Our Obituaries

Mary A. Hill, age 94, of Port Jervis, NY, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY.She was born August 24, 1914 in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of the late John and Rose Brigidyr Kuziw. She married Gerald E. Hill, who survives at home.Mary was a retired sewing machine operator for Novelty Slipper Co., Port Jervis, NY. Mary is a long time member of St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis.In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two daughters, Geraldine Hill Romeo and her husband, John of Port Jervis and Kathleen Hill McGee and her husband, Donald of Cranford, NJ; two granddaughters, Katherine and Anne McGee; several nieces and nephews, and her brother-in-law, George Pomes of Port Jervis. She was predeceased by her sisters: Stephanie Boehmler, Anne Calvario and Olga Denton.Friends may call prior to prayer services at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, with The Rev. Raj as celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home; 845-856-3312. For information, directions or to send condolences, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Levi M. Hoffman, age 97, a lifelong resident of the Town of Greenville, NY, entered into rest on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 in Port Jervis, NY.Levi was born June 4, 1911 in Port Jervis, NY, the son of the late Charles and Anna Belcher Hoffman.He was a retired dairy farmer, electrician for Agway Corp., Middletown, NY and a former Town Justice and Councilman for the Town of Greenville, NY. He was a member of the Greenville United Methodist Church, and charter member of the Greenville Volunteer Fire Dept.He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Alma DeBevoise Hoffman. They were married on September 9, 1937. He is also survived by his four children: David L. Hoffman and his wife, Judy of the Town of Greenville, NY, Linda A. Gunn and her husband, Frederick of the Town of Greenville, NY, Larry A. Hoffman and his wife, Diane of Phoenix, AZ, and LuAnn Brundage and her companion, Ron Wagner of Stroudsburg, PA; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Darwin and Charles; three sisters: Clara, Flora and Luella.Friends may call on Sunday, April 26, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. The Greenville Fire Dept. will conduct services at 8 p.m.Funeral services will be held on Monday April 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with The Rev. Don Coy officiating. Private interment will take place Pine Hill Cemetery, Middletown, NY.Memorial contributions may be made in Levi's name to the Greenville United Methodist Church.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home; 845-856-3312. For information, directions or to send condolences, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Elizabeth "Betty" Hanes Brody, age 73, of Port Jervis, passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2009 at Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown after a long courageous battle with lung cancer.She was born on August 28, 1935 in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of the late William J. Hicks, Sr. and Jennie M. Babcock Hicks. Elizabeth married Howard Brody, who predeceased her.She was a retired Telemarketer for Val Corporation in Middletown. She is a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church in Port Jervis.She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Lynn Stas of Port Jervis; her son, Edward Gordon Hanes and his wife, Susan of Bloomingburg; three sisters: Edna Conklin, Regina Feldman, and Gloria Shema; her brother, William Hicks, Jr.; three grandchildren: Melanie Space, Kaitlin Space and her fiancé, Adam Van Der Eems, and Harry Space and his fiancé, Amanda Kyle; one step-granddaughter, Farrah Brody; two great-grandchildren, Natalie Space and Rhys Van Der Eems. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews, especially the Mowatt and Hicks families.A family statement reads: "Betty was always the life of the party and loved to dance. She enjoyed family vacations, especially Las Vegas and was an avid movie enthusiast. It was not uncommon for Betty and her sister, Gloria to go the movies sometimes twice a week. The most important thing in Betty's life was her family. She will be deeply missed. Betty was also a lifetime member of the Tri-State Naval Ship #7241, Port Jervis, NY."Friends may call today, Thursday, April 23, from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main St., Port Jervis. The vigil wake service will be held on Thursday afternoon.Prayers will be offered on Friday morning, April 24, at 10:15 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's R.C. Church in Port Jervis. Interment will take place at Quarry Hill Cemetery in Rio, NY.Memorial contributions may be made to CROC (Citizens Reunited to Overcome Cancer), PO Box 860, New Hampton, NY 10958.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home; 845-856-3312. For information, directions, or to send condolences, please visit Knight-Auchmoody.com.

