Our Obituaries

Gerald (Jerry) Walters, 70, passed away peacefully at home on 8/21/07 and then went to live with God, forever.Son of the late Francis & Helen Walters, he was born in the old Deerpark Hospital (P.J.) on 6/23/37. A lifelong resident, he graduated from PJHS in 1955.Jerry was the owner/operator of Jerry's Signs. For over 40 years he gilded and hand painted signs throughout the surrounding area. They will remain for many years as a legacy of his talent.An amateur Egyptologist his whole life, he traveled extensively throughout all of Egypt visiting monuments, temples, and tombs. As a historian, he visited most of the Revolutionary and Civil War battle sites, especially Gettysburg. He also traveled much of the European WWII theater, including London, Paris, the beaches of Normandy, Luxembourg, and the Bastogne. He was responsible for restoring the 1863 Civil War cannon that now stands in Orange Square Park on Pike St. in Port Jervis.Jerry was a Deacon and Church Historian for the Deerpark Reformed Church. Since the 1960's he also served as caretaker of the Old Magagkamack Churchyard on E. Main St. He was a member of the Minisink Valley Historical Society. He was a past president of the Tri-State Rod and Gun Club, and a lifetime member of the NRA. As an avid outoors man, he wrote a column on hungting, fishing & natural conservation called "The Wooodsman" carried by local newspapers for several years; one of his stories was featured on the cover of "Outdoor Life" magazine in 1968.When not busy with his other many interests and activities, you could probably see Jerry buzzing around the area in his prized 1934 Ford.He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, and his constant companion, a black lab Coco, as well as his three daughters: Teri Walters & her partner Gary Russo; Jamie Walters; and Mandi Walters & husband Patrick Gregory; granddaughter, Taylor Walters Gregory; and brother Douglas Walters. All of Bedford Falls.Jerry wanted to thank his friends, family, and health care providers for their excellent care & compassion during his illness.Viewing will be Thursday, August 23, fom 2-4, 7-9 p.m. at Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday the 24th at the Deerpark Reformed Church at 30 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Interment will be at the family's convenience.In Jerry's name, donations may be sent to the Deerpark Reformed Church earmarked for the expenses and upkeep of the Old Magagkamack Churchyard. Alternately donations can be sent to the Humane Society Port Jervis/Deerpark or Hospice.Arrangements are by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, www.knight-auchmoody.com or 845-856-3312.

Mary E. Prothero, a retired silk weaver for Vaucansen Silk Mill, Port Jervis and lifelong area resident, died Sunday, August 19, 2007 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis. She was 100.The daughter of the late William H. and Minnie Hoffman Bodine, she was born December 6, 1906 in Town of Deerpark, N.Y.She was a member of the Deerpark Reformed Church, Port Jervis and member of the Reformed Church Women; Port Jervis Garden Club; Port Jervis AARP; Port Jervis Community Club; former member of the Matamoras Seniors.Her daughter's statement reads, "Mother was a frugal, modest woman adored and respected by all who knew her. To maintain her independence was her goal which she achieved well into her 100th year. She was a kind, loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother and aunt who will be greatly missed but never forgotten. We will cherish our fond family memories and keep them close in our hearts. We love you dearly. You earned your peaceful eternal rest cradled in the arms of God, our Heavenly Father."Survivors include her daughter, Joyce P. Wyka and husband Tadeusz of Port Jervis; three grandchildren, Toby K. Davis and wife Ann, Marianne Besaw and husband Richard, Tad Wyka II and wife Dawn; five great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by her daughter, Phyllis Davis and her two brothers, William and Albert Bodine.Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 23 at the Deerpark Reformed Church, 30 E. Main St., Port Jervis. The Rev. Ann Rost will officiate.Interment will be private.Contributions may be made to the Deerpark Reformed Church, 30 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com

Loretta "Peggy" Gunderman, a housekeeper for the Playboy Club Resort & Hotel, Vernon, N.J. and lifelong area resident, died Saturday, August 18, 2007 at her home. She was 53.The daughter of the late Saron and Isabel Finigan Gunderman, she was born April 13, 1954 in Franklin, N.J.Survivors include her three brothers, Leonard, Dayton and George Gunderman all of Franklin, N.J.; five sisters, Dora Gunderman of Branchville, N.J., Isabel Riker of New Hampshire, Marcia Luberger of Crandon Lakes, N.J., Wendy Pease of Port Jervis and Cindy Strick of Hamburg, N.J.; and several nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by two brothers, Saron and Jesse Gunderman.The family of Peggy Gunderman will receive friends and hold a memorial service at the home of Wendy Pease, 17 Cypress Road, Port Jervis, NY on Sat. August 25 at 1 p.m.Interment will be private.Contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange, 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12550. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com

