Delker and Terry Funeral Home

04/14/2026

Calling hours for Joan Lewis Hickling who passed away on Sunday February 15, 2026 will be from 2:00PM to 4:00PM on Saturday May 2nd at Delker and Terry Funeral Home 30 South Street Edmeston, NY. A celebration of Joan's life will follow at 4:00PM at the funeral home.

04/12/2026

Mary Clare Stephens of Oriskany Falls, formerly of Edmeston, NY, went to her eternal home with the Lord on April 9th, 2026. Born in Hartwick and raised on Snowden Hill, she was deeply devoted to her faith, regularly visiting her church family, and cherished time with her loved ones above all else.

She was the daughter of Rodger and Shirley Sutton. Mary Clare married Bruce Stevens, and together they established their home on Dutch Valley Road, owning 10.75 acres located two and a half miles from the local school. She enjoyed gardening and caring for animals, including chickens and rabbits.

Over the years, she welcomed numerous children into her home, which served as a gathering place for activities such as basketball, football, or movie nights. Her generosity extended to baking and cooking for all who visited.

Mary Clare was actively involved in several organizations within the community and served as a local pastor in multiple churches. Following the sale of their home, she and Bruce moved to Oriskany Falls and became members of the United Methodist Church, where she contributed as substitute pastor and participated in various church committees.

She is survived by her husband Bruce, her children Luke (Sarah) and Kady (Cameron), granddaughter Cassidy, and brother John Hatch (Sue). Additionally, she is remembered by her adopted son Jeff Arnold and his family: wife Denise, daughter Susan, and son James (Vicky), whose three sons and daughter were her great-grandchildren. She also has a daughter, Destiny Curl, who was very close to Mary Clare. Mary Clare also leaves behind a niece, Maria, five nephews, five great nephews, and many other children who considered her their adopted mother.

She was predeceased by her parents, Rodger and Shirley Sutton, and three brothers, James Sutton Johanson, James Hovick, and Michael Greenholz.

Mary Clare maintained a steadfast faith and often spoke of her belief in going home to heaven. She valued the friendships she formed within her church community.

A memorial service will be held at the Oriskany Falls United Methodist Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the United Methodist Church in Oriskany Falls.

04/05/2026

04/03/2026

Katherine Faith Gray, 31, of Whitney Point, NY went home to be with Jesus on April 1, 2026.

She is predeceased by her parents Trygva and Rose Rydberg.
She is survived by her husband of 5 years, Jonathan, her daughter Leah, adoptive parents Ron and Miriam Maslin, siblings Eileen, Darren (Kendra), Justin (Kaitlyn), Jeremy (Kirsten), Leo, Dakota, Ang, and Chloe, and in laws Scott and Carlita Heeman. She is also survived by many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Katie’s first love was family. Being able to see her daughter Leah’s first year of life was a precious gift. Katie enjoyed baking and would share her treats with others. She had a way with older folks and found joy when she had opportunities to serve them.

Katie was no stranger to hardship, but her pure and simple faith brought joy from sorrow and allowed her to see God at work.

Our family wants to thank all of those that gave their time to support Katie and be there for her. Her infectious, sweet smile will always be remembered.

A celebration of Katie’s life will be held on Friday April 10th at 11:00AM at Point Bible Church, 2938 State Rt 11, Whitney Point. The family will receive friends from 10:00AM until the time of the celebration at the church. A luncheon will follow the services.

02/26/2026

Marlene A. Shipman, 88 of New Berlin, passed away on Tuesday February 24, 2026 in Norwich, NY.

Marlene was born on August 4, 1937 in Westford, NY the daughter of the late Walter J and Blanche (Snyder) Laymon. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband John Joseph Carney Jr in 1970, her son Timothy John in 1971, her sisters Anita and Katie, her brothers Leland, Darwin, Frank, and Reggie, and her grandchildren Roxanne and Michael and her second husband George Shipman.

She is survived by her sons Walter J (Carolyn) Carney of Edmeston, Shawn P Carney of Sauquoit, John J Carney III of Bridgewater, Matthew John (Amy) Carney of Newfield, Mark S Carney of New Berlin, and George (Melissa) Shipman Jr of New Berlin, her daughters Ginger (Mike) Joslin of New Berlin, Pamela Carney of North Brookfield, and Tresa (Glade) Baldwin II of West Edmeston, her brothers Stanley (Edna) Laymon of GA, and Junior (Bev) Laymon of Bridgewater, her grandchildren Joel (Danielle), Shannon (Nichole), LaShawn, Erin (Christian), Erica (Shawn), Jessica (Justin), Timmy, Ginger (Ernie), Charlene, Daniel, Stephanie (Danny), Jennifer (Keith), Samantha, Glade III, and Sarah (Louis). She is also survived by many great grand and great great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Raised in Westford, Marlene moved to the Edmeston area at the age of 15. She was employed with the Otsego School, now Pathfinder Village, caring for children with Down Syndrome. At the age of 18, she married John Joseph Carney Jr. He passed in 1970. Marlene loved her family and raised nine children. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother. She was a fan of Bluegrass, music festivals, and loved to dance. She was also a whiz at word search puzzles.