Beatrice R. Theodore, age 95, and a 60-year resident of Port Jervis, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2009 at Belle Reve Health Care Facility, Milford, PA.She was born on December 7, 1913 in Columbia, Maine, the daughter of the late Frederick and Lillian Norton Ramsdell.Beatrice was a retired school teacher for the Port Jervis, School System. She married Charles S. Theodore, who predeceased her. Beatrice was a member of the Neversink Valley Area Museum, Cuddebackville, the New York State Retired Teacher's Assoc. and the National AARP.Beatrice is survived by her son, Frederick Theodore and his wife, Debra of Port Jervis, NY, and her granddaughter, Adista Theodore.Private graveside services will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY with Rev. Robert Mayer officiating.Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Neversink Valley Area Museum, PO Box 263, Cuddebackville, NY 12729.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send a condolence note the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Joseph W. Mackey, age 70, of Murphy, North Carolina and formerly a longtime resident of Port Jervis, NY, passed away peacefully with his wife Lynn and his little dog "Sweetie" by his side on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the Murphy Medical Center, Murphy, NC.He was born in New York City on January 29, 1939, the son of the late Joseph Mackey and Mabel Mackechnie Mackey Fox, who survives.Joe was retired from the New York State Troopers in Middletown, NY, as a law enforcement officer and also a diver. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne Division as a paratrooper during the Korean War.He married Lynn Fedorka Mackey who survives at home, he is also survived by his mother, Mabel Mackey Fox of Port Jervis; two sons, Joseph Mackey of Tampa, FL and Jeffrey Mackey of Milford, PA; his brother, Robert Mackey of Port Jervis; his grandson, Chad; his aunt and uncle, Russell and Peggy Mackechnie; and several nieces and nephews.A family statement reads: "Joe loved riding his motorcycle, boating and spending time with his wife and pets."Graveside services will be announced at a later date and will be held at the Glen Spey Cemetery, Glen Spey, NY.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com.

George J. "Georgie" "Pop" Sauschuck, Jr., age 73, of Shohola, PA, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2009 at the Westchester Medical Ctr., Valhalla, NY.He was born December 17, 1935 in Port Jervis, NY, the son of the late George J. Sauschuck, Sr. and Catherine Melnyk Sauschuck.George was a retired Brakeman and Conductor for The Erie Railroad in Port Jervis, NY. He was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, and the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainman and a committee member for the Class of 1954.He is survived by his long time companion, Marty McDowell, at home; four sons: George Sauschuck and his fiancée, Patty Mantz of Port Jervis, Jeffrey Sauschuck of Port Jervis, Michael Sauschuck and his wife, Marina of Sparrowbush, and Randy Sauschuck and his wife, Barbara of Sparrowbush, NY. His extended family, Frank Reome and his wife, Karen of Shohola, PA, Bob Wharton and his wife, Debbie of Georgia, Mark Wharton and his wife, Lorie of Summitville, NY, Steven Wharton and his wife, Connie of Milford, PA, along with his sister, Elaine Decker and her husband, James of Greenville, NY; 17 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. He was predeceased by his son, Scott Sauschuck; two brothers, Jimmy and Jerry Sauschuck, and his granddaughter, Melissa.A family statement reads: "Georgie was a good son, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. You will always be Elaine's Georgie. We love you and will miss you."Friends may call Thursday, April 16, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 16, at the funeral home. Interment will be private.Memorial contributions may be to The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave., NY, NY.For information, directions or to send condolences, please call 845-856-3312 or

Helen M. Peters, age 94, of Matamoras, PA, passed away Friday, April 3, 2009 at Milford Senior Care, Milford, PA.She was born on August 4, 1914 at Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of the late William and Grace Winters King. Helen was retired owner of L'il Lambs Childrens Clothing Store, in Port Jervis, and later retired as Hostess of The Evergreen Restaurant, Milford, PA. She married Harvey W. Peters, who predeceased her. Helen was a member of the Matamoras, United Methodist Church, Sunday School Teacher and choir member of the church.She is survived by her son, Keith Peters and his wife Nancy of Matamoras, PA, two grandchildren, Zachary and Amanda Peters; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her three brothers, Emerson, John and William.Friends may call Tuesday, April 7, from 10-11 a.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 7, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with The Rev. Don Coy officiating. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Helen's name to: Diakon Hospice St. John, 416 Main St., Suite D, Honesdale, PA 18431.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY; 845-856-3312. For information, directions or to send a condolence note the family visit knight-auchmoody.com.

