Obituaries for May 29, 2026
AREA: Johantgen, Doris Kimmel, age 78, of Virginia Beach, VA, died March 11, 2026. She was born on October 13, 1947, in Rochester, to George and Betty Kimmel. Doris was preceded in death by her parents; brother, George Kimmel, and his wife, Audrey; sister-in-law, Lavena Kimmel; and parents-in-law, “Doc” and Anne Johantgen. She is survived by Hank Johantgen, her devoted husband of 54 years; three siblings, Joyce O’Brien, Kathy Adams (husband, George), and Charles Kimmel; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Amy LaPietra (husband, Franco), Beth Verde, Meg Johantgen, Peter Johantgen (wife, Clara), and Michael Johantgen; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She met her husband, “Hank” Johantgen, at Brockport High School, where they formed lifelong friendships and enduring bonds. After attending the Geneva School of Practical Nursing, Doris worked as a nurse at various facilities and doctors’ offices in NY, VA, and FL. In 1992, Doris merged her existing “Window Dressings” stores with her newest acquisition, “My Blind Spot,” where her sewing, business, and artistic talents combined to provide unique interior designs. She worked closely with her niece, Leigh O’Brien Wall, eventually retiring and selling the business to her.
Family will receive friends at the Fowler Funeral Home, 340 West Avenue, Brockport, on Friday, May 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. Following, there will be a Celebration of Life gathering at Bill Gray’s, 4655 Lake Road, Brockport. A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Brockport. Donations in Doris’ memory can be made to Hope for Life Rescue, 610 Jack Rabbit Road, Suite 3, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
BERGEN: Kleve, Lois S., died on May 25, 2026, at age 89. Lois was born on July 15, 1936, in Addison, NY. She was predeceased by her parents, Howard and Almeda (Hannahs) Strait; ex-husband, William J. Kleve; and beloved son, Kevin M. Kleve. Lois is survived by her children, Theresa Brooks, Diana (Don) Hallenbeck, Christina (Tom) Sardou, Andrea Kleve, and son-in-law Vernon Morris; grandchildren, Matt Brooks, Heather (Jason) Russell, Christopher Hallenbeck, Mike (Deanna) Hallenbeck, Jeff Hallenbeck, Sarah (Jose) Murillo, Katarina Tripodi, Gabriela (Jordan Doyle) Torres, and Margaret Frantz; and 13 great-grandchildren. She graduated as Valedictorian of the Savona Central School Class of 1954 and went on to earn her associate’s degree from Rochester Business Institute. While raising five children, Lois dedicated herself both to her family and to a successful career. She worked for Superba Cravats and Code Publishers before serving for 20 years as a secretary in the Guidance Office at Churchville-Chili Central School – a position she truly loved, where she formed many lasting friendships.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, June 1, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, 21 South Main Street, Churchville. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 2, at 10 a.m. at St. Martin de Porres at St. Vincent, 11 North Main Street, Churchville. Interment in St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery.
BROCKPORT: Hess, Adelheid “Audy” M., passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the age of 92. Predeceased by her husband, Donald, 6 brothers and sisters, and other family members. She is survived by her children, Katherine (James) Coons, Nancy (Gary) Avery, Jonathan Hess, and Timothy (Robbi) Hess; 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Audy was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Ferris-Goodridge Post 330 in Spencerport, NY.
Service information will be announced at a later date. Those wishing may contribute to the Ferris-Goodridge Post 330, Spencerport, NY, in Audy’s honor. Arrangements entrusted to Fowler Funeral Home Inc.
CHILI: Vanderhoof, Nancy (Shaffer), died May 20, 2026, at age 85. She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Wesley (2025); parents, George and Melissa Shaffer; siblings, Melvin, Norma Jean, Marie (Nygren), and Donald. She is survived by her children, Marna (Robert) Distaffen and Kara (Richard) Burke; seven grandchildren, Kaleigh, Hannah, and Rebekah Distaffen, and Wesley, Emma, Cameron, and Andrew Burke; and many nieces and nephews. She met her future husband, Wesley, at Roberts Wesleyan College (now University) while pursuing her degree. She earned a BS in Nursing from Roberts in 1962 and married Wes in August of that same year. She earned her MS in Public Health from SUNY Brockport in 1992. She worked in various hospitals throughout the country and across the Rochester area. While Nancy was known by many names, Grandma was her favorite. Grandma was warm. She handed out hugs like the gum she always had in her purse, and she took care of people before she cared for herself. Her legacy and her love of family will live on through her children and grandchildren. She’ll be remembered for her one-liners, her caring nature, and the love she had for everyone who was blessed enough to cross her path. Quiet, but mighty, dementia didn’t steal her sense of humor or her love for those she cherished most.
Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life and Time of Remembrance on Sunday, June 28, at Pearce Memorial Church, 4322 Buffalo Road, North Chili. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., immediately followed by a service at 2 p.m. Private interment. Donations can be made in her memory to the Dorothy Wittingham Scholarship at Roberts Wesleyan University, Office of Advancement, 2301 Westside Drive, Rochester, NY 14624. Arrangements entrusted to the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home, Chili.
CLARENDON: Webster, Ralph G., age 72, died unexpectedly on May 20, 2026. He was born July 4, 1953, in Batavia, to the late Gerald and Audrey (Whipple) Webster. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Eloise; son, Richard Webster; daughter, Vicki LaPlante; and brother, Richard “Dickie” Webster. Ralph is survived by his children, Dale (Jacqueline) Larnder, David (Linda) Larnder, and Pamela (Todd) Clark; grandchildren, Joshua Larnder, Cassandra Larnder, Alexis Miller, Brittany Larnder, Richard Webster, Jr., Emily Webster, Elizabeth Clark, and Amber Webster; a great-granddaughter on the way; siblings, Robert (Judy) Webster, Randy (Carol) Webster, Diana Webster, Steven Webster; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ralph worked for the Town of Clarendon for over 35 years as a highway foreman. Ralph was a gifted tradesman and fix-it man, with the skills to assess, build, repair, adjust, tune, or modify just about anything mechanical. Building, excavating, plumbing, electrical, automotive, heavy equipment, diesel or gas, Ralph could do it all.
Visitation was held on May 27 at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, Holley. Private interment will be held in Hillside Cemetery. To share a special memory of Ralph, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
HAMLIN: Meller, Richard Ray, died May 25, 2026, at age 77. He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia; children, Krystal (Patrick) Persikini and Kody (Jessica) Meller; grandchildren, Chelsea, Caleb, Ava, Zachery, and Kayla; brother, Robert (Jerry) Meller; sister, Karen Crow; and nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Betty Meller, and brother-in-law, Allen Crow. Richard dedicated many years of service as a Food Inspector for the USDA in Rochester. In his free time, he found great joy in the outdoors, especially spending time on the water, bass fishing. He was a member of the Oak Orchard Bass Anglers in Medina and cherished the many friendships and memories made through the club. He was also a NASCAR fan.
Richard’s Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 1107 Lake Road West Fork, Hamlin. Interment will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Lipscomb, Texas. Donations in his memory can be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 1107 Lake Road West Fork, Hamlin, NY 14464-9601. Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton.
HILTON: Callan, Edward J., died May 21, 2026, at age 100. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Shirley Scott Callan; brothers and sisters-in-law, William (Marge) Callan and Raymond (Mary Ellen) Callan; and great-grandson, Michael Alley Jr. He is survived by his children, Michael (Connie) Callan, Patricia Bixby, Laureen (Nick) Santillo, and Leann Williams; grandchildren, Marshall (Michelle Rabideau) Callan, Andrea (Luke Bennett) Callan, Karen (Mike) Alley, Steven (Gulnara) Bixby, Meaghan (Matt Helfant) Bixby, Elizabeth (Ali) Kefeli, Trisha (Wade White) Williams, and Kory (Leigh Savacool) Williams; 11 great-grandchildren; and brother and sister-in-law, Thomas (Linda) Callan. Ed served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was employed as a welder for Eastman Kodak Company, was an original member of the Manitou Yacht Club, and a member of the Lakeshore Fire Department. He enjoyed traveling, especially to the Thousand Islands, where he loved staying in Clayton, as well as spending time in Estero, Florida. One of his greatest honors was participating in an Honor Flight, a meaningful experience he held close to his heart.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., 735 East Avenue, Hilton, where Ed’s Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, June 9, at 12 p.m. Interment in Parma Union Cemetery. Donations in his memory can be made to Honor Flight Rochester, Inc., PO Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692, or to the Patriot Guard Riders New York, Attn: Treasurer, PO Box 637, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.
HILTON: Kirk, Herbert J., died May 23, 2026, at age 95. He was predeceased by his wife, Lauretta Chase Kirk, and his sister, Emma Carmel. He is survived by his children, Christopher (Peggy) Kirk and Jacqueline (Jerry) Martin; grandchildren, Collin (Kate), Celena, Derek, Joe (Heather), Z, and Kevin; and one great-grandchild. Herb served his country in the U.S. Navy and later dedicated many years to Eastman Kodak Company, where he worked as a Supervisor. He found great joy in life’s simple pleasures — spending sunny afternoons on the golf course, relaxing by his pool, and dancing to lively polka music whenever he had the chance.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., 735 East Avenue, Hilton, where his Memorial Service with full Military Honors will be held at 7 p.m. Interment in Parma Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 6, at 10 a.m. Contributions in his memory can be made to the Edelman-Gardner Cancer Research Foundation, PO Box 97, Hilton, NY 14468, or to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation, PO Box 515, Northampton, Massachusetts 01061-0515.