Calling hours will be Saturday February 28 from 1:00P.M. to 3:00P.M. at the Delker and Terry Funeral Home 30 South Street Edmeston, NY. A celebration of her life will immediately follow at 3:00P.M. at the funeral home. Spring interment will be in Edmeston Union Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice in loving memory of Marlene.

02/18/2026

Matthew Hale Kusko, 56, of Oneonta, passed away unexpectedly at his home on January 29, 2026.

Matt was a lifelong resident of the Oneonta area. He was the adopted son of Andy and Jean Kusko, who owned the Long River Inn in Unadilla.

Matt was a very kind and considerate man. Although largely thought of as a loner, Matt would be the first one to hold the door open for you. If he thought you needed help with something, he would always be ready and willing to assist.

Matt loved cars and had several of them over the course of his life. He loved to talk about them all the time. He had a soft voice but still liked to sing. Despite his love of cars, he was someone you would likely see walking the streets of Oneonta, as he was an avid walker, even talking about walking a lot! He preferred walking to other methods of transportation.

He loved collecting baseball caps, had several, and had his favorites, often interchanging them.

Although Matt had a tough life, he always managed to smile and laugh. He had a great sense of humor and was an extremely easy person to fall in love with.

Matt left this world too soon, but several years before he left us, he found the Elm Park United Methodist Church in Oneonta who became his family. Many of its parishioners had earlier life connections to Matt, including many of their children having grown up with and played with him as children. Matt would often show up to church hours before the service began because he loved being there. Matt was very appreciative of the kindness and compassion he found at Elm Park and in life in general, always thankful for what he had.

Matt is and will continue to be sorely missed. He is finally in a place where he can know the peace he so greatly deserved during his time with us.

Graveside services will be held in the spring in Edmeston Union Cemetery.

02/18/2026

Joan Lewis Hickling, 87, of Burlington Flats, passed away peacefully on Sunday February 15, 2026 in Oneonta.

Joan was born on August 20, 1938 in Thurston, NY the daughter of the late Porter Jay and Mary E. (Manning) Lewis. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sons David and Nathan, a brother Wilber, and a sister Joyce.

Joan was educated in Delhi, NY, and was involved in many high school sports, graduating in 1956.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her savior at the age of 17 by listening to Billy Graham on the radio.

She met the love of her life, Alton at a dance, and they were married on September 1, 1956. They enjoyed 69 years together on their farm in Burlington Flats. Joan loved farming and enjoyed milking the cows and cropping the hay. They operated the farm for 55 years until they sold, and retired.

Together, they raised six children, David, Calvin (Diana), Brian (Terry), Norman (Daryl), Karen (Dwayne), and Nathan (Tonye). In addition, she is also survived by ten grand and sixteen great grandchildren.

Joan’s hobbies were playing the piano and organ, ceramics, and singing or listening to the old style gospel hymns. In her retirement, she especially enjoyed painting.

She was a long time member of the Unadilla Forks Baptist Church.

Calling hours and a celebration of life will be at a day and time to be announced in the very near future.

Donations may be made to Helios Care 297 River Street Oneonta, NY 13820 or the Unadilla Forks Baptist Church in loving memory of Joan.

02/08/2026

Arthur E Geier Jr, 89, of New Berlin, passed away at his home on January 25, 2026.

He was born on March 11, 1936 in New Jersey the son of the late Arthur E. and Anna (Scrivner) Geier Sr. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Arlene A Geier in 2000, a daughter Mariann O’Shield, a son Mark Geier, a brother Bill, and sisters Anna, Edna, Edith, and Helen.

He is survived by his daughters Kathy Geier of New Berlin, and Sherri (Michael) Pandorf of PA, a sister Carol Geier of WA, many grand and great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Arthur was raised in New Jersey and joined the United States Marines after high school graduation. He was honorably discharged in 1961 at the rank of Sergeant.

He was an electrician by trade and operated his business in NJ until he relocated to New Berlin in the mid 1990’s. He continued his time as an electrician until his retirement. He enjoyed spending time in his “office” on the computer, and hosting Friday Night Pizza at home for his family and friends.

He loved his family, and always made sure Kathy was well cared for. He was a long-time member of the Kingdon Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Schuyler Lake.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 14th at 2:00PM at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 7396 NY Rt 28 in Schuyler Lake, NY. Interrment will be next to his wife in NJ at a later date.

Donations may be made to the Kingdon Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 7396 NY Rt 28 Schuyler Lake, NY 13457 in memory of Arthur.

02/01/2026

Musa Athena (Green) Hawes, 93, of New Berlin, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday January 30th.

Musa was born on July 2, 1932 at Tassel Hill in Waterville, NY the daughter of the late Leander Hall and Musa Ruth (Barton) Green. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Adrian Lee Hawes, her siblings Daniel Green, Benjamin H Green, Richard Irving Green, and Leander Hall Green Jr.