Alberta M. Myers, a retired beautician and owner of the Eldred Beauty Shop in Eldred and lifelong area resident, died Friday, August 17, 2007 at Achieve Health and Rehabilitation Facility, Liberty. She was 92.The daughter of the late William and Irene Rosa Doughty, she was born April 27, 1915 in Halls Mills, N.Y.She was the widow of Stanley A. Myers.She was a member of the Eldred Congregation Church, Eldred and Ladies Auxiliary of the Church. Alberta was the recipient of Mother of the Year Award from the Girl Scouts of Eldred. She received the Citizen of the Year Award. She was named Business & Professional Woman of the Year and she was the First Foster Mother of Sullivan County, raising over 225 children since 1944.Survivors include five sons, Harris Myers and wife Becky of Kauneonga Lake, Harry Krom of Eldred, William Wickberg and wife Brandy of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Bill VonSteenburgh of Monticello, John VonSteenburgh of Eldred; five daughters, Bonnie Myers of Middletown, Kathy Zentz of Eldred, Jackie Sisco and husband Rodney of North Carolina, Theresa Draxler at home, Lena Porter of Middletown; many grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.She was predeceased by her daughter, Linda Myers; brother, Clifford Doughty and sister, Viola Shaw.Friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Tuesday, August 21 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis.Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 22 at the Eldred Congregational Church, Eldred. The Rev. Richard Hotzler will officiate.Burial will be in Montoza Cemetery, Eldred.Contributions may be made to the Eldred Congregational Church, Eldred, NY 12732 or to the Eldred American Legion Volunteer Ambulance Corp, Eldred, NY 12732.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit www.knight-auchmoody.com

Marjorie A. Bachelder, a retired assembler for Kolmar Labs, Inc., Port Jervis and lifelong area resident, died Thursday, August 16, 2007 at Mercy Hospital, Scranton, Pa. She was 83.The daughter of the late Henry and Anna Carr Thiele, she was born August 17, 1924 in Mongaup.Marge attended the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church. She was a member of the North Lake Presbyterian Church, Lady Lake, Fla. She was an affiliate member of the Belleview United Methodist Church, Belleview, Fla.; life-member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Tri-State Naval Ship #7241, Port Jervis.Survivors include her husband Douglas R. Bachelder at home; three sons, Norman Bachelder and wife Margaret of Milford, Pa., Richard Bachelder and wife Nancy of Crossville, Tenn. and Kenneth Bachelder and wife Debbie of Pedro, Fla.; three daughters, Katherine Lemon and husband Butch of Matamoras, Pa., Sandra McCann and husband Bill of Sparrowbsuh and JoAnn Schreibel and husband Tom of Lady Lake, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Howard Thiele and wife Genevieve of Glen Spey; three sisters, Louise McKerrell and Florence Hunt both of Glen Spey, Deline Norris of Hillside, N.Y.; several nieces and nephews.Services will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, August 20 at the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church, Pond Eddy. The Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst will officiate. Interment will be private.Contributions may be made to The Anna Thiele Kitchen Fund at the Pond Eddy United Methodist Church, Pond Eddy, NY 12770.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home.
For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit knight-auchmoody.com

N. Dick "Bones" Roda, a retired maintenance supervisor for Orange County Parks System, Montgomery and lifelong area resident, died Sunday, August 12, 2007 at his home. He was 72.The son of the late Adin Roda and Gertrude Kruger Roda, he was born August 11, 1935 in Middletown.He was married first to the late Margaret Tompkins Roda and second to the late Sandra McCahon Roda.A family statement reads, "Bones loved to be at gatherings surrounded by family and friends. The big guy will be missed by many."Survivors include two sons, Richard Roda and wife Jodie of W. Haven, Conn., David Roda and wife Jodi of Middletown; three daughters, Susan Lowenhaupt of Middletown, Deborah Roda of Middletown, Peggy Jo Roda and Lori Hock of New Hampton; five stepchildren; one sister, Joan Applegate of Sparrowbush; his brother, Warren Roda and wife Doris of Otisville; four grandchildren, David, Chrissy and Adin Roda and Johnny Mann, Britanny Curtis; five step-grandchildren; one step-great- granddaughter; longtime friend, Ray Decker of the Town of Greenville; and several nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by his brother-in-law, John Applegate.The family will receive friends Sat. August 18 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main, Port Jervis.Private interment will take place at Mt. Hope-Plains Cemetery, Otisville.Contributions may be made to the American Heart Assoc. Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, New York.
For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Joseph and Mae Andriac
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph and Mae Andriac, both of Port Jervis, will be held on Tuesday, August 14 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's R.C. Church. The Rev. Dennis Dinan will officiate.Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. For directions, information or to send a condolence note to the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com

