Our Obituaries

Sammie J. Kamphefner age 74, of Huguenot, NY passed away Tuesday February 23, 2010 at her home. She was born on December 10, 1935 in Wallace, Idaho, the daughter of the late Willie Rex Barber and Lena Ferguson Barber. Sammie was a retired Assembler for Kolmar Labs,Inc., Port Jervis, NY. She celebrated 56 years of marriage to Ernest W. Kamphefner, who pre-deceased her on October 9, 2009. Sammie was an active member with the Town of Deerpark Democratic Committee, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of The Sparrowbush Fire Dept., and a former Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader and Brownie leader. Sammie strongly supported the Port Jervis High School Wrestling and Football Teams and the Drama Club. She was a talented and creative artist and a "Mom" and friend to many.

Sammie is survived by her 3 sons, Rex Kamphefner and his wife Grace of Granite Bay, Calif., Grey Kamphefner at home, and Chance Kamphefner and his wife Cheryl of Lake Forest, California; 3 daughters, Kricket (Erin) Evans and her husband Joseph of Colorado Springs, Colo., Paige Yeager and her husband Scott of Pasadena, Maryland, and Diane Freije and her husband Gary of Binghamton, NY, 11 grandchildren and her best friend Sue Morgan of Port Jervis, and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her daughter Brandi Kamphefner , her brother John and her sister Mary.

Friends may call Friday February 26th from 1-4 pm at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Funeral Services will be held at 3:30 pm at the funeral home. Private Interment will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY Memorial donations may be made to the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, Port Jervis, NY 12771 or to the American Cancer Society, 419 E. Main St., Middletown, NY 10940. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. for information,directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com

Donald Nicholas Schields, Sr. died Sunday, February 21, 2010 in the comfort of his home surrounded by family. He was born to Nicholas Francis Schields and Hazel Burrows Schields, February 23, 1933 in Port Jervis where he remained a lifelong resident. Donald began working with his father in the family tire business, later becoming President and co-owner of Schields Tire Service after proudly serving his country in the 35th Infantry Regiment, U. S. Army in Korea. While continuing his work in the business he served an additional eight years to his country as a reserve member. As a community member and local businessman he believed in giving back and supporting the community in his unassuming ways.


Donald remained an active member of Metauque Falls Sportsmen’s Club, Tri-State Rod and Gun Club, Veterans of Foreign War Post 161, St. Mary’s Church, and Lifetime member of the NRA. He also held honorary membership in the Sunnyside Rod and Gun Club (aka. Deer Call Hunting Club) and White Tail Hunting Club. He was an avid outdoorsman and NASCAR fan. His greatest passion and joy was to be Papa to his five grandchildren.


Donald leaves behind his devoted wife ,celebrating 51 years of marriage on February 22, 2010, Janet Pepper Shields at home, his son and namesake Donald N. Shields Jr. and his wife Jeanmarie P. Schields of Port Jervis, his daughter Lynn Marie Schields Kozen and Mark Kozen of Manahawkin, NJ. His five beautiful grandchildren Kristen A. Kozen of Chester, VA, Maggie E. Schields and Nicholas R. Schields of Port Jervis, and Marc G. Kozen and Dylan N. Kozen of Manahawkin, NJ. He is further survived by one brother, Paul Schields of Matamoras, Pa, his cousin and business partner Robert Schields of Sparrowbush, NY, many nieces, nephews and a large extend family. In addition to his parents Donald was predeceased by his mother and father in law, Margaret (Sis) Worden Pepper and William George Pepper; sister-in law, Carol Wieker Schields; sister in law, Nancy Pepper Zabowski, and brother in law, G.William Pepper.


At the request of Donald services are private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of floral arrangements kindly donate to VFW Post 161, 47-51 Owen Street, Port Jervis, NY or the Port Jervis Salvation Army, 99 Ball Street, Port Jervis, NY c/o Captain Kruger.


Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.,, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family,visit knight-auchmoody.com

Donald Nicholas Schields, Sr. died Sunday, February 21, 2010 in the comfort of his home surrounded by family. He was born to Nicholas Francis Schields and Hazel Burrows Schields, February 23, 1933 in Port Jervis where he remained a lifelong resident. Donald began working with his father in the family tire business, later becoming President and co-owner of Schields Tire Service after proudly serving his country in the 35th Infantry Regiment, U. S. Army in Korea. While continuing his work in the business he served an additional eight years to his country as a reserve member. As a community member and local businessman he believed in giving back and supporting the community in his unassuming ways.


