Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Deaths

2001-2002

1/13/2001 - Dustin Spruce

Suddenly, January 13, 2001, at the age of 21, of Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, beloved son of Derlan and Loreen (Bowman) Spruce; also survived by two children; brother of Darelyn, Solon, Kerriann Spruce; grandson of Vivian Nephew and the late Terry Nephew, Nelson and Alice Spruce; also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Friends may call at the home of Vivian Nephew, Rte 438, Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, where the funeral service will be held Tuesday morning at 10 AM. Arrangements by WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, North Collins, NY.

The Buffalo News
January 14, 2001

MAN KILLED BY CAR AFTER FIGHT MOVES INTO ROAD

A fight at a house party on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation early Saturday spilled out into the road, where one of the combatants was struck and killed by a car, authorities said.

Dustin Spruce, 21, of Irving, died from a head wound after a vehicle driven by Patrice M. John hit him on Route 438 near the intersection of Bush Road in the Town of Collins, according to Erie County Sheriff's Accident Investigators David Karney and Michael Summers.

Dwayne K. White, 39, of Irving, was identified as the other man involved in the 1:20 a.m. confrontation. White suffered minor cuts and bruises and was treated and later released from Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo.

"What we have is an alcohol-fueled dispute that ended up in the middle of the street," Summers said. "Both guys were lying in the road, and it was pitch black. There were no street lights."

The fight started after White's girlfriend, Sandra Cooper, ordered Spruce and his sister, Darelyn Spruce, to leave her home at 13280 Route 438 because they were intoxicated, investigators said.

"The sister and Cooper started fighting, and one thing led to another, and Spruce and White began fighting," Summers said, adding that White had also been drinking.

John was on her way to pick up her cousins, who were waiting for a ride in Eden, when the accident occurred, police said, adding that she has not been charged.

Spruce, a father of two young children, was pronounced dead at Lakeshore Hospital in Irving. Funeral services for Spruce will be held Tuesday in the home of his maternal grandmother, Vivian Nephew. She resides on Route 438 in Irving.

Burial will follow on Nephew's property. Friends may call at the grandmother's home this afternoon, relatives said.

In addition to his grandmother, sister and children, Spruce is survived by his father, Derlan Spruce; his mother, Loreen Bowman; his stepmother, Kelly Spruce; another sister, Kerriann; and four brothers, Solon, Cody, Elijah and Jesse.

The Buffalo News
January 14, 2001

2/2/2001 - Joyce Lay (Cooper) 

Suddenly, February 2, 2001 or the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation; beloved wife of the late Ivan Lay and Stanley Fox; mother of Douglas (Linda) Fox, Barbara, Audrey (Steve) and Rodney (Kathy) Fox; grandmother of Millie, Jennell, Jerrel and Joyce; great grandmother of Jordan, Edmund and Shaily; sister Catheryn Button, Alfred Cooper, Pat Delaronde, Mary Steeprock, Elverna Montour, Duane Cooper and Sheila Cooper and the late Elwood, Floyd Jr., Gary, Tommy Cooper and Doris Thompson. Friends may call at the family residence Longhopuse Rd., Cattaraugus Indian Reservation where the funeral service will be held Sunday morning at 10 AM. Arrangements by WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, North Collins

The Buffalo News
February 3, 2001

4/16/2001 - L Tyrone LeRoy Jr

April 16, 2001, of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation; beloved of Jill Doxtater; dearest father of Casey, Tony, Darby, Brady, Ryan, Hannah and Martha; son of Tyrone LeRoy Sr. and the late Corrine LeRoy; brother of Jannette, Carla, Patricia and Chuckie Hoag. Friends may call at the family residence, Rt. 438, Cattaraugus Indian Reservation where the funeral service will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 o'clock. Arrangements by WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, North Collins.

The Buffalo News
April 17, 2001

5/13/2001 - James F Leaffe

May 13, 2001, in An Arbor, MI of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, at the age of 53 years, beloved son of Rhoda (Lay) Leaffe and the late James Leaffe; brother of John Leaffe. Funeral services were held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, North Collins, NY.

