Elsie C. Woleben

She was born in Stockton, N.Y., on July 17, 1922, a daughter to Calvin and Blanche (Seekings) Saunders.

Elsie had lived in this area her entire life. Following her education at Westfield School, she worked in the grapes tying and picking for local grape farmers, she had also worked at the Brocton Diner, Brocton Pickel Plant, Fredonia Seed Co., Klings in Mayville, N.Y., had been a housekeeper at the White Inn in Fredonia, and the St. Steven’s Hotel in Brocton. Her final occupation in which she retired was a custodian for Westfield Academy and Central School.

She was a long time member of the West Portland Baptist Church of Portland, N.Y., where she had been baptized. And a life member of the Fredonia American Legion Auxillary. Besides loving and raising her family she loved to bake pies and bread. She enjoyed tending to her flowers and when time permitted, she and her husband loved to square dance.

Elsie is survived by her four children: Fred (Fran) Woleben of Jamestown, N.Y., Flo (the late Ronnie) Dotson of Mayville, N.Y., Roger (Vicky) Woleben of North Carolina, and Marge (Rich) Carlson of Cassadaga, N.Y.; 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Further survived by her siblings: Gorman (Jan) Saunders of Fredonia, Gertrude “Gerdie” (the late Andy) Syper and Mary (the late Bob) Blair.

In addition to her parents, Elsie was predeceased by her husband Fred whom she married on Feb. 28, 1942, and who passed away on Jan. 25, 2005, also preceded in death by one grandson, Craig Woleben; one great-granddaughter, Misty Michelle Montgomery; an infant brother, George Saunders and a brother, Gerald Saunders; and her sister, Sally Putney.

Friends are invited to call at the MORSE Funeral Home, 51 Highland Ave. Brocton, N.Y., on Friday, July 10, 2020, from 2-4 p.m. Following the guidelines and protocols set by the Governor of New York regarding Covid-19, masks are required in the funeral home and social distancing observed for the safety of everyone.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at 10 a.m., at the funeral home with the Rev. Gary Henry, former pastor of the West Portland Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the Portland Evergreen Cemetery.

The family requests memorials in memory of Elsie be made to the Brocton Fire Department, Lake Avenue in Brocton, N.Y. or to the West Portland Baptist Church, 7801 E. Rte. 20 Westfield, NY 14787. To leave a message of remembrance or condolence for Elsie’s family please log on to themorse funeralhome.com.