Donald remained an active member of Metauque Falls Sportsmen’s Club, Tri-State Rod and Gun Club, Veterans of Foreign War Post 161, St. Mary’s Church, and Lifetime member of the NRA. He also held honorary membership in the Sunnyside Rod and Gun Club (aka. Deer Call Hunting Club) and White Tail Hunting Club. He was an avid outdoorsman and NASCAR fan. His greatest passion and joy was to be Papa to his five grandchildren.


Donald leaves behind his devoted wife ,celebrating 51 years of marriage on February 22, 2010, Janet Pepper Shields at home, his son and namesake Donald N. Shields Jr. and his wife Jeanmarie P. Schields of Port Jervis, his daughter Lynn Marie Schields Kozen and Mark Kozen of Manahawkin, NJ. His five beautiful grandchildren Kristen A. Kozen of Chester, VA, Maggie E. Schields and Nicholas R. Schields of Port Jervis, and Marc G. Kozen and Dylan N. Kozen of Manahawkin, NJ. He is further survived by one brother, Paul Schields of Matamoras, Pa, his cousin and business partner Robert Schields of Sparrowbush, NY, many nieces, nephews and a large extend family. In addition to his parents Donald was predeceased by his mother and father in law, Margaret (Sis) Worden Pepper and William George Pepper; sister-in law, Carol Wieker Schields; sister in law, Nancy Pepper Zabowski, and brother in law, G.William Pepper.


At the request of Donald services are private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of floral arrangements kindly donate to VFW Post 161, 47-51 Owen Street, Port Jervis, NY or the Port Jervis Salvation Army, 99 Ball Street, Port Jervis, NY c/o Captain Kruger.


Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc.,, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family,visit knight-auchmoody.com

William C. Van Inwegen age 68 of Dunnellon, Florida and life-long resident of Port Jervis, NY passed away Saturday February 13, 2010 at his home in Dunnellon. Bill was born June 2, 1941, in Huguenot, NY, the son of the late Ralph S. and Marie McCarthy Van Inwegen. He was a retired Meter Technician for Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc., Port Jervis, NY. He married Lois A. Gallagher VanInwegen on May 18, 1963., who surives at home. Bill was a member of the Deerpark Reformed Church, Port Jervis, NY and a member of the Port Jerivs bowling League, bowling at PJ Bowl and Minisink Lanes. A family statement read "Bill loved NASCAR and enjoyed helping "The VanInwegen Family Racing Team" for many years as well as all the grandchildren activities and sports. Bill was an avid fan of sports and of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr.. He was a loving husband , father, Poppy and uncle, he will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him and would like to be remembered for all the good times and happiness that we shared. He was my best friend and forever in my heart." He retired to Florida in 2005 where he enjoyed many Country and Western Music concerts. He enjoyed the sun and warm weather. The highlight of Bill's retirement in Florida was performing on stage with country & western singer Lorrie Morgan.

In addition to his wife Lois he is survived by his daughter, Kathryn M. Gehm and her husband Bill of Lisle, NY, his son William M. Van Inwegen and his wife Lisa of Sparrowbush, NY, his brother Hugh Van Inwegen and his wife Patricia of Louden, Tenn., 6 grandchildren, Krista Marie, Kayla Megan, and Matthew James Gehm , Lara Nicole, William Francis. and Emily Ann Van Inwegen, his sister-in-law Karen Rupp and her husband Paul of South Dakota , nieces and nephews, Dwight Van Inwegen and his wife Sheila of Belgium,Keith Van Inwegen and his wife Florence of Richmond, Va. Mark Van Inwegen and his wife Jennifer of Phoenix, Az, and Paul Rupp and his wife Katharine of Reston.,Va. Kristina Lanterman and her husband Gary of Port Jervis, Kory Scott and her husband Ray, of Indiantown, Fla., several cousins and great nieces and nephews. His beloved pet and companion Shadow. He was pre-deceased by his brother Joseph Van Inwegen

Memorial services will be held in the Spring at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Rev. Ann Rost will officiate. Interment will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery, Sparrowbush, NY. Memorial donations may be made to the Port Jervis-Deerpark Humane Society, Route 209, Port Jervis, NY 12771. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. for information,directions or to send a condolence note to the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com