The Buffalo News
May 17, 2001

6/9/2001 - Howard G Maybee Sr

June 9, 2001. Of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. Beloved husband of the late Inez (Fox) Maybee; beloved father of Howard Jr., Allan, Christine, LeBeau, Stephen (Esther), Brian, Kevin, Dana (Jennie) Maybee, and the late April Jones and Bradley Maybee; grandfather of 36 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; brother of Grace TallChief and the late Alex, Lester Fox, and Ruth Bennett. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the family residence, Rt. 438 and Versailles Plank Rd., where the funeral services will be held Monday morning at 10 and 11 o'clock from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mr. Maybee was a member C.I.R.V.F.D., the American Legion Post 1587, Iron Workers Local 6, and a WWII naval veteran. Arrangements by WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, North Collins, NY.

The Buffalo News
June 10, 2001

7/15/2001 - Donna M Jonas

July 15, 2001 of Buffalo, NY; wife of Virgil E. Jimerson; mother of Edmund, Ramona, Eric, Kenneth, Dawn Mae, Cheryl (James) Aviles, Curtis and the late Sylvia; sister of Janice, Alice, Judy, Marlene, Georgette, Rubena, Myrna, Emily and the late Merwin; also survived by six grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Family will be present Wednesday 7-9 PM and Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the LINK-FOX COMPANY, INC. (355 Grant St.) where funeral services will be held Friday at 10 AM followed by burial on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation.

The Buffalo News
July 18, 2001

8/12/2001 - Henry "DeDum" Lay

August 12, 2001 of Cattaraugus Indian Reservation; beloved father of Brenda (Freddie) Bennett, Annette (Richard) Miller, Martin Lay and the late Henrietta and Henry Charles Lay; grandfather of sixteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren; brother of Adelbert Logan, Clara Lay and the late Arthur, Alvin, Atlee Logan, Ivan, Horace Lay and Sophia Cook; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the family residance Sulphur Springs Rd., Cattaraugus Indian Reservation where the funeral service will be held Wednesday morning at 10 AM. Arrangements by WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, North Collins, NY.

The Buffalo News
August 13, 2001

8/22/2001 - Donald E Scott Jr

August 22, 2001, of Buffalo, NY; loving father of Brian, Wenona Rae, Bernice Michelle, Darcy Andrew, Joyce Doris and Alexis Rose; devoted son of the late Donald and Bernice Scott Sr.; cherished brother of Stephen Michael (Terry), Mark, Carl Lee and Bernard Craig and the late Edward W.; also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends received Thursday and Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the LINK-FOX COMPANY INC. 355 Grant St., where funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 AM followed by internment on the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation.

The Buffalo News
August 23, 2001

10/16/2001 - Charles C Williams 

 October 16, 2001 of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. Beloved father of Eva (Randall) Aidman, Michael, James Williams, Carrie Haynes, Mimi Williams, Charles, Curtis Williams and the late Richard Williams; grandfather of 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; brother of Basil Williams, Elizabeth John, Emery Williams and the late William, Russell, Dean, Paul, Robert Williams and Donald Goode; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, 10634 Main St. (Route 62), North Collins, N.Y., where the funeral service will be held Thursday morning at 11 o'clock. Mr. Williams was a member of American Legion Post #1587.

The Buffalo News
October 17, 2001

2/21/2002 - Kerwin A George

February 21, 2002, of Los Angeles CA, formerly of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation; brother of Karen A. George and the late Belva and Loren B. George; uncle of Evelyn M. George; son of the late Nathaniel and Evelyn (Button) George. Friends may call Wednesday at the Longhouse Cattaraugus where the funeral services will be held Thursday mornning at 10:00 AM. Arrangements by WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, North Collins.

The Buffalo News
February 27, 2002

2/28/2002 - Benjamin Hoca

Suddenly, February 28, 2002, of Gowanda, NY, beloved son of Theodore V. Hoca (the late Valerie Harris) Hoca, beloved brother of Regina, Christopher, Jonathan, Katie and the late Adam Hoca; grandson of Regina A. Schaefer and the late Leslie B. Harris and Helena (the late Myron M.) Hoca. Friends may call Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 PM and Monday evening from 7-9 PM at the WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, 10634 Main St. (Rt. 62) North Collins, NY. Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning at 10:00 AM from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Rt. 438, Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. If desired memorials to the family would be gratefully appreciated.

The Buffalo News
March 3, 2002

4/16/2002 - James G Bennett Jr

April 16, 2002, of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, father of Darrell Bennett; grandfather of Lewis, Stephanie, Beverly, Bartholomew and Darrell Bennett Jr.; brother of Alberta Williams and the late Loretta Minardi. Friends may call Thursday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, 10634 Main St., (Route 62), North Collins, NY, where the Funeral Service will be held Friday at 10 AM. Mr. Bennett was a Korean veteran, a member of Iroquois Post No. 1587 and a Disabled American Veteran.

