Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home

10/22/2026

We are wearing pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

10/20/2026

Allan Arthur Decker

Allan Arthur Decker, 65, of Spicewood Lane, Warnerville, New York died Saturday, October 17, 2026, at home, surrounded by family, just 3 days shy of his birthday.

Born on October 20, 1960, in Binghamton and raised in Deposit, NY, he was the son of C. Allan Decker and Ruth Ann Page Decker.

Allan was a veteran of the US Navy, where he worked on helicopters on the USS Eisenhower.

He worked for American Airlines as an Aircraft Supervisor. He then went back to school following a back injury, obtaining his bachelor's degree in architectural design. He became a self-employed Architectural Draftman for many years, owning Decker Design & Development and as the Project Manager for SUNY Oneonta. It's impossible to take a drive through the local area without coming across one of the many buildings he helped to design and build.

He had been a member of Calvary Assembly of God for over 30 years, helping to design and build their space.

He loved spending time with his family, just as much as they enjoyed spending time with him. He enjoyed helping others, remote control airplanes, bridge jumping and family swims, often getting the entire Schoharie pool to join in a game of sharks and minnows.

On May 30, 1981, in Deposit, NY, Allan married his High School Sweetheart, Carla Ann Conway. Together they celebrated over 45 years of marriage.

He was predeceased by his mother, Ruth Ann Decker.

Allan is survived by his devoted wife, Carla Ann Decker of Warnerville, NY; father, C. Allan Decker of Deposit, NY; daughter, Melinda Decker and Stephen Gray of Cobleskill, NY; son, Joshua Decker of Cobleskill, NY; grandchildren, Ciara Decker of East Worcester, NY, Story Decker, Caelum Decker, and Justice Gray all of Cobleskill, NY; as well as several others who affectionately call him "dad".

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 1:30pm at Calvary Assembly of God, Mineral Springs Road, Cobleskill, NY 12043.

In lieu of flowers please consider a monetary donation to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043 to help offset expenses.

View Allan Arthur Decker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/07/2026

John Christopher Scott

John Christopher Scott, 77, of Cobleskill, NY, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026, at home after a brief battle with lung cancer. A celebration of life service will take place next summer.

Born in Gary, Indiana, on November 7th, 1948, John grew up around the world, spending time in Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, and graduated from West Yellowstone High School in West Yellowstone, Montana.

He then served in the Army as a tunnel rat during the Vietnam War. John was a jack-of-all-trades and worked in various jobs, including at a laundry soap factory in California, a rattlesnake catcher in Montana, and a shrimper out of Brownsville, Texas.

John was also a polyglot, fluent in Arabic, French, and Spanish. After these varied odd jobs, he graduated with a bachelor's degree and a master's degree and worked for three decades as an IT professional (mostly for IBM) around the world and had made Cobleskill his home for the last two and a half decades. He worked on various interesting projects such as the Y2K transition and early facial recognition software.

John also loved skydiving and had over 500 jumps and met and married his wife through that hobby. John also loved eating breakfast at diners. John loved taking his family on road trips, including many out west and south, to Florida.

He is survived by his wife Kathryn; his sisters Suzie, Tina, and Michaela; his children Harry, Ella and her husband Moses, and Mathilda and her husband Rishav; and his granddaughter Eva.

John will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, his sense of adventure, his curiosity, and love for his family. His jokes and wisdom were gifts to everyone who knew him.

Donations in his memory can be made to Marathon for Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.

View John Christopher Scott's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/29/2026

Katrina Lynn Padgett

Katrina Lynn Padgett, 52, of Argusville Road, Sharon Springs, New York died Monday, September 28, 2026, at Bassett Healthcare of Cooperstown, following a short battle with cancer.

Born on June 7, 1974, in Cobleskill, NY, she was the daughter of Franklin Kenneth Merwin and Jane Ann Dufresne Merwin. She attended Sharon Springs schools and was a lifelong resident of the local area.

She worked for Universal Plastics in Howes Caves, NY, for several years.

Katrina enjoyed going to yard sales and crafting. She loved her 3 boys with all her heart and adored her grandchildren.

On June 8, 1991, in Sharon Springs, Katrina was married to Christopher Padgett.

Her parents predeceased her.

