Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home

10/16/2025

Fall is a joyous time in our state. The wonderful colors from the leaves changing, the cooler temperatures, pumpkins, apple cider, and donuts. Please share with us your favorite fall activities so others may be inspired.

10/11/2025

Caroline Clark

Caroline Edna Clark, 83, of Gray Road, Summit, New York died peacefully in her sleep at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Born on August 2, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of Charles and Florence (Augustine) Daoust. She had been a resident of the local area for the past 40+ years, previously residing in Bay Shore, New York.

On May 17, 1963 in Babylon, New York, Caroline was married to George Roger Clark and together they raised 6 children. Carol and Cheryl, twin daughters. Christine and Roger, twin sister and brother, and two adopted sons, William and Jeff.

In addition to being a loving mother, Caroline operated the Clark Family Farm in Summit, New York.

She and her husband George were active foster parents to many wonderful children over the years. Caroline enjoyed music, camping, traveling, animals, gardening, and was an active member of the local farming community. In her younger years, Caroline enjoyed driving in amateur drag races on Long Island.

Caroline was of Catholic faith.

Caroline is survived by her children, Cheryl M. Clark of Summit, New York, Roger S. (Angie) Clark of Cobleskill, New York, William (Nicole) Nesenger of Cobleskill, New York, Jeffrey R. (Christina) Clark of Wolfe City, Texas; 12 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Caroline was predeceased by her husband George; her siblings, Charles J Daoust, Clifford Daoust, Claire E Sperbeck; and daughters, Carol J. Woreth, and Christine J. Hoffman.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 10:00-11:00AM at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043. Burial will take place privately at the Clark Family Cemetery in Summit, New York.

Contributions in memory of Caroline E Clark may be made to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, PO Box 40, Howes Caves, New York 12092.

View Caroline Clark's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/11/2025

Dolores Bono

Dolores Bono, 97, of Richmondville, NY died Friday, October 10, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born on May 26, 1928, in Englewood, NJ she was the daughter of Leo and Miriam Le Bert de Bar.

On February 12, 1949, she married the love of her life Henry Bono.

She was a proud mother and homemaker on the beef farm she and her family owned and operated for over 60 years.

Dolores is predeceased by her husband Henry, parents Leo and Miriam, stepfather Thomas Prime Sr., and her brother Thomas Prime Jr.

She is survived by her children, Donna Fryer and Kenneth (Lucy Hoerle) Bono; her grandson Adam (Kristin Anderson) Fryer; her sister Judith Johnstone; two great-grandsons; and several nieces and nephews.

Contributions in memory of Dolores Bono may be made to your favorite charity or by sharing a smile and kind words with those around you.

View Dolores Bono's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/09/2025

Lois McCormack

Lois A. McCormack, 80, of State Route 145, Cobleskill, New York died Thursday, October 9, 2025, at her home, with her family by her side.

Born on September 14, 1945, in Oceanside, NY, she was the daughter of Nicholas C. Grotyohann and Dorothy Ann Morgan Grotyohann. She was a graduate of SUNY Farmingdale. She had been a resident of the local area for the past 35 years, previously residing in Sound Beach, NY. Together she and her husband enjoyed spending winters in Florida.

In addition to being a mother and homemaker, which was by far her favorite, Lois also worked for advertising in NYC with Ted Bates Co. for many years. She was also an Aide for Golding Middle School in Cobleskill.

Lois was a communicant of St. Vincent de Paul's Catholic Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, and served as Eucharistic minister.

She enjoyed quilting and was a member of the Worchester Quilt Club.

On March 4, 1972, Lois was married to Thomas J. McCormack, Jr. Together they celebrated over 53 years of marriage.

Lois is survived by her loving husband, Thomas J. McCormack, Jr. of Cobleskill, NY; daughters, Elizabeth Ann Mello and Joseph of Ocala, FL, Jennifer Gillespie and James of Howes Cave, NY; son, Thomas J. McCormack, III and Elizabeth of Richmondville, NY; grandchildren, Abigail Davis and Luke Dupuis, Sean Berry, Matthew Berry, Chase Wrubel, Marissa Wrubel, Graecyn Gillespie, Skylaer Gillespie, Taylor Gillespie, Thomas J. McCormack, IV, Owen McCormack, Eian McCormack, Colin McCormack; great-grandsons, Theodore and Henry Dupuis.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 4:00-7:00pm at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 11:00am with Father Joseph Arockiasamy officiating. Inurnment will take place at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at a later date.

View Lois McCormack's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/09/2025

Words sometimes cannot fully grasp the pain that one experiences when a loved one passes. However, they can help to comfort and one such direction is with poems. This is a poem not often used, but we feel has not lost its touch with those who experience the daunting task of living with the pain of losing someone they love.

