obituaries

BATAVIA - Betty Ruth Doehring, 89, died peacefully on March 12, 2014, at Crossroads House in Batavia, with her family by her side.

She was born Aug. 23, 1924, in Buffalo, the only child of Elmer and Ruth Marquardt. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Walter; with eight children, James (Richard Episcopo), Thomas (Steven Chalfant), Jack (Gareth), Daniel (Anna), Andrew (Sandra), Sarah, Rachel (David) Fasano, William (Phoebe); and five grandchildren, William, Matthew, Zalya, Stella and Erin. 

Her greatest joy in life was her children. She was also a proud graduate of Wells College at the age of 70, a hugely important milestone in her life. She traveled the world and spent many years traveling the country to visit her children in California, Florida, Idaho, Maine, Montana, and New York. Betty and her husband spent 13 years in Sedona, Ariz., before returning to New York in 2010.

Her passion was swimming; it brought solace to her life. She loved to go to the movies (foreign films were her favorite) and in her younger days, she enjoyed dancing at the Crystal Beach Ballroom in Canada. She loved to go out for breakfast, "two poached eggs, dry rye toast and home fries extra crisp with peppers and onion, please", coffee with loads of creamers and water with no ice!

Those who knew her best knew that quality of life meant everything to her. She will be sadly missed by those who had the privilege to know her.

As per her wishes, there will be no calling hours and a private family gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials in Betty Ruth's memory would be gratefully  appreciated to Crossroads House, where she was cared for with utmost dignity and respect during her final weeks.

Arrangements for Betty Ruth Doehring have been taken care of by the Dengler Roberts Perna Funeral Home, 8630 Transit Rd., East Amherst, NY 14051, a member of the Neptune Society/Dignity Memorial Network.

Corfu - Kelsey N. Milks, 19 of Corfu, passed away suddenly Sunday (December 16, 2012) at the Erie County Medical Center.

Kelsey was born January 6, 1993, in Batavia, a daughter of Gregory and Roxane Savage Milks. She was a graduate of Pembroke Central High School and a student at Genesee Community College. Kelsey loved her dogs and wanted to be a dog trainer. She had a passion for life and always wanted to do things to make the world a better place for all.

Kelsey is survived by her parents, Gregory and Roxane Milks of Corfu; her sister, Aleah Milks of Corfu; her grandparents, Robert (Rita) Savage of Clarence; Mary Knowlton of Batavia, Raymond and Sandra Milks of Arcade; aunts and uncles; Justyne (Dennis) Ackerman, Jeannine (Kurt) Fox, Jodine Schoonover, Julie (Russell) Ludwig, Geoffrey (Stephanie) Milks, Randy (Annabel) Savage and Robin Parks;  her boyfriend, Dana Cipra. Many cousins also survive.

Family and friends may call Friday from 3-7 p.m. at the Indian Falls United Methodist Church, 7908 Allegheny Road, Corfu, NY. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Arrangements were made with the C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc. 4 East Main Street, Corfu, NY.

Michael A. Fricano, 85, passed away Sept. 22, 2011 at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

He was born on Aug. 5, 1926 in Batavia, New York, to the late Joseph and Concetta (Boncinello) Fricano.

Mr. Fricano attended Batavia High School and a became journeyman printer working for the Democrat & Chronicle/Times Union newspaper. He was a member of Ascension Parish -- St. Anthony’s Church, the Holy Name Society, Our Lady of Loreto Society and life member of the former St. Nicholas Club.

Mr. Fricano was a World War II veteran and member of the VFW. He loved to golf and recorded a hole-in-one, and he was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish.

He is preceded in death by brothers Anthony, Sam and Joseph Fricano; and sisters Rose Patri and Carrie Germaine.

He is survived by his loving wife Pauline B. (LaRussa) Fricano; sons Michael J. (Joan), of Amherst; Gerald A. (Catherine) of Fairport; Paul V. (Vera) of North Chili; Patrick J. (Theresa) Fricano of Houston, Texas; sister-in-law Katherine Fricano of Lockport; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 329-333 W. Main St. in Batavia.

Prayers will be recited at the funeral home at 9 a.m. on Monday September 26, 2011 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Ascension Parish -- St. Anthony’s Church, 122 Liberty St., Batavia.

Entombment will take place at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the New York State Veterans Home Activities Fund, 220 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020 or to St. Anthony’s Church, 122 Liberty St. Batavia, NY 14020.

For more information or to sign the online guest registry please visit
www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com or call 585-343-8260. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 W. Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.