Obituaries

Eleanor S. Fernau, 82, of Ballston Spa, NY, passed away peacefully Monday, January 21, 2019 at the Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs.

Ellie was born June 16, 1936 in White Plains, NY. Her parents were the late Henry and Alexandra “Sasha” (Tarasuik) Eberle of White Plains. She graduated from Briarcliff Manor (NY) High School and from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL, class of 1958, where she majored in speech and theatre-related arts. In both high school and college she was a field hockey player, as evidenced by the “hockey hip” that her children received if they didn’t move quickly enough. She worked briefly at Readers Digest in Pleasantville, NY, after graduation and before marriage. She also worked for many years as a clerk at the Ballston Spa Public Library, where she was able to share her life-long enthusiasm for reading with a broad spectrum of library patrons.

In her leisure time, she enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod, cruising used book stores for the detective stories that she loved, and going on August Thursdays to the Saratoga Race Track, using her inexplicable handicapping system to come home a winner (or so she claimed). She loved her lunches with the International Club and her sessions with the local Home Arts Club. She traveled with her husband to the roaming reunions that her MacMurray class held all over the country, as well as vacations to other beautiful locations, often involving “chasing trains.” For many years she very much enjoyed bowling with her teammates at the local lanes and regional competitions. She was always happy with a cat in her lap and a cup of coffee at hand.

In 2004, the Village of Ballston Spa honored Ellie with the Bernard C. Puckhaber Memorial Award “For [her] dedication to this community through service and volunteerism.” From the time that she moved to the village, she was active, at first through the Cub Scouts and the public schools, where she used her educational background in speech and drama to help with her son’s school plays in many capacities ranging from advice to backstage activities such as make-up and costumes. She was also active in “Meals on Wheels” and local blood drives (sometimes as co-chair), in addition to donating more than 8 gallons of blood over the years.

After leaving her position at the library, she later served as a Member and President of the library’s Board of Trustees. But the volunteering that gave her the most satisfaction over more than 20 years was her work with the Community Emergency Corps. She started as an ambulance driver and then quickly earned her Emergency Medical Technician certification. For many years she was one of the few people available to do day-time calls. For her many hours of service on the truck along with her committee and officer work she received the Corps’s Captains’ Award (twice) and President’s Award. She finished out her “career” as a member of the Board of Directors. Ellie said that her greatest satisfaction was when she made a difference in someone’s life, such as the time that her crew reversed a cardiac arrest (for which she and her crew received a commendation from the Emergency Medical Services Council of Saratoga County). Her greatest frustrations were those times when everything possible was done but the outcome was not what was hoped for.

Ellie married Edward Fernau on August 22, 1959. They lived in Cohoes, NY; Stuttgart, Germany; Colonie, NY; and, for the past 48 years, in the Village of Ballston Spa. In addition to Ed, survivors include her sister Kyra V. Eberle of Klamath Falls, OR; her son Mark Fernau and his wife Melissa of Clinton, MA; son Jason Fernau and his wife Kathy of Malta, NY; and five grandchildren: Fletcher (Grenye) Fernau, Leanne Fernau, Henry Fernau, Gwen Fernau, and Jillian Fernau. She was predeceased by her sisters Helene A. and Margaret R. Eberle.

Calling hours from 1 to 3 PM, immediately followed by a time during which friends and family can share memories of Ellie, will be held on Saturday January 26, 2019, at the Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High St., Ballston Spa. Interment will be later in the spring at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

The family thanks the staff at the Wesley for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ellie’s memory may be made to the Community Emergency Corps, 78 Thompson St., Ballston Spa, NY, 12020.

Patricia Anderson, 87, passed away Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Saratoga Center Rehab and Skilled Nursing Care in Ballston Spa. Born in Brattleboro, Vermont on November 19, 1931, she was the daughter of Francese Anderson Smith and Oscar Anderson.

Patty attended school in Bellows Falls, Vermont and lived most of her adult life in Los Angeles, California.

Patty is survived by her sister Cynthia Boadle of Missouri, brother Roland Anderson of Brattleboro, VT, half sister Sandra Smith of Queensbury, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be private.

Michael D. Fitzgerald 61, passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Born in Ballston Spa, NY on September 23, 1957, he was the son of Clarence and Marie Fitzgerald.

Mike worked for Cottrell Paper Co in Rock City Falls for 25 years. He enjoyed camping and spending time with his friends and family.

He was predeceased by his parents Clarence and Marie Fitzgerald, siblings Cindy Wescott, William and Charles Fitzgerald, and his infant granddaughter McKenzie.