Katrina is survived by her husband, Christopher Padgett of Sharon Springs, NY; sons, Corey (Jolita) Merwin of Schoharie, NY, Christopher "CJ" (Courteney) Padgett, Jr. of Sharon Springs, NY, Franklin (Tyler) Padgett of Sharon Springs, NY; 10 grandchildren, Marcus, Natalia, Re*****on, Brentley, Sophia, Jane, Hazel, Henry, Nah'la, Izzabella; sisters, Maria (William) Roe of Central Bridge, NY, Lisa (Raymond) Compton of Canajoharie, NY; brother, Edward (Sanya) Merwin of Cobleskill, NY; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date with inurnment following at Cobleskill Rural Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Katrina Lynn Padgett may be made to, Marathon for a Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.

View Katrina Lynn Padgett's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/22/2026

Alexander Lushkevich

Alexander "Al" Lushkevich, 100, of Cobleskill, New York, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Born on October 1, 1925, in Linden, New Jersey, Al was the son of Peter Lushkevich and Anna Wilcheck Lushkevich. In his younger years, he traveled extensively throughout the country before ultimately settling in Schoharie County, which he proudly called home for the past 66 years.

During World War II, he served honorably as a medical corps ambulance driver with the British Embassy.

Al began his career as a draftsman in Glendale, California. He later worked for the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady, where he helped design train engines. Following the closure of ALCO, Al fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming a dairy farmer. Together with his beloved wife, Saveria "Sarah" Tavella Lushkevich, he established a dairy farm in Dorloo, where they built a life centered on hard work, family, and community. He operated the farm for more than 40 years until his retirement.

An avid outdoorsman, Al had a lifelong passion for hunting and a deep appreciation for nature. He possessed an adventurous spirit and an enthusiasm for travel, always eager to set off on his next journey. Whether exploring new places or simply enjoying the company of family and friends, Al embraced life with curiosity and optimism.

Above all else, Al's greatest joy was his family. He and Sarah created a loving and welcoming home on the Lushkevich Farm, where generations gathered to share in traditions, celebrations, and lasting memories. His warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those he loved will be remembered by all who knew him.

Al was predeceased by his parents; his brother and sister; his son-in-law, Neal Needleman and Sarah, the love of his life and devoted wife of 69 years.

He is survived by his children: Alexis (Bill) Lighthall of Warnerville, New York; Anna (James) Hagadorn of Cobleskill, New York; Peter (Penny) Lushkevich of Warnerville, New York; Alex (Patti) Lushkevich of Saratoga Springs, New York; and Gary (Katie) Lushkevich of Oneonta, New York. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Al's life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in memory of Alexander Lushkevich may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, P.O. Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.

View Alexander Lushkevich's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/21/2026

Donna Lee Olsen

Donna Lee Olsen, 78, of Church Street, Sharon Springs, New York died Monday, September 21, 2026, at Cobleskill Regional Hospital, following a battle with Parkinson's disease.

Born November 29, 1947, in Cobleskill, NY, she was the daughter of Donald Kane and Muriel Pratt Kane. She was a graduate of Sharon Springs High School, Class of 1965 and was a lifelong resident of the local area.

Donna was a Dental Hygenist for Dr. Stein in Sharon for several years. She would volunteer and run events like the Schoharie County Country Music Festival, and the Festival Farmer's Market, which she and her husband ran for 25 years. She also worked for the Cobleskill Art's Council and Sharon School in their resource room. Her favorite job of all was being a mother and homemaker. She loved spending time with her family.

She was the Commissioner for Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department for several years.

Donna was an avid reader. She was Salutatorian of her graduating Class. She enjoyed country music, the Beetles, and singing. She loved to spend time with her husband and they both enjoyed watching old westerns together. She was a #1 fan of the band, Alabama, traveling to see them at many different locations. She loved to draw, sketch, and tend to her garden.

On June 1, 1968, at a church in Argusville, Donna was married to Charles Robert Olsen. Their wedding just happened to be the very last event ever held in that church, although the church still stands today.

She was predeceased by her parents and brother, Donald Kane, Jr.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of over 58 years, Charles Robert Olsen; daughters, Kristen Olsen, Jodi Olsen; grandson, Michael Olsen; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, at the convenience of the family.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to Gentiva Hospice of Tennesse and HCR, for all their guidance and care. And a Thank You to Dr. Joyce Burton and the nurses for their kindness and loving care.