When I Must Leave You

When I must leave you for a little
while, please do not grieve and
shed wild tears and hug your sorrow
to you through the years, but start
out bravely with a gallant smile;
And for my sake and in my name
Live on and do all things the same.
Feed not your loneliness
on empty days, but fill each waking
hour in useful ways, Reach out your
hand in comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you
and never, never be afraid to die,
For I am waiting for you in the sky!

10/02/2025

Marlena Skidmore Olsen

Marlena Skidmore Olsen, 69, of Pine Hill Road, Cobleskill, New York died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at her home.

Born on June 8, 1956, in Niskayuna, NY, she was the daughter of Elmore S. Lawyer and Ethel Brewster Lawyer. She was a lifelong resident of the local area.

Marlena worked as a security guard for the Galesi Group in Rotterdam for over 30 years, until her retirement.

She was a member of Fusion Community Church.

Marlena was also a member of TOPS, Cobleskill Eagles, Cobleskill Elks, and Scho Co Scope. She enjoyed spending time with her husband, and dog, Milo.

In August 2024, Marlena was married to Geruld E. Olsen at Fusion Community Church.

Marlena was predeceased by her parents; first husband, Buck Skidmore; brother, Raymond Hotaling; and special aunt, Jennie Lawyer.

She is survived by her husband, Geruld E. Olsen of Cobleskill, NY; dog, Milo; brother, Elmore "Butch" Lawyer and Elaine of Howes Cave, NY; sister, Sharlene Fanning of Virginia; sister-in-law, Francine Lawyer of Howes Cave, NY; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 10:00-12:00PM at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043 with a funeral service to follow at Noon. Interment will take place in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Marlena Skidmore Olsen may be made to Fusion Community Church, 375 N. Grand Street, Suite 3, Cobleskill, NY 12043.

View Marlena Olsen Skidmore's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/02/2025

October is the spookiest month of the year and with it comes Spooktacular events. Here are some spooktacular events scheduled for this October for Schoharie County. We’d love to hear of other fun events to do in and around our local community.

3rd Annual Schoharie County Fall Festival- Saturday, Oct. 4th, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Old Stone Fort Museum & Schoharie County Historical Society
145 Fort Rd, Schoharie, NY
Please join the Old Stone Fort Museum and Schoharie County Historical Society in their 3rd annual Fall Festival. There will be a large number of vendors and fun to visit. Admission is $10 for adults, and children under 18 are free.
Spooktacular Halloween Pottery @ The Studio- Wednesday, Oct. 8th, 6:00-8:00 pm

The Studio for Art and Craft
576 Main St, Cobleskill, NY
Would you love to make your own Spooktacular decorations for Halloween? Then come on down to The Studio for Art and Craft on October 8th. You can choose between a single lighted pumpkin, a spooky lantern, or a light-up gourd, ghost, skull, or mummy. The class is limited, so please register with The Studio for Art and Craft ahead of time.

Sharon Springs Poetry Festival- Friday & Saturday, Oct. 17th & 18th
Klinkhart Hall Arts Center, Inc.
Sharon Springs Central School, 514 State Route 20, Sharon Springs, NY
The Klinkhart Hall Arts Center, Inc. is hosting their annual Poetry Festival in Sharon Springs. Classes are located at the school. The event is free but space is limited. Please register ahead of time with the Klinkhart Hall Arts Center, Inc.

Richmondville Rural Cemetery Association Spaghetti Diner- Friday, Oct. 17th, 4:30-6:30 pm
Richmondville Rural Cemetery Association, INC.
Richmondville Firehouse, 288 Main St, Richmondville, NY
Please support your local cemetery by joining them in a spaghetti dinner. They are raising funds to make repairs to their cemetery vault.

Oktoberfest and Bottle Auction- Saturday, Oct 18th, 6:00-8:00 pm
Sharon Historical Society
7869 New York 10, Sharon Springs, NY
The Sharon Historical Society is hosting an Oktoberfest Dinner and Bottle Auction. Please drop by and have a good meal and maybe a sweet deal.

09/26/2025

Helga Blumreiter

Helga Blumreiter, 96, died Thursday, September 25, 2025.

Born on March 25, 1929, in Bremen, West Germany, she was the daughter of Heinrich Sellmann and Ellie Otto Sellmann. She was a high school graduate and worked as a bookkeeper in Germany.

In January 1954, Helga immigrated to the United States with her husband, Gerhard and daughter, Barbara. They then moved to Cobleskill. She was a homemaker and had also worked as a cashier for Sears in Rotterdam. She enjoyed oil painting. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly. She was a member of the former German-American Club. She enjoyed working outside, gardening. She loved traveling throughout the United States and back to Germany.

Her husband, Gerhard predeceased her in 1983.