The Buffalo News
April 18, 2002

James G. Bennett Jr.

James G. Bennett Jr., of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, died April 16, 2002. Mr. Bennett was a Korean Conflict veteran and a member of Iroquois Post 1587 and Disabled American Veterans. He was the father of Darrell Bennett; and brother of Alberta Williams and the late Loretta Minardi; also survived by five grandchildren.

The Gowanda PennySaver
April 28, 2002

4/22/2002 - Arthur J Schindler

April 22, 2002 of Gowanda, NY. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 25 at 10 AM from the family residence, 14052 Four Mile Level, Gowanda. Family will receive friends today and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the family residence. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements by the HOLE-PARKER FUNERAL CHAPEL, Silver Creek.

The Buffalo News
April 23, 2002

6/1/2002 - Peter Snow

June 1, 2002, at the age of 67, of Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, beloved husband of the late Elaine Scott Snow; beloved father of Patricia, David (Sue) Snow, Laurie Anne Snow-White, Maria (Lisa Anne Jimerson) Maybee, Nicholas (Lee) and Arthur Snow; grandfather of 21 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; nephew of Rita (Basil) Williams and Theodore (Myrna) Snow. Friends may call Sunday and Monday at the home of Laurie Anne Snow-White, Rte. 438, Cattaraugus Indian Reservation where the Funeral Service will be held Tuesday morning at 11:00 AM. Arrangements by WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, North Collins, NY. Mr. Snow was a faithful Bingo player.

The Buffalo News
June 2, 2002 

6/27/2002 - Lucille C Thompson

June 27, 2002 of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. Wife of the late Merlyn Thompson; beloved mother of Melanie (John) Dow, Natalie (Joe) Thompson-Isaacs, Glen (Diane) Thompson, and the late Linda Thompson; grandmother of eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; sister of Maxine Maybee, Geraldine Kettle, Betsy Martin and Lyman Kettle. Friends may call at the Family residence, 14205 Rte. 438, Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. Mrs. Thompson was a member of American Legion Post #1587 for 23 years and a WWII Veteran. Arrangements by WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, North Collins.

The Buffalo News
June 29, 2002

 

7/6/2002 - Ronald Locke Sr

Suddenly July 6, 2002, of the Cattaraugus Indian Res. at age 55; beloved husband of Ina (Brant) Locke; dearest father of Ronald Jr., Jason (Becky) and Todd (Gerri) Locke; grandfather of Jenna Renee and Baylee Mae; brother of Elizabeth (late Daniel) Tumiel, Raymond (Kathleen) Locke and Carol (Floyd) Tucker. Friends may call Sunday and Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, 10634 Main St. (route 62), North Collins, NY, where the funeral service will be held Tuesday morning at 11 AM. Mr. Locke was a member of the American Legion Post #1587 and a Vietnam Veteran.

The Buffalo News
July 7, 2002

8/2/2002 - Blanche Doolittle (Ruben)

Age 90, August 2, 2002 of Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. Wife of the late William M. Doolittle; mother of Mae C., Cynthia Doolittle, and the late William Doolittle Jr., Carol Jean Brant, and Betty Doolittle; grandmother of eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren; sister of the late Iva Peters. Friends may call at the family residence, Seneca Rd., Lawtons, NY where the funeral service will be held Monday morning at 11:15 and 12 o'clock from the Long House Cattaraugus Indian Reservation. Arrangements by WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, North Collins, NY.

The Buffalo News
August 4, 2002

8/15/2002 - Alberta Williams (Bennett)

August 15, 2002; of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation; wife of the late Paul Williams; beloved aunt of Louane Boushie and Darrell Bennett; great aunt of Kalie, Kyle, Cameron Cook, Brandon Bushie, Louis, Stephanie, Beverly, Bartholemew, and Darryl Bennett Jr.,; sister of the late Loretta Minardi and James Bennett Jr.. Friends may call Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the WENTLAND FUNERAL HOME, 10634 Main St., (Route 62) North Collins, NY where the funeral service will be held Saturday morning at 11 AM. Flowers are gratefully declined. If desired, memorials may be made to the C.I.R.V.F.D. Alberta was a life member of American Legion Post 1587 Ladies Auxiliary.

The Buffalo News
August 16, 2002