She is survived by her children Donna Marie Hawes, Diane (Fred) Wagner, Debra (Ed) Stevens, and Daryl (Jodi Wright) Hawes, her grandchildren William Wagner, Kevin Wagner, Michael (Sharon) Stevens, John (Susan Arnold) Hawes, Maryellen (Michael) Kelly, Patti Rose (Peter) Pierce, and Daryl Hawes Jr, her great grandchildren Ethan Wagner, Victoria Stevens, Peter Hawes, Alicia Stevens, Owen Wagner, Tyler Kelly, Finley Pierce, Aurora Hawes, Cascade Hawes, and twins Jessica and Trevor Kelly. Also surviving are her sister Joyce White, and many nieces and nephews.

Musa was educated in the Mott School, a one room schoolhouse, at Peck Corners from the age of 7 until she attended the Leonardsville Central School, and Edmeston Central School.

She married Adrian Lee Hawes on April 23, 1949, and they resided in Leonardsville, and West Edmeston for many years. She described herself as a “Farmerette” as she worked along side Adrian while raising their family.

She was an avid reader, and collected teapots, with a collection in the hundreds. She also crocheted, sewed quilts, and knitted many hats, scarves, and pairs of mittens over her life. Musa was also a talented musician, playing trombone in school, and piano and organ at several local churches over the years.

Calling hours will be from 1:00 to 2:00 on Sunday February 8th at Delker and Terry Funeral Home 30 South Street Edmeston. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00PM at the funeral home.

Interment will be in Burlington Flats Cemetery in the Spring.

02/01/2026

Dennis J. Chamberlain 67 passed away in Cooperstown on January 19th 2026 after a long illness.

He was born in Oneonta NY on January 28, 1958, and was a proud “lower decker”. He was a fantastic artist, a gift he kept hidden. He traveled west and was a master carpenter for a large construction firm. He earned the nickname Ali, as he sure could “ float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.” Well-traveled, he always found his way home,

He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Gertrude (Hebbard) Chamberlain, his two brothers Donald Jr and Darry, and his three sisters Donna Chamberlain, Darlene Huestis, and Denise Grant.

He is survived by his former wife, Susan and his daughter Stacy Chamberlain, his son Brandon Chamberlain, his grandchildren Alexia, Carmen, Mya and Ilijah, his great granddaughter Leilani, and his two sisters Dawna Ross and Debbie Keller, along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition, he is also survived by his three “ride or die” buddies: Mike Green, Francis Huestis and Art Shaw
At his request, services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

01/29/2026

Lieng Ferne Wells, 50 of Union Springs passed away on Sunday January 25, 2026 in Rochester, NY following an extended illness.
Lieng was born on November 20, 1975 in Ithaca, NY.

She was the granddaughter of the late Elmer George Wells and Emma Ferne Wells, and the daughter of Eugene Earl Wells and Kor Laird.

She is survived by her fiancé Hiram Franco, her brother Elmer Gerald Wells, and sister Amy Beth Donovan.

Lieng resided in Union Springs most of her life. After a short period of living in Auburn, she returned to Union Springs to live with her fiancé Hiram Franco. She was a graduate of Union Springs Central School, and Cayuga Community College where she earned her degree in Computer Science.

She was an employee of TRW in Union Springs until the plant’s closing. She then worked for Tessy Plastics in Elbridge, NY and achieved the title of Quality Control Analyst. She remained with Tessy Plastics until she was no longer able to work due to health difficulties.

Lieng loved the country life, and spending time with her “knight in shining armor” Hiram. For 18 years they loved life and their fur babies, a Shih Tzu named Snoopy and a Chihuahua named Nico. She was predeceased by a Shar Pei named Dakota and a Chihuahua named Chi-Chi.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

A pancake breakfast will be held on February 8, 2026 from 7:30A.M. to 11:00A.M. at the American Legion Dining Hall 8 Schobey St. Union Springs.

01/27/2026

I’ve seen a number of funeral homes in this area using a Facebook marketing company for advertising. We prefer our good service, pricing, and reputation to bring families to us.

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Truth is:

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Our funeral home has two NYS Licensed Funeral Directors: David Delker and Madison Reinert. We are available 24/7 365 days a year, and will provide professional services from the very moment we are contacted.

We provide above average service at below average prices. Cremations start at $2395.00 and full services are thousands less than nearby competitors. We work with social services from any county, take care of life insurance, deal with veteran services, and answer any questions you may have during this process.

Pre payment means buying services at today's price and never having to come up with one red cent, ever. Transfer your pre paid pre arranged service and we will make the uncomfortable call to the funeral home you previously used!

Talk to anyone that has used us. We are certain they’ll give you an honest take. We have nothing to hide. We will take care of your family member as if they are our family member. We are terrible negotiators when it comes to your family. Its our way 100% so that we can tell you in no uncertain terms we took care of your family member as we promised.

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