Contributions in memory of Donna Lee Olsen may be made to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley, PO Box 40, 304 Howes Cave Road, Howes Cave, NY 12092.

View Donna Lee Olsen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/17/2026

We had some unusual guests visit our funeral home the other day. Some deer and a very friendly cat. Another noteworthy visitor was two years ago: Isaiah got to meet Batman the cat and got this amazing photo.

09/14/2026

Gary David Ovitt

Gary D. Ovitt, 85, of Cobleskill, died on September 13, 2026, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Gary was born in Gloversville, New York to David and Avis (Wanderlick) Ovitt and was educated in Johnstown schools.

He entered the Air Force for two years and was honorably discharged. He later completed a two-year degree in Environmental Studies at Fulton-Montgomery Community College. That led to one of his most enjoyable jobs, as Park Ranger at Acadia National Park in Maine for a summer. Gary then entered the cable television field in its infancy and retired as warehouse/purchasing manager. In retirement, he delivered for a florist and was then highway superintendent for the Town of Esperance and was the operator of the Esperance transfer station.

Gary was a member of the Schoharie Reformed Church.

Gary was married to Julia Stearns, and together they welcomed David, Denise, and Danelle.

Gary married Lisa Mulligan in 1984 and together they welcomed Michael.

Gary enjoyed photography and had a darkroom where he developed photos for many years, and he enjoyed genealogy. He and Lisa enjoyed vacationing in Maine. He will be fondly remembered for his grilling skills at his and Lisa's annual Independence Day barbeque at their camp at Pine Lake Park for many years.

Gary is survived by his wife Lisa, his son David (Jill), daughter Danelle, and son Michael (Elizabeth) as well as his grandchildren Larissa Ovitt, Alexander Dingman, Christopher Cuccolo, and Oliva Cuccolo, and two great-grandchildren. Gary was predeceased by his daughter, Denise Cuccolo. He is also survived by his brother Carl Ovitt and sisters Gloria Hughes and Cynthia Sparks. He was predeceased by his brothers Bruce Ovitt and Brian Ovitt.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 4:00-7:00pm at Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm Street, Cobleskill, NY 12043 and on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 11:00am-1:00pm with a memorial service following at 1:00pm at the funeral home.

Gary's family would like to thank the staff at Albany Medical Center, New York Oncology Hematology, and Helios Hospice Care for the extraordinary care they gave to Gary and his family. Donations in Gary's memory may be made to the organization of your choice or to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1

Oneonta, NY 13820, https://helioscare.org/donate/

View Gary David Ovitt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/11/2026

Susan M. All

Susan M. "Toodles" All, 79, of State Route 165, Sharon Springs, New York died Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Born on July 19, 1947, in Cobleskill, New York, she was the daughter of John A. Lane and Gertrude Zank Lane. She was a lifelong resident of the local area.

Susan was the Head Housekeeper at Eden Park in Cobleskill for 20 years. She then worked for Interknitting in Cobleskill for several years before retiring to help care for her grandchildren.

Spending time with family was very important to Susan. She and her husband had a seasonal camp on Belvedere Lake. She enjoyed watching NASCAR, crime stories, and gambling, especially with lotto tickets.

On July 24, 1965, at the Lutheran Church on Route 10 in Sharon, Susan was married to Edward All. He predeceased her on September 4, 2025.

She was also predeceased by her daughter, Bettie Marie Evans; grandson, Matthew All; and sister, Diane Vrooman.

Susan is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Christina All of Sharon Springs; grandchildren, Samantha Messler, Sabrina Evans, Brooke (Matt) Bridger; 8 great-grandchildren with 1 great-grandchild due in October; siblings, Katie (Tony) Kulesza, Jonnie (Frank) Beretz, Betty Olsen, and Melvin Lane (Dean Calvagne).

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 11:30AM at Zion Rural Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Susan M. All may be made to Marathon for a Better Life, PO Box 268, Warnerville, NY 12187.

View Susan M. All's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/10/2026

Back to School!

It’s that time again. Colleges and schools are opening for their fall semesters and education is back in focus. The beginning of the school is always difficult with factors such as adapting to class schedules, spending less time with family, meeting new people, and refocusing on classwork. But it is also a great time to reconnect with friends, old teachers, or professors. Our advice is to be patient with students and get them excited for the new year of learning. We thank teachers for all their efforts and hope they give the students that much-needed vigor for this exciting new year.