Mike is survived by his wife Darlene; daughter Amanda Fitzgerald; stepchildren Jessica Hayden, Rebecca Hayden, Heidi Ramsey, Tina Bell, Rose Bell, and BJ Bell; brothers Clarence Fitzgerald and Richard Fitzgerald; 3 grandchildren, 8 stepgrandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday from 2pm to 4pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 4pm. Burial will be in Middle Grove Cemetery in the Spring.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mike may be made to DCI-Rubin Dialysis Center, 59 Myrtle Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Clifford Bruce Nichols, Sr. 82, passed away on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Born in Albany, NY on October 24, 1936, he was the son of Harold and Mary Nichols.

Bruce was a truck driver for several local companies, retiring in 2000. He enjoyed camping, fishing and playing Bingo.

He was predeceased by his wife June, parents Harold and Mary Nichols, and sister Clair. Bruce is survived by his children Carol McMahon (Jerry Mabb) of South Glens Falls, Theresa LaTulip (Greg) of Ballston Spa, Phyllis LaTulip (Lee) of Ballston Spa, Mary Titus (Dave) of Ballston Spa and Clifford Nichols, Jr. (Annette) of Galway; daughter in law Tamy Nichols; sister Beverly Tomisman; 17 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, January 18 from 4pm to 6pm at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 6pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Bruce may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6040 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

Arthur W. Montgomery 90, passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019. Born in Queens, NY on May 10, 1928, he was the son of William and Florence Montgomery. He was a Navy veteran of World War II serving on the USS Yosemite.

On September 3, 1950, he married Virginia Ditzel and they moved to Brooklyn, later to Rosedale, Queens and eventually to Stillwater, NY. Art was an accountant operating Montgomery Tax Service in Queens and Stillwater, NY for many years. He was a scoutmaster for Troop 232 in Brooklyn and a member of Springfield Gardens Masonic Lodge in Queens. He was also an active member of the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church.

He was predeceased by his wife Virginia. Art is survived by his son Gary Montgomery and daughter in law Monika; grandchildren Jennifer Salvi (William) and Brian Montgomery (Tammy); great grandchildren Sean Salvi, Riley Salvi and Caleb Montgomery; brother Robert Montgomery, sister-in-law Joan Hyland, and several nieces.

A memorial service will be held 3pm Sunday, January 27 at Quaker Springs United Methodist Church, Route 32, Schuylerville. Burial with military honors will be at 10am Monday, January 28 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.

Memorial contributions in memory of Art may be made to the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church, 466 Route 32 South, Schuylerville, NY 12871.

Clarence H. Allen 86, passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2019. Born in Schenectady, New York on November 23, 1932, he was the son of Ellsworth and Lillian Allen.

Clarence owned and operated Custom Painting and Decorating in Ballston Spa for many years.

He was predeceased by his parents Ellsworth and Lillian, and his brother Richard. Clarence is survived by his wife Helen Allen, daughter Linda Boyce, granddaughter Kelly, great granddaughter Brianna, and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held in the Spring.

Memorial contributions in memory of Clarence may be made to the charity of your choice.

Larry A. Kilburn 70, passed away on Thursday, January 3, 2019. Born in Ballston Spa, NY on December 29, 1948, he was the son of Kenneth and Eva Kilburn, Sr.

Larry worked at Tufflite in Ballston Spa for over 20 years. He then worked for Laquidara Construction and retired from Carver Construction in 2014.

Larry was always willing to lend a hand to his siblings, whether it was cutting down a tree or fixing things around the house. His family was his greatest treasure. Larry enjoyed camping, playing Bingo, and traveling.

He was predeceased by his parents Kenneth and Eva, his wife Nancy, siblings William, Ken Jr., Christina Strakos and Marie VanDuren; and brother in law William Barbolt, Jr.

Larry is survived by his companion Judy Thomas; children Lori Rougie, Larry Kilburn, Jr., and Kristal Rogers (Michael); grandchildren Andrew, Travis and Mariah Rougie, and Keith Kovatch, Jr.; siblings Lillian Vedder (Howard), Pat Jones, Doris Dymond (Keith), Shirley Palso, Carol Castiglione (John), Roberta Brackett, Hilda Carey and Paul Kilburn (Ruthanne); sister in law Patricia Bishop; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10am Tuesday, January 8 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday, January 7 from 4pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Larry may be made to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome or American Lung Association.

Nancy K. Mills 80, passed away on Friday, December 28, 2018. Born in Albany, NY on April 7, 1938, she was the daughter of Harry and Edith Kristiansen.

Nancy operated East Line Grocery in Ballston Spa for many years and then owned and operated Mills Country Store in Charlton. She was known to her customers as the “thank you” lady. Her kindness and generosity to people was well known throughout the community. She was always willing to lend a helping hand. Nancy enjoyed cooking and treasured her family and the time they spent together.