Robert C. Litts, a retired aircraft mechanic and 60-year area resident, died Friday, August 3, 2007 after a long illness at Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, Pa. He was 92.The son of the late Edward H. Litts and Elmina J. Westcott Letts, he was born April 8, 1915 in Susquehanna, Pa.He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Matamoras, Pa. Mr. Litts attended the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics in Newark, N.J. and was then hired to teach students the aircraft engine repair trade. Bob owned and operated Litts Air Service in Matamoras, Pa. He also operated the aircraft maintenance repair facility at the Monticello Airport. Several years ago, he received recognition for being the most senior FAAI and A Inspector in the Allentown Region. He received the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award. He was a former partner in Winans Engineering and Manufacturing Co in Branchville, N.J. Mr. Litts was a member of the Matamoras Lodge of Masons (New Milford Lodge #344 F & AM). His many hobbies and interests included fishing and hunting. He was also an aircraft pilot. He was a life-member of the Matamoras Rod & Gun Club; and the Slate Stone Hunting Club. He was a member and past president of the Matamoras Borough Council.He is survived by his wife, Jane A. Murch Litts, they were married September 23, 1939; one son, Richard A. Litts and wife Jeanette of Downington, Pa.; daughters, Nancy Farrr of Matamoras, Pa. and Susan Kozykowski and husband Bernar of Barryville; one brother, Floyd Litts of Susquehanna, Pa.; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Barbara Litts and son-in-law, Joseph Monaco; and several nieces and nephews.He was predeceased by son, Robert E. Litts; daughter, Joan Monaco; great-granddaughter, Laura Reitschmied; one brother; and two sisters.Friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday, August 6 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, where the Milford Lodge of Masons will conduct services at 8 p.m.Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 7 at The United Methodist Church of Matamoras, Pa. The Rev. Glenn Scheyhing will officiate.Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush. Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, New York.
For directions, information or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Marie C. Griffin, a licensed practical nurse for KDL Nursing Service in Bloomingburg and lifelong area resident, died suddenly on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 in Middletown. She was 57.The daughter of the late Francis Griffin and Frances Furman Griffin, she was born in Port Jervis on August 18, 1949.She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Port Jervis and the Viet Nam Vets of America, Chapter #140. She graduated from Orange County Community College with a degree in Nursing.Survivors include her daughter, Dawn Essig and husband Bill Gorres of Poughkeepsie; her son, Timothy Essig and wife Jodi of Forestburg, N.Y.; her mother, Frances Griffin of Matamoras, Pa.; two sisters, Annette Griffin of Bloomingburg and Charlotte Moran of Tucson, Ariz.; four brothers, Howard Griffin of Goshen, Gary Griffin of Pine Bush, Keith Griffin of Ledyard, Conn. and Wesley Griffin of Goshen; her loving companion, Ed Pavlich at home; six grandchildren, Kelsea, Tristan, Ashley, Thomas, Frances and Marissa; and several nieces and nephews.Friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, August 7 at Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Viet Nam Vets of America will conduct Tuesday evening services at 8 p.m. at the funeral home.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 8 at the funeral home with the Rev. Betsy Diver officiating.Burial will be in Westbrookville Cemetery, Westbrookville.Contributions may be made to St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Port Jervis, NY 12771 or the Viet Nam Vets of America, PO Box 171, New Hampton, NY 10958. Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, New York.
For directions, information or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit knight-auchmoody.com

Kristopher R. Long, a construction worker and lifelong area resident, died Sunday, July 29, 2007 at Cape Coral, Fla. He was 27.The son of Brian and Pamelia Collette Long, he was born May 19, 1980 in Port Jervis.Survivors include his companion, Briana Walsh of Cape Coral, Fla.; his daughter, Alexa at home; his parents, Pamelia and Brian Long of Port Jervis; his father, Steven Goble of Forestburgh; two sisters, Nicole Long of Port Jervis and Sarah Goble of Fosterdale; his maternal grandmother, Pamelia Stevens of Matamoras, Pa.; his maternal grandparents, Bob and Maryellen Stevens of Matamoras, Pa.; paternal grandmother, Adele LaBarr of Narrowsburg; paternal grandparents, Alice and Robert Long of Matamoras; his uncle, Kyle Stevens.Friends may call from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Thursday, August 2 at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 3 at the funeral home. The Rev. Glenn Scheyhing will officiate.Burial will be in Glen Spey Cemetery, Glen Spey.Funeral arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home.