Arvilla Rae Pritchard

Arvilla was born in Go-wanda, N.Y., on Nov. 19, 1931, to Marcella Ells-worth Blakely and Harry Blakely. Arvilla married Gerald Lee Pritchard on Aug. 27, 1952, right before Gerald (Gare) was shipping out for the Korean war.

Arvilla finished her edu-cation at Fredonia State College to go on the be an elementary school teacher for over 30 years. Mrs. (Ar-villa) Pritchard had former students who still stayed in touch with her as she quick-ly became everyone’s

favorite teacher. She taught sixth grade in Go-wanda for 15 years and then taught sixth grade in Cattaraugus for over 16 years until she retired. Ar-villa also helped her hus-band with the business, Pritchard Hardware and later her son.

Arvilla is survived by a brother, Robert Blakely of Cattaraugus, her son Marc Pritchard (Mary) of Cattar-augus, one sister-in law: Marcia Pritchard of Tennessee, her grandchil-dren: Bethany Pritchard of Ellicottville; Jacob Pritchard (Kate) of Nashua, NH; Marcella Dolce (Nate) of Dunkirk and Joshua Pritchard (April) of Mel-rose, Mass. Arvilla left behind her beloved great–grandchildren: Darnell Pritchard of Dunkirk; Don-tae, Aisha and Millie Nelthrope of Ellicottville; Paige and George Pritchard of Nashua, NH; and Maria and Matthew Dolce of Dun-kirk. Arvilla was also sur-vived by several nieces and nephews.

Arvilla is survived by more good friends than can be listed whom she loved dearly.

Arvilla was predeceased by her husband Gerald Pritchard in 2003 and her long-time partner, Kenneth Adams in 2019. She was also predeceased by several brothers-in law and sisters-in-law.

Arvilla was well known in the community of Cattar-augus. She was not only a beloved teacher and busi-ness owner but was the vil-lage historian for many years and was a contributor to several area newspapers. Anyone who knew Arvilla realized her passion for her family, friends, and com-munity! She and her hus-band were founding members of the Skyline Pool and forged many fond memories and friendships as a result. Arvilla and her husband enjoyed being able to spend time at their cot-tage on Chautauqua Lake for over two decades. The Lake cottage quickly formed as another center for family functions where she and

Gare loved to entertain. Arvilla loved animals and many pets were lucky enough to be part of their family. A number of Scot-tish Terriers as well as res-cue dogs joined the house-hold. When Arvilla met Gare a date consisted of riding horses and her two horses were part of the package when they later got married. Arvilla leaves behind her beloved dog Wienkie who is now loved and cared for by her grand-daughter Marcella and fam-ily. Arvilla was an avid traveler. She and her hus-band traveled extensively in a “Winnie” motorhome throughout the United States. Later she was for-tunate to travel again in a smaller Road Trek camper with Kenneth Adams.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life at a location which she treasured: Pascarella’s Res-taurant on Saturday Feb. 12 from 1-3 pm. Come to en-joy coffee and sweets (her favorite) while reminiscing about a life well-lived. Please wear a mask.

Arrangements are by Mentley Funeral Home, 411 Rock City St. Little Valley. Memorials can be made to the Cattaraugus Ambulance.