She was predeceased by her brother Harry Kristiansen and brother in law Lester Woodcock. Nancy is survived by her husband of 61 years Richard and their children Thomas Mills (Jan), Lois Mills, Joyce Crawford (Bill), Brenda Mills, Shelley Smith (Rick), Tracie Mills (Tom Daggett), and R. Andrew Mills (Sharon); siblings Pedar Kristiansen (Carole), Elaine Woodcock and Donna Cook (Bob); brother in law and sister in law James and Donna Mills; 15 grandchildren, many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, January 2 from 10am to 12 noon at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 12 noon.

Memorial contributions in memory of Nancy may be made to the Wilkinson Residential Health Care Facility, 4988 Route 30, Amsterdam, NY 12010.

The family would like to thank the staff at Wilkinson for their care and compassion.

Online remembrances may be made at www.armerfuneralhome.com

Guy Theodore Bevins, 96, passed away on Tuesday morning, December 25th 2018 at the Wesley Health Care Center.

Born on May 18, 1922 in Brant Lake, he was the son of the late Theodore and Miriam Bevins of Brant Lake, NY. Guy was predeceased by his second wife of 47 years, Beatrice Bevins; his youngest brother, Leo Bevins; stepsons Peter, Tommy, James and Mark Williams; and grandson Frank Williams.

Guy was a recent graduate, and volunteer of the Cornell University Cooperative Extension as a Master Gardener. Gardening and sharing the fruits of his garden were his passion. Guy was also a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE Local 158) and recently received an award as their oldest living member of the organization.

Guy enjoyed spending time with his family and teaching his grandchildren the art of gardening, woodworking, carpentry, and how to operate his machinery and various tractors. Guy contributed in building the West Mountain Ski Center and would talk about the days when he would climb the mountain to go to work and then ski down it on his shovel. He also owned and ran a saw-mill that he used to build multiple homes. Guy and his late wife, Beatrice, spent their winters in Kissimmee, Florida where they enjoyed picking fruit from the trees in their yard, bowling, playing shuffleboard and horse shoes, going to garage sales, and spending their days at Disney World. Guy revisited Disney World in January of 2016 and received perks based on being an honorary Disney World charter member. In the evenings, we’d find Guy watching the history channel and/or television game shows with his cat, Hunter, while sipping his vodka and orange juice night cap.

The surviving family that is celebrating his long and fulfilling life include his children, Forest Bevins and his wife Donna; Beverly Croteau and her husband, Rhett; stepson David D. Williams and his wife Peggy; and stepdaughter Mary Elizabeth Williams; grandchildren include Nicholas Bevins; Sarah Bevins; Matina LaMarche and her husband Joshua; Daniel Shipski II and his significant other Erin Murphy; William McGovern Jr. and his significant other Stacey Lafountain; Patricia McGovern and her fiancé Mike Billok; Dan McGovern and his wife Annette Parisi; David Williams and his wife Julie; Ginger and her husband Joseph; Lisa Canuteson; great grandchildren include Gage, Matthew, Lucy, Justin and Gabriella. Guy is also survived by his brother Max Bevins, his nephew Ricky Bevins and his spouse; and several other nieces and nephews.

If you’d like to join the family in celebrating Guy’s life and sharing memories, please join us at The Tavern, located within the Sokol’s Market Plaza on Aviation Road in Queensbury, NY on Saturday, January 5th from 1 - 4 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Guy to Cornell Cooperative Extension in Warren County at 377 Schroon River Rd, Warrensburg, NY 12885.

Patricia A. Monroe 76, passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2018. Born in Schenectady, NY on November 14, 1942, she was the daughter of George and Edith Monroe. She was a graduate of Russell Sage and received her master’s degree from Union College.

Patricia was a computer programmer for many years. She volunteered at SPAC and worked at the Saratoga Racetrack in the summer.

Patricia is survived by her siblings Nancy Kelley of Cody, Wyoming, James Monroe of Portland, Oregon, PJ Monroe of Anchorage, Alaska, and G. Tommy Monroe of Greenfield Center, New York; and two nieces.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online remembrances may be made at www.armerfuneralhome.com

Russell K. Thomas, 89, passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2018. Born in Ballston Spa, NY on December 11, 1929, he was the son of William and Olive Thomas. He served in the US Navy as a radar man on the USS Fred T. Berry. Stationed in the combat information center, he tracked surfaces and scanned for crafts and airplanes. He enjoyed the travel opportunities that the Navy provided and his stint as a boxer for the Navy team.

