Arthur Stanley Koch of Montgomery, a retired Harness Driver and former owner of Dapple Gray Farm in Montgomery, died peacefully at the Valley View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Goshen on October 15, 2007. He was 92.
The son of Sally and Fred Koch, he was born February 28 in Huntington and was a successful contractor, known for building schools and other municipal buildings in Huntington for many years. His love of animals and of “the races” led him to pursue a successful second career as a trainer, driver and breeder of harness horses. He was one of the top ten drivers in the country and raced in Yonkers, Roosevelt and Monticello Raceway as well as in other tracks in the U.S.
Survivors include his wife, Jane at home; three daughters from his first marriage to Belle Turner, Ellen Skorupski and husband, George of Maryland, Linda Block and husband, Carl of Florida and Carol Ryan and husband, Jim Hobbs of Sundown; seven grandchildren, Joaquin, Denise, Heather, Stephanie, Josh, Jason and Tim; nine great-grandchildren, Jeremiah, Rainsong, Madison, Ethan, Dylan, Luna, Gabriel, Caroline and Parker; stepson, Tony Martino; and step-grandson, Tony, Jr.
His only sibling, Herbert Koch, predeceased him.
Funeral services will be Friday, October 19 at 11 a.m. at Overhiser Funeral Home, 78 Union Street, Montgomery. Rev. James Houten will officiate.
Burial will be made in the Brick Church Cemetery, Montgomery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elks Club, 48 Prospect St., Middletown, NY 10940, the Alzheimer’s Association, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Ste. 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 or to ASPCA Tributes, 110 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10011.

Helen M. Back
Ret. Teacher, 68

Helen M. Back of Jeffersonville, a retired elementary teacher of the Jeff-Youngsville Central School, died October 16, 2007 at home. She was 68.
The daughter of Walter G. Scardefield Jr. and Helen M. Krum Scardefield, she was born April 25, 1939 in Callicoon.
She was the widow of Malcolm L. Back Jr.
She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, an honor society of women educators.
A family statement reads, “Helen’s courage and strength have been a source of hope and support for many people. The family is grateful for the loving care and concern that she received from her caregivers at home as well as the doctors and nurses of Crystal Run Healthcare.”
Helen and her late husband, Malcolm L. Back Jr., owned and operated Malcolm L. Back Jr. Sanitation Company.
She is survived by a daughter, Alyssa Back Bauernfeind and her husband Ted of Hortonville; one brother, Walter G. Scardefield III and his wife, Elaine, of Jeffersonville; two sisters, Marlene Williams of Syracuse, and Shirley Seyler and her husband Bill of Delmar; a brother-in-law, Paul Back and his wife Kathy of Groton, Mass.; her Aunt Emma Smith of Youngsville; several nieces and nephews; four grandnieces; and two grandnephews.
Friends may call on Friday, October 19 at the Stewart-Murphy Funeral Home, Jeffersonville from 4 to 6 p.m.
A memorial service will be held Friday, October 19 at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Lee Andrews will officiate.
Graveside services will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Jeffersonville Fire Dept., Jeffersonville Volunteer First Aid Squad, The Hortonville Fire Dept., or Hospice of Orange & Sullivan.

Thomas J. Bowring Jr.
Ret. Military Policeman, 44

Thomas J. Bowring, Jr. of Highland Lake, a retired Military Policeman in the U.S. Navy, died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007 in Lumberland Township of injuries sustained in an auto accident. He was 44.
He was born April 6, 1963 in Brooklyn, the son of the late Thomas J. Bowring Sr. and Margaret Fitzpatrick Bowring.
He was a member of the Tusten-Highland VFW Post No. 6427.
He is survived by his wife, Noriko Makishima Bowring, and his daughter, Erika Bowring, both at home; his mother, Margaret Bowring of Bearfoot Bay, Fla.; two brothers, Charles Bowring of Seattle, Wash. and Bryen Bowring and his wife Kerry of Mastic Beach; his sister, Kathleen Bowring and her fiance Robert Berni of Holtsville; and one niece, Kristin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, October 19 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua’s Church, Yulan with the Rev. Anthony Moore officiating.
Burial will be made in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Eldred.
Funeral arrangements are by the Gray-Rasmussen Funeral Home, Barryville.