Ann Hofstee (nee Greidanus), aged 86, of Jenison, MI formerly from Port
Jervis, NY went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, February 12,
2010 from heart failure. She is survived by her children, Margaret
(Pete) VanDenBerge, Hermina (Mike) Van Elderen, Cora (Dan) Kuiper, Ed
(Carol) Hofstee, Kathy (Brian) Hanse, Frances (Folkert) Miedema, and
son-in-law Ted (Wenonah) Van Heyst. She was preceded in death by her
husband Theodore(2001), infant son Edward (1953) son Theodore Jay (1986),
and her daughter (2005), a sister, two brothers and four in-laws. She
has 21 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Ann was the eldest
daughter of Tjerk and Grietje Greidanus, born in Tzum, NL on October 7,
1923. With 13 younger siblings, who live in the Netherlands and Canada,
"Antje" soon learned about helping others. Ann is also survived by her
brother-in-law, Edward Hofstee of Bethel, NY and two sisters-in-law of
the Netherlands. Ted and Ann were married in
the Netherlands(1951) and soon immigrated to America. They left a
devastated Europe to build a new life in America. With determination and
hard work, they did their best with the gifts God had given them. As a
mother, Ann did her best to care for her family, teaching them good values and God's faithfulness in good times and bad. After renting dairy
farms in NJ, they were able to buy a farm in Port Jervis, NY. As they
raised their family, Ted Ann, and their children worked to build up the
Van Inwegen Dairy, selling fresh milk and dairy products. After Ted's
passing, Ann moved to Jenison, MI to be near more family. Ann spent a
lot of her time helping others, crocheting afghans for charities and
making personalized baby bibs as special gifts, and corresponding with
prisoners about the Bible. She was a faithful member of the 12th Ave
Christian Reformed Church. The family will receive friends Wednesday
February 17, at the Christian Reformed Church, 51 Unionville Ave.,
Sussex, NJ 07461 at 2:30pm. Graveside Services will be held at Clove
Cemetery, Wantage Township, NJ Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 11am ,
Rev. Joel Vande Werken will officiate. Memorial contributions may be
made to the Sunset Manor Benevolence Fund, 725 Baldwin Street, Jenison,
MI 49428, or Crossroad Bible Institute, PO Box 900, Grand Rapids, MI
49509-0900.
Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main
St., Port Jervis, NY. for information, directions, or to send a condolence
note to the family, visit knight-auchmoody.com

John J. Sylchak died unexpectedly at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY on February, 11, 2010 after a brief illness.

He was born March 1, 1930 on the family farm in Greenville to the late Louis & Mary Sylchak. On September 18, 1971 he married the love of his life, Shirley McCusker Schafer Sylchak.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and also enjoyed playing and managing men’s softball leagues in both Port Jervis and Middletown. However, his greatest passion was bowling and he was extremely proud of his membership in the Middletown Bowling Association Hall of Fame. He was well known at the Port Jervis and Minisink Bowling Lanes and loved taking part in the NY State tournaments. His love of bowling is something that he shared with his son-in-law and passed along to his granddaughter and great-granddaughters. He was their biggest supporter.

A farmer by trade, which resulted in his life-long love of gardening, John later was employed with HGI Skydyne, where he worked as an industrial painter until his retirement. He was a member of the Hope Evangelical Free Church in Matamoras. He valued time with his family, especially holiday dinners at the farm, parties for the grandchildren, and going out to eat with his wife.

John was a true gentleman who believed there was good in everyone, although he said, “with some people you had to look a little harder to find it, but it is there.” He was loved by all and leaves behind many grieving family members and friends.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his son, Joseph Schafer and his wife Donna; his daughter Lynne Edwards and her husband, Kenneth; Five grandchildren: Traci McFeely and her husband, James; Courtney McDermott and her husband Mark; Brooke Csencsits and her husband Jason; Jacquelyn Schafer and her companion Jason; and Kenneth Schafer and his wife Jessica. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Makayla and Jaelyn Csencsits; Connor, Gannon, and Keegan McFeely; Lucy and Brodie John McDermott. John is also affectionately survived by his very special Greenville cousins, Lee, Greg, Sandy, Karen Wiebolt and their families. He is also survived by his boyhood friend, Louie Harford. At home, he is further survived by his devoted cat, Flame. He was predeceased by a grandson, Ryan Schafer, and his beloved aunt and uncle, Annie and Bill Wiebolt.

Friends may call on Sunday, February 14, from 2-4 & 7-9PM at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, NY.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, February 15 at the Hope Evangelical Free Church , Matamoras, PA with Clifford Jones officiating.

Interment will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Port/Deepark Humane Society, Rt. 209 Port Jervis, NY 12771 or the Hope Evangelical Free Church, 300 1st Street, Matamoras, Pa 18336
Funeral Arrangements are by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street Port Jervis, NY 12771
For information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit www.knight-auchmoody.com or 845.856.3312

John J. Sylchak died unexpectedly at Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY on February, 11, 2010 after a brief illness.

