Betty C. Esch

Forestport- Betty Jones Esch, 93, a longtime resident of North Lake Road, Forestport, passed away on Wednesday, November 25, 2015, at Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Boonville, where she had resided since December, 2013. She was born in Rome, on August 20, 1922, a daughter of Frank and Adele Roux Cushman. She grew up in Forestport, beginning her education at the Wheelertown Rural School, Town of Ohio, later graduating from Forestport Central School, with the Class of 1940. During WWII, Betty was employed at area industries in the war manufacturing effort. On February 24, 1944, she entered the U.S. Navy, taking her basic training at Samson Training Center, NY, and at Hunter College, NY City. She was stationed at the Military Post Office, Washington, DC, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Petty Officer, on December 13, 1945. On November 12, 1945, Betty was united in marriage with Arthur L. Jones, in Utica, NY. In 1948, Art and Betty purchased the Lockwood Inn at Buffalo Head (Forestport), from Betty's mother and step father, Adele and George Morrison. They continued the operation of the hotel, bar and restaurant, until 1962, when they sold the establishment to Howard and Eros Parsons, and the name was changed to The Buffalo Head Restaurant. Mrs. Jones was later employed at Marcy State Psychiatric Hospital for eighteen years, retiring in 1984. Mr. Jones, owner of Art Jones Trading Post and a many term Supervisor for the Town of Forestport, died on October 30, 1982. On September 28, 1984, Betty was united in marriage with Leon G. Esch, at St. Patrick's Church, Forestport. Mr. Esch died in 1989. She was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Forestport, the Leather Stocking Waves, (US Navy) Unit 26, WAVES National Women of the Sea Services, and the CSEA Retirees. Betty loved the outdoors and worked tediously to maintain her beautiful flower gardens and the variety of trees she planted surrounding her home. In her youth she enjoyed tap dancing on roller skates, ball room dancing, big band music and music by Perry Como. Betty was a very compassionate, generous and caring person. She always put her family first, as a loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by two daughters and sons in law, Rhonda (Kenneth) Vigus, Boonville, Gerry (Larry) Ritter, Forestport; a son, Jon Jones, Forestport; four grandchildren, Elaine (Doug) Hasty, Sherrill, Tonya Brown (Adam Daktor), Foresport, Dr. Jason (Sara) Ritter, Underhill, VT, and Benjamin Ritter, Esq. Buffalo, NY; six great grandchildren, Zane Hasty and Wyatt Hasty, Sherrill, Jack Daktor, Forestport, Autumn, Ian and Lauren Ritter, Underhill, VT; three step-sons; James (Dee) Esch, Rome, Paul (Lisa) Esch, Verona, NY, David (Mary Ann) Esch, Barneveld, and one step daughter-in-law, Carol Esch, Steuben, and by numerous nieces and nephews and step grandchildren. Also surviving are three special friends, Lacey Dolan, Barb Davies and Marie Hammersmith. She was pre-deceased by husbands; Arthur L. Jones in 1982, and Leon Esch, in 1989, her very special granddaughter that she loved so much, Rebecca Ritter, in 2010, a brother, Adrian Cushman, in 1987, and a step-son Brian Esch, in 2014, and predeceased by special friends, Mary Smith and Charlotte Johnstone and Betty Phillips. Betty's family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff and management of Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Boonville, for the kind and tender loving care that was accorded to Betty. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 11:00 A.M. at St. Patrick's Church of Christ our Hope Parish, Forestport, where Rev. Thomas Ward, pastor will officiate. Interment will Military Rites from Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post VFW and Tun Tavern Marine Corps League, all of Boonville, will follow at Boonville Cemetery. Calling hours are Sunday 1-4 p.m. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans 344 West Genesee St. Syracuse, NY 13202 or to Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Resident Activities Fund, 232 Academy St. Boonville, NY 13309.