James C. Goldsmith
Ret. Insurance Agent, 100

James Conkling Goldsmith of Willowemoc, Livingston Manor, died October 14, 2007 at the Roscoe Community Nursing Home. He was 100 years of age.
Born August 17, 1907 in Warwick, he was the son of the late James Post and Amy Conkling Goldsmith. He was married to Mildred Pierce Goldsmith for 65 years before her death in 2001.
Mr. Goldsmith was an Agent with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Middletown for 35 years, living in Goshen before retiring to the Catskills. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Goshen, where he served as an elder. He was also a member of the Goshen Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia G. Atterbury of Flat Rock, N.C. and Beryl G. Yungman of Warwick; a granddaughter, Bry L. Stewart of Littleton, Colo.; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was held on October 17 at the Lazear-Smith & VanderPlaat Memorial Home Funeral Home.
Interment will follow in Warwick Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Goshen, 33 Park Place, Goshen, NY 10924.
Arrangements under the direction of Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home, Warwick.

Anna M. Jefferson
Homemaker, 67

Anna M. Jefferson of Walden, a homemaker and lifelong resident of the area, died October 5, 2007 at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. She was 67.
The daughter of Anthony Raymond and Gennie Christenson Daugherty, she was born December 2, 1939 in Newburgh.
Survivors include her husband, Arthur J. Jefferson, Sr., of Walden; five sons, Robert Chapman of Elmira, Donald Chapman of Middletown, Ronald Chapman of Vermont, Richard Chapman of Monticello and Arthur J. Jefferson, Jr. of Walden; one sister, Patricia Tate and her husband, Max of Michigan; twelve grandchildren, Meagan Jefferson, Arthur Jefferson III, Richard, Michael, Brandy, Faith, Jessica, Jason, Anthony, Ashley, Robert and Nicholas Chapman; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were private.
Cremation will be in Cedar Hill Crematory, Newburgh.
Arrangements are by Gridley-Horan Funeral Home, Inc., Walden.

Catherine T. Harth
Teacher, 21

Catherine T. Harth of Grahamsville, a teacher at Tri-Valley Central School, passed away Sunday, October 14, 2007 at Westchester Medical Center. She was 21.
The daughter of Ernest J. Harth Jr. and Cynthia L. Lounsbury, she was born on January 17, 1986 in Harris.
Catherine graduated from Tri-Valley Central High School in 2004. During her high school years, Catherine was the president of the FFA and she loved dance for many years.
After graduating from high school, Catherine attended SUNY Cobleskill where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business.
She leaves behind her fiancé, Andrew Work of Oneonta; her loving mother and stepfather, Cynthia and Donald Hasbrouck; her beloved father, Ernest Harth; her paternal grandparents, Ernest Harth Sr. and June Schmitz; one brother, John T. Harth; one stepsister, Tracy Irwin and her husband, all of Woodbourne; four aunts, Paula Ryan and her husband, Mike, of Neversink; Deborah Costa and her husband, Joe, Monica Smith and her husband, Leslie, and Maryann Harrop and her husband, John, all of Woodbourne; cousins; and her godparents, Thomas Carney of New Jersey and Dawne Schmitz of Long Island.
She was predeceased by her paternal grandmother, Catherine T. Harth.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, October 19, at the Grahamsville Reformed Church, Route 55, Grahamsville, with the Rev. Paul Ruter officiating.
Interment will follow at the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery, Grahamsville.
Memorial contributions may be made in Catherine’s name to the Tri-Valley FFA for future Scholarship to Tara Berescik, 34 Moore Hill Rd., Grahamsville, NY 12740.
Arrangements are under the direction of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home.

Lisa J. Lanier
Phlebotomist, 46

With great sadness, the family of Lisa J. Lanier of Wurtsboro announces her passing on Tuesday, October 16, 2007 at Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown. She was 46.
Born in the Bronx on May 19, 1961, she was the daughter of Jack and Joyce Charos Lanier.
Lisa was a 20-year area resident and a phlebotomist for Bon Secours Hospital in Port Jervis.
Lisa leaves behind her mother, Joyce Lanier of Wurtsboro; daughter and son-in-law, Joyce Queenan and her husband, John of Monroe; son, Spiro Mandarakas of Wurtsboro; aunt and uncle, Georgia and Peter Gorman of Monsey; as well as several other aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews.
She was predeceased by her father, Jack Lanier.
Visitation will be Friday, October 19 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 117 Maple Avenue, Monroe.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 20 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home, with Father Chris Talleos officiating.
Interment will follow in Seamanville Cemetery in Monroe.
Funeral arrangements were made by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Homes, Monroe.