Russell was a graduate of Ballston Spa High School and was a running back on the football team. He was a drummer in band and orchestra and later played at private events and on the radio. He loved music and went to more than twenty shows with his daughter Shelley. Russell worked at Grand Union for 25 years and then Curtis Lumber for another 25 years, retiring from his long career as a Senior purchasing agent at Saratoga Lumber Traders.

Russell went to Precise Fitness and Training and worked out regularly; two to three times a week. His exceptional trainer, Gina Sabatini worked with him for more than 25 years.

He was predeceased by his wife Myrtle, and his parents Bill and Olive. Russell is survived by his daughters Shelley Thomas, and Jill Willey (Larry); grandsons Thomas Willey (Kim) and Patrick Willey (Sara); great grandchildren Hannah, Mac, Sophia, Olivia, Eli and Henry; brother Edward Thomas (Rose); several nieces and nephews; and his beloved Shih Tzu, Lilly.

At Russell’s request, funeral services will be private.

Memorial contributions in memory of Russell may be made to Christ Episcopal Church.

Lee VanArsdale passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 13, 2018. Lee was born and raised in Pulaski, New York, and graduated from Cornell University following high school. He then joined the Coast Guard and served his country with distinction for six years. Upon leaving the service Lee went to work in the farm equipment industry as a district manager. During his work-related travels through New Hampshire and Vermont Lee met his future wife, Christine, and they were married on July 14, 1973. They relocated to Ballston Spa to what became their home for the next 45 years.

On February 15, 1979 Lee and Chris welcomed their first son, Brian. Their family grew on June 20, 1986, when their second son, Eric, was adopted. On July 15, 2006, Lee and Chris welcomed Amanda Hart into their family as Brian’s wife. Brian and Amanda have had two children, Kyle and Sara, and Lee and Chris enjoyed and relished their roles as grandparents. In the summers Lee spent many hours in the pool with his grandchildren.

Lee had many interests and was active in his community. He was a Scout leader in Troop 1, and a 15-year member of the Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Company. Lee enjoyed camping and traveling, especially to Disney World. An avid reader, Lee spent hours reading the newspaper as well as many different types of magazines. Lee was a strong supporter of the Ballston Spa Odyssey of the Mind program, providing his yard as the sorting location for the bottles and cans collected to pay for teams’ travels to the World Finals competition. He was also a frequent visitor to garage sales and auctions, as demonstrated by the condition of his garage. Known as a hard worker, Lee worked 6 days a week at his job up until his death.

In addition to his immediate family, Lee is survived by his sisters, Wanda VanArsdale and Sharon VanArsdale Gorman, and his brothers Clyde VanArsdale and Gary VanArsdale. In addition, Lee will be remembered by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 10am Wednesday, December 19 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 18 from 4pm to 7pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Lee may be made to the Ballston Spa Boy Scout Troop 1, 101 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Frank S. Orapello on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at the age of 60. Frank was born in Amsterdam, NY on September 11th, 1958. He was the eldest son of Frank and Antoinette (Bottisti) Orapello.

Frank was a Test Engineer for Jabil Circuit in Poughkeepsie, NY, and previously worked as an Engineer for IBM in Poughkeepsie and Kingston, NY. Frank was very proud of the projects he worked on throughout his career.

Frank was an inquisitive man, always thinking about how things worked and why they didn’t. He will be remembered as one of those rare individuals who was always ready to listen and offer his advice on any situation. In his early years he was known as someone who had a very strong work ethic, which continued throughout his life.

Frank enjoyed Sunday afternoons watching football games with his sons and their dog Jack. He also had a love and appreciation for wildlife. He enjoyed the holidays spent with family laughing and sharing stories of years gone by.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Antoinette, and by his brother Perry. Frank will be lovingly remembered by his children, Nicholas S. and Michael A. Orapello, by his sisters, Christine (Chris) Vandepas, and Laura (Harry) Wells, Sister in law Suzan Orapello as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, January 11, from 10am to 11am at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will be held at 11am. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Fort Johnson.

Elizabeth J. McCann “Betty” 91, passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Born in Ballston Spa, NY on December 5, 1927, she was the daughter of Clarence and Mary Hogan.

Betty was a bus driver for Ballston Spa Central Schools for 23 years. She then worked as a bus monitor until her retirement in 1990.

She was an avid NY Yankee fan. Betty enjoyed the Casino’s and watching the horses run at the Saratoga Racetrack in the summer.

She was predeceased by her husband Oscar McCann, brother Earl Hogan and sister Helen Plummer. Betty is survived by her son James McCann and his wife Kathy, and her beloved granddog Cooper.

Funeral services will be held 11am Friday, December 14 at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. Burial will follow in Ballston Spa Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Betty may be made to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.