Adolph "Sonny" Mathes, Jr., age 77, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2009 at his home in Milford, PA.He was born on July 25, 1931 in Port Jervis, NY, the son of the late Adolph P. Mathes, Sr. and Jean Sanders Mathes. He married Sandra Navitsky Mathes who survives at home.Adolph was a retired construction worker for the Local 445 Teamsters in Newburgh, NY. He was a social member of the Tri-State Naval Ship #7241 in Port Jervis and the Matamoras Rod and Gun Club.He is survived by his wife at home, Sandra Navitsky, and one sister, Florence Meyers.Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main St., Port Jervis; 845-856-3312. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family

Memorial services for Viola S. Wehinger, age 85, of Port Jervis, will be held on Friday, April 3, at the Drew United Methodist Church, Sussex St., Port Jervis at 11 a.m. The Rev. Robert Cassidy will officiate. Private Interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis, NY.Memorial donations may be made to the Drew United Methodist Church, Sussex St., Port Jervis, NY 12771.Arrangements by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771; 845-856-3312 or knight-auchmoody.com.

Thomas J. Norris, age 95, of Port Jervis, NY, passed away Monday, March 30, 2009 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis.He was born on August 27, 1913 in Montague, NJ, the son of the late Robert and Fannie Monds Norris.Tom was a retired Electrician and Plumber for The John Innella Building Co., Sparrowbush, NY. He married Marion Tooley Norris, who predeceased him.Tom proudly served our country with the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was a member of the Roosa-Fleming VFW Post #161, Port Jervis.He is survived by his two daughters, Judy Obermeyer and her husband, Jim of Glen Spey, NY and Carol Talmadge and her husband, Van of Red Hook, NY; his grandchildren: Sonia Quintanar, Leah Casterlin and Colin Talmadge and his wife, Kamila; several nieces and nephews, including his special niece, Doris Shevlin of Montague, NJ. He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Stacy Norris-Quintanar, several sisters and brothers and his also predeceased by his beloved pet dog, "Rex".Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will take place at Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras, PA.Memorial donations may be made to the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, Port Jervis, NY.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St. Port Jervis. For information, directions or to send a condolence note the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com.

William D. Ganz, age 89, of Lake Worth, FL, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2009, at the Robert Jay Lauer Hospice Center, Atlantis, FL.He was born on April 27, 1919 in Matamoras, PA, the son of the late William John Ganz and Lottie Wilson-Ganz.Mr. Ganz was a lifelong resident of Sparrowbush, NY until his move to Florida in December of 2005. Bill was a retired gas foreman for Orange and Rockland Utilities. His proudest accomplishment is the Service to his country as a Tech Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. He served his community as a volunteer firefighter for the Sparrowbush Fire Department and was also a Life Member of the Elks Lodge #645, Port Jervis, NY, the V.F.W. Post #161, lifelong member of the Sparrowbush Methodist Church and a member of the Run-A-Muck Hunting Club.Mr. Ganz is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty M. Ganz; a son, David Ganz, his wife, Patricia; a daughter, Nancy McKeague and her husband, Steve. He is also survived by two sisters, Catherine Canfield and husband, Martin, and Margaret Tarkett and husband, Jim; a brother, Russell Ganz, and wife, Claire. He has six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins.Friends may call Thursday, March 26, from 7-9 p.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY.Funeral services will be held Friday, March 27, at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY.Memorial contributions may be made to the Sparrowbush Fire Department or the Sparrowbush United Methodist Church.Arrangements by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. For information, directions or to send condolences, please visit knight-auchmoody.com or call 845-856-3312.

Olga Denton, age 93, of Port Jervis, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at her home.She was born on October 29, 1915 in Port Jervis, NY, the daughter of the late John and Rose Brigadier Kuziw. Olga married Frank D. Denton, Jr., who predeceased her.She is survived by her sister, Mary Hill and her husband, Gerald of Port Jervis, one nephew, Thomas Calvario; nieces: Nancy Calvario, Rose Haas, Cathy Mc Gee, Geri Romeo and Susan Dubiel. Olga was predeceased by her sisters, Stephanie Boehmler and Anne Calvario.She was a member of St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis; AARP; and a Volunteer for Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis.Prayers will be offered Friday morning, March 27, at 9:15 a.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis, with Rev. George Haffeman as celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis.Memorial contributions may be made to Bon Secours Community Hospital, 160 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY 12771.Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home; 845-856-3312. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com.