Deacon John J. Shepard
Ret. Principal, 72

Deacon John J. Shepard of Orange County, a 35-year resident of the area, died on Friday, October 12, 2007 while vacationing in California with his wife, Helene, and close friend, Jane Fobert and family. He was 72. He died as he lived, in the house of the Lord. He was attending Mass at Holy Angels Church in San Francisco.
He was born in his beloved Brooklyn, the son of John Shepard and Helen Cramer Shepard on December 5, 1934.
He attended Notre Dame University, Villanova University, Fordham University, and St. Joseph’s Seminary for Religious studies, and received Master’s degrees in both Educational Administration and Theology. He started his career in education as a Holy Cross Brother, teaching in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Hillsdale, N.J. and Washington, D.C. At a young age he was appointed Superior and Principal of the Holy Cross Brothers in Mt. Carmel Parish in the Bronx, where he reorganized and updated the school system. It was here that he began his lifelong friendship with the Pallottine Sisters.
After leaving the Holy Cross Brothers, he continued his love for children and education and served the Cornwall Central School District as middle school Principal for 25 years, retiring in 1995. While principal, he once more introduced and oversaw many new and innovative educational programs.
He became deeply involved by St. Mary’s Parish in Washingtonville, and served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, and teacher in the Confirmation Program. He was the first president of the Parish Council and served on the Building Committee for the Parish Center. In addition, the children of the parish eagerly awaited his arrival in a helicopter as Santa Claus each year.
In 1997, he was ordained a Deacon of the Archdiocese at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, to continue for the next ten years faithfully and lovingly serving at St. Mary’s Church in Washingtonville.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Helene Marilyn Shepard and son, Allen Shepard of Liberty; his brother, Arthur Shepard and wife of Long Island; sister, Cathy McCloskey and husband; sister-in-law, Joan Oram of Washingtonville; niece, Robin and husband, John Conklin; nephew, Christopher Oram and great nieces, Madison and Gianna Conklin; as well as several other nieces, nephews, godchildren and many close friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, son, Patrick Shepard of happy memory, and dear friend, Jim Fobert.
Viewing was at St. Mary’s Church, Washingtonville on Wednesday, October 17, with a service following by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Bishop Dominick Lagonegro, on Thursday, October 18, in St. Mary’s Church. Concelebrants were Msgr. John Keaveney, Fr. Paul Dmoch, Msgr. James Cox, the Rev. Jefferey Galens, and the Rev. Andrew Florez.
Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Washingtonville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church, 2 Father Tierney Circle, Washingtonville, NY 10992.
Arrangements are by David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, Washingtonville.

Maria Norman
Ret. Secretary, 99

Maria Norman of Neversink, died on Monday, September 3, 2007 at the Achieve Rehab & Nursing Facility in Liberty. She was 99.
She was the daughter of the late Franz and Anna Roth Kuelbs and was born on July 9, 1908 in Manheim, Germany.
Maria was the widow of Captain Carl Norman who died in 1977. She was a secretary for BASF in Brooklyn.
Survivors include the family of her niece, Ursula Lambrecht, and the family of her nephew, Wilhelm Jesler. She was predeceased by two sisters, Madalena Kuelbs and Katharina Jester.
A Memorial Mass was held Thursday, October 19 at St. Peter’s Church, Liberty.
Burial of the cremains was made in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Liberty.
Funeral arrangements are by Ramsay’s Funeral Homes Inc., Liberty.

Ida Guttman Levine
Homemaker, 92

Ida Guttman Levine of Liberty and Miami, Fla., passed away peacefully on October 17, 2007 in Miami, Fla. She was 92.
She was a life-long resident of Sullivan County, a member of Congregation Ahavath Israel, the Sisterhood, Hadassah and other charitable organizations. Ida graduated from Sullivan County Community College in her 50’s. She was an accomplished bridge player and golfer, and a renowned cook and baker.
Widow of Hyman C. Levine; mother of Phyllis Orseck Cotton, Carol Baim, Dr. Stephen Levine and the late Michael Levine; grandmother of Bonni Stephenson, Gary and Jonathan Orseck, Jason and Eric Baim, David and Valerie Levine, and Allison and Robyn Levine; great-grandmother of Bob, Sarah, Alexandra, Jamie, Michael and Robert. Sister of Diane Lehrer; and aunt and great-aunt to many.
Graveside funeral services were held October 18 in Ahavath Israel Cemetery, Liberty. Rabbi Marvin Goldman officiated.
Funeral arrangements by Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home Inc., Monticello.

