Obituaries

Donna L. Benz, of Lexington, KY, formerly of Medina, NY, passed away peacefully Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 at her residence, Morning Pointe East.  She was born Feb. 14, 1944 in Medina, NY, the only daughter to the late Ralph and Alberta (Bateman) Robison. After graduating from high school, Donna married her husband, the late Jeffrey L. Benz, on August 31, 1968, and they raised their family in Scotia-Glenville, NY.  She was a wonderful stay-at-home mom for many years and then began working as a salesperson for high-end retail stores. In 1987, Donna moved to Cincinnati, OH with her family to support her husband and his career with General Electric. She loved fashion, bowling with the GE Wives’ club, and helping her kids through college. She retired from working in the early 2000’s to enjoy her grandchildren, friends, family, traveling and her dog, Mercedes. She is survived by her children, David (Theresa Kramer) Benz and Michelle (Jason) Moseley, her grandchildren, Aaron and Jenna Moseley, her siblings Gerald Robison and Raymond “Doug” Robison, her siblings -in-law, Carl (Cindy) Benz, Marilyn (Steven) Williams, and Phillip (Claudia) Benz, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents and husband, she is predeceased by her sibling, Ronald Robison and sibling’s in-law, Marjorie Robison and Carol Robison. Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday, Oct. 1st, 2024 from 10AM-12noon at the Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl St. Medina, NY 14103, where a funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM with the Rev. William Wilkinson officiating. Burial will be in the Boxwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Donna’s name to the Baptist Health Foundation at https://www.supportbaptisthealth.org/giving-back/donate-now or The Cincinnati Animal Care Shelter and Resource Center https://cincinnatianimalcare.networkforgood.com/projects/117102-donate-now. Please light a candle or share a memory of Donna at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.

Evelyn Barry age 81, passed away Sept. 20, 2024 at the Villages of Orleans with her family by her side.  She was born Feb. 21, 1943, in Harrisburg PA, a daughter of the late John and Rosemary (Conroy) Hodgett and had lived in this area most of her life. Evelyn had worked as a manager at the Walmart in Greece. She was an avid nature enthusiast and was a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother James Hodgett; sisters Pat (Jerry) Barth, Mary (Gene) Marron, Joanie Hodgett. She is survived by her sons Keith (Parampal Deol) Barry, Chris (Lisa Persia) Barry; her daughter Mary Barry; grandchildren Jamie (April) Garza, Zachary Barry, Aubrielle Barry, Kolton Barry, Akum Barry, Saanya Barry; great-grandchildren Michela Brege, Samantha Garza, Aurora Garza; great-great-grandson Jasper Brege; brothers Jack (Marilyn) Hodgett, Same (Roseanne) Hodgett as well as several nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be held privately at White Haven Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to P.A.W.S. 3371 Gaines Basin Rd., Albion NY 14411.  Arrangements were entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Albion. To share a memory of Evelyn, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.   

James R. “Jim” Jacobs, age 68, died Sept. 23, 2024 at home surrounded by his family.  He was born Sept. 8, 1956 in Middleport to Roland and Audrey (Sy) Jacobs and was a life-long resident of this area. Jim worked as a Supervisor for Voss Manufacturing in Sanborn and was a member of the Middleport Fire Department.  He enjoyed building things, working 3-D puzzles, hunting, traveling and snowmobiling.  In addition, Jim was known as a ‘Jack of all trades’. He was a huge fan of Jimmy Buffet, the Buffalo Bills, NASCAR and enjoyed the pleasure of good bourbon. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Mary Ellen, his son: Christopher (Nora Seaman) Jacobs of Middleport, his brothers: Jeff (Darcy) Jacobs of Wilson, Jake (Roxanne) Jacobs of Middleport, his grandson: Ethan Brown as well as several nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours and a private service will be held at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY, 14094.  Jim’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home of Middleport.  To share a special memory of Jim, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

John Charles Patterson, aged 62, passed away peacefully on Sept. 10th, 2024, at Chesapeake Regional Hospital. He was born on Feb. 11, 1962, in Medina NY, to Morris and Rose (Andre) Patterson. He was a proud resident of Virginia Beach since his arrival in the early 90’s. John was a 1980 graduate of Medina High School, and after several years in the US Army, he entered Buffalo State University and graduated with a teaching degree. He married Martha Brugger on July 28, 2012, in Erie PA. John is most known from his 20 plus year teaching career through the VBCPS, but also built and ran Blue Skies of VA, which is a property and rental business. John was an energetic person who loved to work on his landscaping, and home improvement projects. His outgoing personality and contagious sense of humor brought him lots of friends. John had a lifelong love of sports and played college level football and rugby. Beyond this he was an assistant high school baseball coach. His interest in nature grew throughout his time in Virginia Beach, for example his fondness for native plants, which became a focal point for his landscaping. And with an online moniker of “BluesMan” his love of music filled all aspects of his life. John’s greatest passion was for his family. He and Martha were inseparable, and of course he always nurtured a very close relationship with his daughters and granddaughter. Later in life he particularly enjoyed searching for shells and spending time with his granddaughter Bronwyn. John was her “Jah-Jah.” He is preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved first wife Toni Ann (Scarcelli) Patterson. Toni Ann was the loving mother of John’s incredible daughters. He is survived by his wife Martha, and his three daughters: Nicole (Joyner) McBride, wife of Sean McBride, Morgan (Joyner) Greene, wife of Michael Greene, and Mackenzie Patterson, and his brother Morris Patterson Jr (Deborah), sister Cheryl Patterson, both of Medina, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and three grandchildren. John’s legacy of love and warmth will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. May he rest in peace. Memorial service for John at Jr Wilson’s Sportsman Club on Oct. 19 starting at noon. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to may make a donation in John’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.