Helga is survived by her daughters, Barbara (Kenneth) Parsons of Cobleskill, NY, Bonnie (Dr. Charles) Tramontana of Florida; granddaughter, Kelly Pacatte of Cobleskill, NY; grandson, Ryan (Sarah) Parsons of Rural Retreat, VA; great-grandchildren, Alexandra Pacatte, Alyssa Pacatte, and Brayden Parsons.

A private graveside service will be held at Zion Rural Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

View Helga Blumreiter's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/25/2025

Where are our President’s Buried?

For this segment of our Thursday Thoughts, we’d like to share the historical burial site of President- William Henry Harrison, 9th President of the United States of America

President Harrison is buried at his family's gravesite in North Bend, Ohio. He was born and raised in Virginia, but in his adulthood, he grew to love North Bend. His request was to be buried at Mt. Nebo. Over time, the estate on which the burial site lies was sold to the State of Ohio on the pretense that the site would be preserved.

For more information, please visit-
https://www.ohiohistory.org/visit/browse-historical-sites/william-henry-harrison-tomb/

09/18/2025

Has it already been two weeks?

School has begun, and most students are experiencing new classes, meeting with friends, and getting back into a routine.

We hope everything is going well so far. We’d love to hear some fun back to school stories! Being a parent is never easy, but a joy unlike any other

09/17/2025

James Cieplensky

James Cieplensky, born on July 12, 1965, passed away on September 8, 2025, in New Port Richey, Florida.

He is remembered for his dedication and hard work, beginning as a contractor in upstate New York until the 1990s. In the 1990s, he transitioned into a rewarding role as a railway conductor in Selkirk, NY, where he worked until the 2010s.

He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Cieplensky; mother, Francine Stanowitz; and brothers, Robert Cieplensky and Michael Cieplensky.

He leaves behind his son, Robert Cieplensky and Jessica Cieplensky of San Diego, CA; his daughter, Katherine Stephenson and Donald W. Stephenson of Lakeland, FL; grandchildren, Oliver and Abigail Stephenson, Brooklyn Cieplensky; sister, Elizabeth Koonz of Slingerlands, NY; and brother, Anthony Cieplensky of Sharon Springs, NY.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on October 4, 2025, at Fuel Community Church, located at 7355 US Highway 98, North Lakeland, FL 33809, starting at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of James Cieplensky to Shatterproof, 101 Merritt 7, Suite 100, Norwalk, CT 06851.

View James Cieplensky's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/17/2025

Jane Binkley

Jane Elizabeth Buchalter Binkley, affectionately known as Jane, Mother, Aunt Jane and Grandma to her loved ones, passed away peacefully in Richmondville, NY, leaving behind a legacy of love, music, and unwavering faith. Born on August 24, 1929, in the quaint town of Cedar Top, Mohnton, PA, Jane's life was a testament to the power of joy, family, and dedication.

Jane's journey began as the cherished sibling to her brother Robert Buchalter and sister Loretta Wahl, with whom she shared and unbreakable bond. She was a proud graduate of the local high school in Mohnton,PA, where her love for music blossomed. Jane's talent shone brightly as she played the trumpet in the school band and lent her voice to the choir, a passion that continued into her church orchestra and choir well into her 70s.

Her work ethic was admirable; Jane contributed to the community through her work at the Berkshire Knitting Mill, followed by roles in payroll at Leininger Knitting Mill and Premium Beverage (A-Treat). Her professional life was as rich and fulfilling as her personal one, marked by a 57-year-long marriage to the love of her life, LaMar Wayne Binkley, who preceded her in passing.

Jane's family was her pride and joy. She was a loving mother to her daughter, Linda Woodruff and her son, Dale Binkley. Her legacy expanded through her 6 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored. Jane's family also extended to her many nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

A devout Christian, Jane's faith was the cornerstone of her life. It guided her through the joys and challenges of her journey, providing her comfort and strength. Her interests were a reflection of her life for life and family. A talented seamstress, she poured her love into quilts and Christmas stockings for her family. Her culinary skills were unmatched, especially during the holidays, when she baked and mailed large tins of cookies to her children and grandchildren, a tradition that will be fondly remembered.

Jane's zest for life was evident in her love for travel. She embarked on many cruises and bus trips with friends, creating memories. Her vacations with extended family were cherished times, filled with laughter and adventure.

As we bid farewell to Jane Elizabeth Buchalter Binkley, we remember a woman whose life was a symphony of love, service. and devotion. Her melodies will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew her, and her legacy will live on through the lives she touched. Jane's memory will be a beacon of light for her family, and the melody of her life will play on for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, please go to Bethany Woodruff's GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/b23d84ad3 to help Jane's great-grandson, Jared Woodruff, with hospital bills after a serious motorcycle accident.

View Jane Binkley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.