Beatrice Schmuckler
Ret. Bookkeeper, 92

Beatrice (Beaty) Schmuckler of Hurleyville, a retired bookkeeper and longtime area resident, died on Monday October 15, 2007 in the Sullivan County Adult Care Center. She was 92.
Beaty was born in Divine Corners on February 24, 1915, the daughter of the late Jacob and Bessie Babitsky. She attended elementary and high school in Hurleyville where she was very active in sports, starring on the girls’ basketball team and playing on the boys’ team as well.
While her late brother Charlie was away at college he brought home his roommate who was quickly smitten by Beaty and shortly thereafter they were married and lived on the Babitsky poultry farm in Loch Sheldrake.
After her children were grown Beaty went back to school becoming a full charge bookkeeper and established a thriving bookkeeping business. She was the first one to volunteer to help others. She was a member of the Loch Sheldrake Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and the Fallsburg Chapter of Hadassah.
Beaty had a heart of gold and was always there lending a helping hand. When her grandchildren were little they went “to the country” every summer to be with Grandma Beaty and Grandpa Arnie, and to eat the blueberries from Grandma Beaty’s garden! She was a wonderful cook and never let anyone leave hungry. Her apple pie and blueberry pies were legendary.
Beaty will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have known her.
She is survived by her beloved daughter, Arlene and her partner, Richard Ward; her son, Michael Skyler and his wife, Mona, and her grandchildren, Jason and Amber; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 17, in the Hurleyville Synagogue Cemetery, Hurleyville.

Kenneth James Dupont
Mechanic, 62

Kenneth “Pop Pop” James DuPont of Ellenville, a longtime resident and a P.M. Mechanic for Snapple Dist, Inc., Newburgh, died October 15, 2007 at Westchester Medical Center. He was 62.
The son of Edward and Lydia Schaeffer DuPont, he was born on October 10, 1945.
Kenneth was an avid lover of bowling, people and his job at Snapple, but most of all his family. Ken loved life and laughter.
He was totally devoted to his wife, Laura Ahrens DuPont of 36 years and his children.
Kenneth leaves behind his wife, Laura at home; one daughter, Loretta DuPont at home; one grandson, Kenneth Pontbriand (Hot Shot), the love of his life; two sons, Fred DuPont and his wife, Patti of Ellenville, Christopher (Mike) Dupont and his wife, Lindsey of Spring Glen; an “adopted” son, Brian Horvath and his family of Kerhonkson; two brothers, Edward DuPont of Kingston and James DuPont of Tennessee; many friends from Snapple; the Ellenville Bowling League; and Ellenville itself; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Richard and Robert DuPont.
Friends may call at Loucks Funeral Home Inc., 79 N. Main St., Ellenville on Friday, October 19 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Sat., Oct 20 at the funeral home.
Burial will be in the Fantinekill Cemetery, Ellenville.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ken’s memory - to benefit his grandson Kenneth - may be sent to Laura DuPont, c/o 7 Hillcrest Ave., Ellenville, NY 12428.
Arrangements by Loucks Funeral Home Inc.

Nancy H. Nolan
Memorial Service

Memorial services for Mrs. Nancy H. Nolan of Kerhonkson, age 59, who passed away Saturday, October 13, 2007, will be held on Saturday, October 20th at 11 a.m. at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis with the Rev. James Beukelman officiating.
Nancy moved to Deland, Fla. from Kerhonkson in 2002. While in Kerhonkson, she worked as a senior stenographer for the Roundout Valley Central School District for 25 years, earning a Secretarial Award for Excellence from the NYS Athletic Administrators Association. She was elected councilwoman for the Town of Rochester from 1986-1990.
When she moved to Deland, Fla., she began working as an office specialist for Spruce Creek High School. She enjoyed spending time with her family; especially with her grandchildren. Her other interests included sewing, crafts, boating, golf and gardening.
She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Thomas K. Nolan, Jr. and their two sons, Thomas and his wife, Lucinda of Loch Sheldrake and their children, Gabriela and John; Phillip and his wife, Billie Sue, of Freeville and their children, Britany Weaver and Colin; her father, Carl Highers of Deland, Fla. and her mother Shirley Eek of New Hartford; her mother-in-law, Elizabeth P. Nolan of Port Jervis; four siblings, Beverly Barenz, Carl Highers, Sally Campbell and Debbie Grimes; several nieces and nephews.
Interment will take place at Laurel Grove Cemetery, Port Jervis.
Arrangements are under the direction of Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, Port Jervis.