Lloyd E. Strickland Jr. , age 81, passed away after a brief illness on Sept. 18, 2024. Known to his family and friends as Butch, he was born Jan. 13, 1943 in Albion to the late Lloyd and Ednadean (Watson) Strickland Sr. Lloyd started his career as a master mechanic for Ford Motor Company. Later, he owned and operated his own construction business, Strickland Enterprises, for many years. Lloyd was an avid wood worker and became fond of working with metal. He specialized in making knives and hatchets. He enjoyed fishing, kayaking and knife throwing. Lloyd’s proudest accomplishment was his family. He cherished his relationships with each family member. Lloyd also had a love for animals. He rescued and rehabilitated many creatures.  In addition to his parents, Lloyd was predeceased by his brother-in-law, John Routledge, sister-in-law, Renee Strickland, nephews, Loren and Scot Strickland. Butch is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Naomi, daughter, Charlene (Steven) Culmo and her children, Andrew Bresett, Alexandra (Ethan Poler) Bresett, Thomas (Mary) Culmo, son David (Melissa) Strickland and his children, Blake and Garrett Strickland, Markus (Karlie) Lembcke, Miranda (Edward) Schildt, his daughter, Rebecca (Brian) Alexander and her children, Lillian Strickland, Michael Alexander, Abigail Alexander, Barrett Alexander, Maxine Alexander, as well as many great-grandchildren, siblings, Kenneth (Alexis) Strickland, Sr., Loren (Linda) Strickland, sister-in-law, Dorothy Routledge, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Services for Butch will be announced at a later date. Butch’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home of Albion, NY. Memorial contributions in Butch’s name may be made to PAWS Animal Shelter 3371 Gaines Basin Road Albion, NY 14411. To share a special memory of Butch, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

Oscar Henry Eriksen Jr. of Weeki Wachee, Florida left his Earthly body to be with Jesus on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. Oscar was born just after midnight on July 1, 1948, to Oscar Eriksen Sr. and Helen Eriksen at his family home in Chicago, Illinois. He served in the United States Marine Corps. Oscar was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was known by his nickname “Rick” to many friends and family. Oscar grew up in Erie, PA where he and his first wife, Ruth Baker, had five children, Deanna Sands (Michael), Oscar Eriksen III, Edward Eriksen (Erin), Christie Durst (Dennis), and Carol Jo “C.J.” Huffman (Charles). He married his wife Lucille Eriksen in 1982 and with his marriage he welcomed two sons, Jason Hilobuk and Christopher Hilobuk (Dawn). In addition to his wife of 42 years and his seven children, Oscar also had one sister, Barbara (Fred), four brothers George (Jeanne), Fred (Patty), Eric (Bonnie) and Chuck, 24 grandchildren and several great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. Oscar had the best sense of humor and had a laugh that could bring joy to any room. He had a talent for building things and was known to create everything from model airplanes to detailed construction renovations. He enjoyed the hobbies of playing his harmonica, watching television, and having coffee and conversation with friends and family. Oscar enjoyed many adventures traveling North America by motor home and even enjoyed a few cruises. He was known to share words of wisdom such as following the “Golden Rule” and “Que Sera, Sera. Whatever will be will be.” Oscar could always be counted on with a smile to help anyone in need and would often share with others, “Mi casa es su casa.” He was often said to be like Dr. Doolittle because all animals loved him and many times, he made friends with animals in nature such as squirrels, lizards, and once even a wild pig. He loved his many pets over the years including his current Golden Retriever, Sandy. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Dr. Seuss said it best when he shared, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” Memories of Oscar will always be cherished with a smile, just how he would have wanted it.

William I. “Bill” Merritt  age 88, passed away Sept. 21, 2024 at his home with his loving family by his side.  He was born April 11, 1936 in Brockport, NY a son of the late Mabel Clark Merritt and George (Marjorie) Merritt and had lived in this area most of his life. Bill worked at General Electric in Brockport for many years and after, worked for the Brockport Water Authority in Hamlin.  He loved to fish, especially in DeLeon FL where he and his wife wintered.  Bill was a John Deere enthusiast and loved to drive his tractor. He enjoyed living on the lake and Utica Club Beer.  In Recent years, he enjoyed front porch sitting, drinking his coffee and watching the deer and birds. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Joan Gunter Saddler, Shirley (John) Maw; grandson Peter Lee Merritt. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Donna; his children Dan Merritt, Scott Merritt, Michael (Dawn) Merritt, Charlotte (George) Marriott; his brother Eddie (Donna) Merritt; grandchildren Michelle (Tim) Towne, Ryan (Kristin) Merritt, Josh (Amber) Merritt, Shane (Kim) Merritt, Tricia Merritt, Tyler Merritt, Cory Merritt, Jenna (Omar) Rodas, Dale Rodas; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Orleans. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Albion. To share a memory of Bill, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.