He was born March 1, 1930 on the family farm in Greenville to the late Louis & Mary Sylchak. On September 18, 1971 he married the love of his life, Shirley McCusker Schafer Sylchak.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and also enjoyed playing and managing men’s softball leagues in both Port Jervis and Middletown. However, his greatest passion was bowling and he was extremely proud of his membership in the Middletown Bowling Association Hall of Fame. He was well known at the Port Jervis and Minisink Bowling Lanes and loved taking part in the NY State tournaments. His love of bowling is something that he shared with his son-in-law and passed along to his granddaughter and great-granddaughters. He was their biggest supporter.

A farmer by trade, which resulted in his life-long love of gardening, John later was employed with HGI Skydyne, where he worked as an industrial painter until his retirement. He was a member of the Hope Evangelical Free Church in Matamoras. He valued time with his family, especially holiday dinners at the farm, parties for the grandchildren, and going out to eat with his wife.

John was a true gentleman who believed there was good in everyone, although he said, “with some people you had to look a little harder to find it, but it is there.” He was loved by all and leaves behind many grieving family members and friends.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by his son, Joseph Schafer and his wife Donna; his daughter Lynne Edwards and her husband, Kenneth; Five grandchildren: Traci McFeely and her husband, James; Courtney McDermott and her husband Mark; Brooke Csencsits and her husband Jason; Jacquelyn Schafer and her companion Jason; and Kenneth Schafer and his wife Jessica. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Makayla and Jaelyn Csencsits; Connor, Gannon, and Keegan McFeely; Lucy and Brodie John McDermott. John is also affectionately survived by his very special Greenville cousins, Lee, Greg, Sandy, Karen Wiebolt and their families. He is also survived by his boyhood friend, Louie Harford. At home, he is further survived by his devoted cat, Flame. He was predeceased by a grandson, Ryan Schafer, and his beloved aunt and uncle, Annie and Bill Wiebolt.

Friends may call on Sunday, February 14, from 2-4 & 7-9PM at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, NY.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, February 15 at the Hope Evangelical Free Church , Matamoras, PA with Clifford Jones officiating.

Interment will take place at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Port/Deepark Humane Society, Rt. 209 Port Jervis, NY 12771 or the Hope Evangelical Free Church, 300 1st Street, Matamoras, Pa 18336

Funeral Arrangements are by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street Port Jervis, NY 12771

For information, directions, or to send a condolence note to the family, please visit www.knight-auchmoody.com or 845.856.3312

Bertha "Bertie" Schock age 77, of Matamoras, Pa., passed away Wednesday February 3, 2010 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY. Bertie was born on January 16, 1933, in Glenwood, New Jersey, the daughter of the late, Alvah and Alice Toffel Drake. She was a retired Laboratory Technician for Kolmar Labs, Inc., Port Jervis, NY. Bertie married Robert D. Schock, who pre-deceased her. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Matamoras. Bertie is survived by her daughter, Nancy Kroener and her husband Donald of Milford, Pa.; her grandson Jonathan Kroener, 2 brothers, Alvah Drake, Jr of Unionville, NY and Mark Drake of the State of Florida, her sister, Kathy Smith of Port Jervis, and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by 2 sisters, Betty Jean Runnals and Dolores Walsh, and she was also pre-deceased by 2 brothers, Thomas and Larry Drake.

Memorial services will be held Monday February 8th, 2010, 2:00 pm at the United Methodist Church of Matamoras, 209 Ave H, Matamoras, Pa. Memorial donations may be made to the Pike County Humane Society, 186 Lee Road, Shohola, Penna. 18458. 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

Grace L. Witzel, age 84 of Port Jervis, NY passed away Tuesday February 2, 2010 at Bon Secours Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY. She was born on March 1, 1925 in the Bronx, NY, the daughter of the late Frederick and Augusta Lichenstein Fumia. Grace was a retired Laser operator for LeCroy Corp., in Spring Valley, NY. She married Albert A. Witzel, who pre-deceased her. She is survived by her son, William Witzel and his wife Lee-Ann of Thiells, NY, her daughter Ann M. Terpening and her husband Gene of Port Jervis, NY, 5 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her son Robert Witzel, her daughter, Grace LaForge and her grand daughter, Debbie Terpening.

Visitation was Friday Feb. 5th from 10-11 am at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc., 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Prayers were offered at 11am at the funeral home. Interment took place at the Gary OnderDonk Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Suffern, NY. Arrangements were by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Inc. 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY