga. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church of Ticonderoga. The Rev. William G. Muench, pastor, will officiate. The rite of committal will take place at the family plot of the Lakeview Cemetery of Willsboro in the spring.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Ticonderoga Food Pantry, Attention: Joyce Barry, 10 The Portage, Ticonderoga, NY 12883 or to a charity of one's choice.

Hague — Arthur Alfred Anisansel Jr., 92, of Friends Point, Hague and Jupiter, Fla., passed away Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, in Jupiter, Fla.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Sept. 29, 1912, he was the son of the late Arthur and Ruth (Sutton) Anisansel Sr.

Mr. Anisansel was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during World War II.

Prior to his retirement, Mr. Anisansel resided in Manhasset, N.Y., for many years. He was the president of Imperial Commodities Corporation on Wall Street in New York City.

Mr. Anisansel was a member of the Grace Memorial Chapel of Sabbath Day Point and served as trustee for over 35 years.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dorothy M. Anisansel on Sept. 24, 1992.

Survivors include one son, David A. Anisansel of Henrietta, N.Y.; and one daughter, Cynthia M. Rosbrook of Manlius, N.Y. He is also survived by six grandchildren; one nephew; and one niece.

There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will take place at the Grace Memorial Chapel at a later date. A committal service will take place at the family plot of the Valley View Cemetery of Ticonderoga at a time to be announced.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Grace Memorial Chapel, Sabbath Day Point, Silver Bay, NY 12874.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wilcox & Regan Funeral Home of Ticonderoga.

PLATTSBURGH — George J. Everhart died comfortably on Jan. 9, 2005, at the CVPH Medical Center.

He was born on Dec. 18, 1929, in the small rural town of Rockwood, Pa., to Samuel Everhart and Goldie Johnson.

He was a graduate of Rockwood High School Class of 1948.

After graduation he joined the United States Army, where he served his country valiantly in the Korean War. His platoon, the 48th Headquarter Battery, Field Artillery Battalion was responsible for communication and logistics services. For his bravery in combat he was given three battle stars.

In 1967, he moved to Plattsburgh to operate an auto parts store founded by a long time friend. It was here, in Plattsburgh, that he met his future soulmate Beverly Barber. Finding true love never seemed so perfect for George and after 6 years of courting, he decided to marry Beverly in 1973. Three years later brought the birth of their son, Christopher. Their marriage was a happy and long lasting one, spanning 31 years until the day he passed, with her, as she had always been, right at his side.

George resided in Plattsburgh in the home he built himself on the Military Turnpike. Throughout his life George put his family first and lived by the ideal that we are not judged by our achievements, but rather by the nobility of our goals and aspirations.

Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote: "For what purpose humanity is there should not even concern us; why you are there, that you should ask yourself; and if you have no ready answer, then set for yourself goals, high and noble goals, and perish in pursuit of them! I know of no better life purpose than to perish in attempting the great and the impossible..."

George is survived by his wife and son.

Calling hours will be Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. from the Brown Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at a later date in Riverside Cemetery, Plattsburgh.

PLATTSBURGH — Mr. Albert S. Monette, 87, of Waterhouse Street, Plattsburgh, passed away Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, at the CVPH Medical Center.

He was born in Belmont, N.Y., on Aug. 7, 1917, the son of Samuel and Edith (Coon) Monette.

Albert enjoyed gardening, puttering around his home, but most importantly photographing his family and displaying the photos around his home.

Albert worked for Dame Sign Company, both designing and creating signs. At the time of his retirement he was sales manager.

Albert was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church.

Albert was predeceased by his wife, Thelma Monette; a son, Peter Monette; and several brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his daughters, Judy Martin of Plattsburgh, Shelley Odell of Plattsburgh and Robin Bullock and her husband Wayne of Plattsburgh; a sister, Birdie Perry and husband Victor of Willsboro; a brother, Kenneth Monette and his wife Ruth of South Dakota; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10 a.m. from Our Lady of Victory Church. Interment will be at a later date in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Friends wishing may make donations to Hospice of the North Country.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Mr. Stephen Haaren Prescott, 47, of Fort Lauderdale, passed away Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, at his home.

He was born in Plattsburgh on April 30, 1957, son of Mrs. William H. Prescott and the late William H. Prescott.

Stephen attended St. John's School in Plattsburgh, Bishop's College School in Lenoxville, Quebec and graduated with a degree in Commerce from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. His career began in television promotional work in New York City and continued his work in Wellington Florida for Stadium Jumping Inc.

Stephen is survived by his mother, Mrs. William H. Prescott of Plattsburgh; two brothers, William D. and his wife Pamela Prescott of San Ramon, Calif., and their children, Ashley and Shannon and Drew A. and his wife Karen Prescott of Niskayuna, and their children, Drew Jr., Barbara and Luke; one sister, Susan and her husband Robert Buck Jr. of Argyle, and their children, Anne, Abigail and Catherine; as well as his godmother, Mrs. Roger B. Prescott of Keeseville; and his cousin, Diana Prescott Zais of Needham, Mass.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, at 11 a.m. from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Keeseville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Adirondack Humane Society, Inc., 134 Idaho Ave., Plattsburgh, NY 12901, or a charity of one's choice.

Arrangements are by the Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh.

REDFORD — Francis T. Gilmet, 79, died peacefully on Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, at the CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. He was surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Riverview, N.Y., on May 24, 1925, he was the son of Harry and Lillian (Charbonneau) Gilmet.

Francis was a World War II veteran, having served in the Army Tank Recon Division from 1944 to 1946.

On July 3, 1946, he married the former Beatrice Fournier. She preceded him in death on Feb. 16, 2003.

