Iola Gladys Sanders Press

A resident of the Perrysburg and Gowanda area for her entire life, Iola was born Jan. 8, 1926, at the Sanders’ Farm in Perrysburg. The great granddaughter of one of the original settlers of the Perrysburg area, she was the youngest daughter of Harvey and Josephine Maud (Green) Sanders. On Oct. 18, 1942, she married Herbert M. Press, who predeceased her on July 6, 2008.

A graduate of Forestville Central School, Iola was employed as a nurse’s aide at J. N. Adam State Hospital in Perrysburg for many years. She was also a longtime member of the Perrysburg-Dayton United Methodist Church, the Methodist women’s group, and in later years, the Gowanda United Methodist Church.

Most of all, Iola was a loving and much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved to dance, and to listen to Herb sing and play his guitar. After their retirement, they would visit area retirement and nursing homes to share their love of music with the residents. She was a gifted seamstress, who sewed many prom and wedding dresses, including those of her two daughters. She was devoted to her husband, and cared for him faithfully for the last five years of his life. She loved life, travelling, was an avid crafter, and always had a faithful dog at her side.

Iola is survived by her three children: Melody Ann (Jeffrey) Sloan, of Dewittville, N.Y., Gregory H. (Cynthia) Press of Cherry Creek, and Marley Jo (Dennis) Burek of Perrysburg. She was blessed with five grandchildren who survive her: Chad Press (Michelle) Burek of North Hills, Calif., Amanda Jo Sloan of Richmond, Texas, Scott Kota Burek of North Hills, Calif., Brendan (Deanne) Sloan of Sugar Land, Texas, and Megan (Luke) Tackentien of Cuba, N.Y. She is also survived by six great-grandsons: Saar, Faelan and Bruin Sloan and Liam, Landon and Lincoln Tackentien. She is also survived by a brother-in-law, Donald Philbrick of Milwaukie, OR and many well-loved and loving nieces and nephews.

Iola was predeceased by six brothers and sisters: Edna Sanders Gross, Lee Sanders, Marian Sanders Harvey, Francis Sanders, Eva Sanders Pfleger and Louis Sanders; and by three half-siblings; Alice Sanders Mann, William Sanders and Floyd Sanders.

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, there will be no visitation.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to St. Columbans on the Lake, 2546 Lake Road, Silver Creek, NY 14136.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 105 East Main St. in Gowanda.