Francis was a carpenter for over 50 years, having been a member of the Local 1042 Carpenter's Union for just as long. He was also a member of the Saranac American Legion Post 1619. It was also known that Francis enjoyed gambling and going to the casinos.

Survivors include three sons and a daughter-in-law, Thomas and Sue Gilmet of Chazy Lake, Robert Gilmet of Bloomingdale and Randy Gilmet of Redford; three daughters and a son-in-law, Judy Gilmet of Saranac, Cindy Gilmet of Plattsburgh and Mary Lou Gilmet and her husband Alan Covert of Saranac; a sister, Lita Vann of Redford; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents, Harry and Lillian; two brothers, Antoine and Lawrence Gilmet; and four sisters, Theresa Brewer, Rosie Deno, Rita Lehane and Veronica Jette died before him.

Calling hours will be Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the O'Neill-Redden-Drown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 1 p.m. from the Church of the Assumption in Redford. Burial will be in the parish cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Church of the Assumption School or Masses may also be said.

Willsboro, NY — Kenneth Foster Lee, 80, of Lakeshore Road, Willsboro, N.Y., died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, at CVPH Medical Center, Plattsburgh.

He was born in Willsboro, Dec. 3, 1924, the son of Kenneth and Catherine (Sayward) Lee Sr.

Ken was a member of the Willsboro United Methodist Church and a former member of the Niagara Flow Hunting Club. He loved golfing and spent a lot of time at the Willsboro Golf Club.

He is survived by six children and their spouses, Diana and Gilbert Castro of Whittier, Calif., Donna and Jerry Peters of Guthrie, Okla., Robin and Francine Lee, Brett Lee, David and Dana Lee and Kendra and Bill Pulsifer, all of Willsboro; 12 grandchildren, Miguel and Robyn Castro, Brett Peters, Tiffany, Patrick and Kaitlin Lee, Brooke Lee, Devi and Oliver Lee and Sherika, Bailee and Toni Pulsifer; one brother and his wife, Lawrence and Mary Jane Lee of Willsboro; one sister, Annabelle Houston of Cashier, N.C.; and an aunt, Eleanor LaMoy of Lake Placid.

Ken was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Polly in 1982; his sister, Dora Pelkey; and his brother, Donald Lee.

Calling hours will be held at the Huestis Funeral Home, Willsboro, Wednesday Jan. 12, 2005, from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Thursday, Jan. 12, 2005, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in the spring.

Memorials in his memory may be made to the Willsboro-Reber Rescue Squad.

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — John P. Yanushka Sr., 88 of Plattsburgh, N.Y., formerly of Bethlehem passed away Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, in Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, Plattsburgh.

Husband of the late Eva (DiSpirito)Yanushka.

Born in Duryea, Pa., son of the late Anthony and Julia (Lazeunick) Yonushka.

John worked as a field agent for the IRS retiring in 1981 after 27 and one-half years of service.

He was a staff sergeant in the Army during World War II.

He is a graduate of University of Scranton in 1950 with a bachelors in science in accounting.

Member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church. John was also a past Grand Knight, Trinity Council 313.

Survivors include two sons, John P. Jr. and wife Anika of Westfield, N.J. and James P. and fiancιe Huong Huynh of San Diego, Calif.; two daughters, Denise wife of John Gibson of Snyder Texas and Dr. Janice wife of Dr. Bruce Bunn of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; a brother, Joseph Yonushka of Duryea, Pa.; two sisters, Regina Kovolan and Marie Yonushka, both of Duryea, Pa.; and five grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place Friday at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, 1821 Catasauqua Road, Bethlehem. Calling hours will be held at Downing Funeral Home, Inc., 1002 W. Broad Street, Bethlehem, Pa., on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Foundation of CVPH Medical Center, FCC, 75 Beekman Street, Plattsburgh NY 12901 or to American Red Cross Tsunami Relief Fund.

Joseph G. Barney, 70, of Lovers Lane Road in Malone, and formerly of Fort Covington, died suddenly at the Alice Hyde Medical Center in Malone, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, where he had been brought by rescue.

He was born on Aug. 22, 1934, in Fort Covington, the son of the late Lester J. and Florence M. (Kuhn) Barney.

There are no calling hours. Services will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are through the Bruso-Desnoyers Funeral Service of Malone.

Margaret Ann Stone of Oak Street, Plattsburgh, died Jan. 9, 2005, at the her residence.

She was born in Beekmantown on Oct. 11, 1935. She was the daughter of Fred and Agnes (Stiles) Porter.

There are no calling hours and private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

The R.W. Walker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Margaret C. Venette, 68, of River Street, Lake Placid, N.Y., died Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, at the Uihlein Mercy Center, where she had been a resident since July.

She was born in Lake Placid, Jan. 19, 1936, the daughter of Victor and Irene (Patnode) Strack.

There are no calling hours. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, at 10 a.m. at Uihlein Mercy Center Chapel, Rev. Patrick O'Reilly will officiate.

Joseph R. Boula, 74, of Brunswick Road, Saranac Lake, N.Y., died Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005, at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

He was born in Saranac Lake, Aug. 4, 1930, the son of Oliver W. and Anna (Strong) Boula.

Friends are invited to call Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 4 p.m. Rev. Thomas Kornmeyer, pastor of St. Bernard's Church in Saranac Lake will officiate. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Dora Goedeke, 98, formally of Bombay, N.Y., died at Uhlein Mercy Center Jan. 9, 2005.

She was born in Germany, July 10, 1906.

There are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held at the Hillside Cemetery in Bombay, N.Y., at a later date.

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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