Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home

06/01/2026

Sue Ellen Perkins

ILION - Sue Ellen Perkins, age 65, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, at the Wynn Hospital in Utica.

Sue was born on March 30, 1961, in Little Falls, a daughter of the late Louise Irene Dillenbeck and Donald Perkins. She was raised in Ilion and graduated from Ilion Schools before continuing her education at the Utica School of Commerce.

Throughout her life, Sue dedicated herself to serving others. She was a proud internet minister and a devoted Red Cross volunteer who found great fulfillment in helping those in need. Perhaps her greatest joy came from caring for children. As a live-in daycare provider and babysitter, she lovingly cared for her cherished niece and nephew for the majority of their lives and was a trusted caregiver for many children throughout the Ilion community.

Sue is survived by her loving sister, Shawn Perkins of Herkimer; her nephew, Timothy Perkins and his wife, Amanda, of Watervliet; her niece, Tanya Schumacher and her husband, Thomas, of Herkimer; her beloved great-nieces and nephews, Colton, Ashton, Alyssa, and Abigail; as well as many cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She also leaves behind many special friends, including Laurie Ham, Sheri Horner-Loomis, JoAnn Schook and her children, Chris Wilson-Lane, Katie Pfeifer, Molly Gebo, Amy Brisson, Jayne Stagg, and many others whose friendships she treasured.

In addition to her parents, Sue was predeceased by her brother, Donald Perkins, and her infant half-brother, Douglas Fernald.

In keeping with Sue's wishes, there will be no public services.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego Street, Ilion, NY 13357.

To leave condolences for Sue's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com.

View Sue Ellen Perkins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/25/2026

05/19/2026

Christina Rae Sheldon

Ilion - Christina Rae Sheldon, 81, of Ilion, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at Wynn Hospital in Utica, NY.

Christina was born on March 22, 1945, in Cold Spring, NY, a daughter of the late Ray D. and Emma Belle Daly Sheldon. She graduated from Sidney High School in 1963 and devoted several years to raising her children before returning to school to earn her bachelor's degree in Sociology from the State University of New York Institute of Technology in 1991, followed by her Master's degree from Syracuse University in 1996. She was a dedicated and compassionate professional who devoted more than 20 years of service to the New York State Department of Education in Utica, where she worked as a rehabilitation counselor, a reflection of her commitment to helping others lead fuller, more independent lives. She was a long-time resident of Ilion, NY and attended the First Baptist Church there for many years.

Family was central to Christina's life. She is survived by her loving children, Peter Thayer and his wife, Ann of Williamstown, WV; Matthew Thayer and his wife, Melissa of Falmouth, ME; and Christal Rae Thayer and her partner Gregory Varner of Ilion, NY; her cherished grandsons, Abraham Thayer of Boston, MA, and Simon Thayer of Falmouth, ME; one brother, R. Douglas Sheldon, Sr. and his wife, Eileen of Colonia, NJ; her sister-in-law, Carol Sheldon of Aiken, SC; and several nieces and nephews, R. Douglas Sheldon, Jr., Kirsten Sheldon, Alexandra Sheldon, Bethany Reesor, and Markus Sheldon.

In addition to her parents, Christina was predeceased by her brother, Stuart B. Sheldon, and her dear best friend, Ann Wicks.

Calling hours will be held Friday, June 19, 2026 from 12:00-2:00 pm, with a Memorial Service immediately to follow, officiated by Pastor John Partise, at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St., Ilion, NY 13357. Christina will be laid to rest alongside her parents in Roosevelt Cemetery in Pennellville, NY.

To leave condolences for Christina's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com.

View Christina Rae Sheldon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/13/2026

Roger W. Murray

Willow Spring, NC - Ilion, NY - Mr. Roger Walter Murray, age 60, of D.A. King Dr. passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at UNC Johnston Health in Clayton following a long and courageous battle with illnesses surrounded by loved ones.

Roger was born on May 5, 1966 in Ilion, New York to the late Robert and Margery Wohler Murray. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Murray, sister, Linda Klink, brother-in law, Billy Burger, Tim Hyer and parents-in-law, William and Juanita Burger.

Growing up he loved playing sports, attending concerts, and causing mischief with his siblings. Roger was a family man. A devoted husband to his lovely wife, and attentive father to his three children. He was a grandfather and deeply cherished his granddaughters. Roger loved his family more than anything. He was a construction supervisor for many years prior to illness. He loved sports, history, camping, sitting by a campfire, and loved music of all kind. His memory will continue to live on through his family.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Julia Murray; children, Jacob Murray and wife, Susanne, Travis Murray and wife, Jenna, and Rachel Meszler and husband, Zach; grandchildren, Nora Murray, Charlotte Murray, and another Baby Murray coming in September; brothers, James Murray and wife, Theresa and David Murray and wife, Therese, sister-in-law June Murray, brother-in-law Richie Klink; brothers-in-law, Eric Burger and wife, Peggy, Lance Burger and wife, Leslie, and Kurt Burger, and wife, Erin; sisters-in-law, Sharman Richards and husband, Bob and Tina Riley; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A special thank you to the wonderful and countless doctors, nurses, and support staff who have provided him with care and compassion over the years. These professionals provided grace and dignity to him. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. in Ilion. A memorial service will immediately follow at 4:00 pm at the funeral home.

To leave condolences for Roger's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com

View Roger W. Murray's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/13/2026

Donna Lee Crim

Herkimer - Ms. Donna Lee Crim, 79, of Herkimer, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, at Valley Health Services in Herkimer with her loving family by her side.

Donna Lee was born on July 29, 1946, in Amsterdam, New York, the daughter of the late Daniel C. and Eltha J. Hodge Laymon and she attended Mohawk Schools.

Donna Lee was employed as a cashier at Walmart in Herkimer for 15 years, where she enjoyed meeting and talking with customers and coworkers alike. She was known for singing at her cash register while she worked. She was also employed as a waitress at many local establishments for several decades. For many years, Donna Lee was an avid bowler who enjoyed spending time with friends at the lanes and cherished the camaraderie the sport brought into her life. She was a proud member of the 600 club. She was also of the Methodist faith. She greatly enjoyed her crosswords and playing Yahtzee with her family. Donna Lee's family was her whole world. She always looked forward to the holidays when she would be surrounded by those she loved so much.

Donna Lee is survived by her beloved children, Nancy and her husband, Brian Diehl of Mohawk and Matthew Crim and his wife, Courtney of Ilion; her beloved grandchildren, Ashley, Melissa, Brianne, Megan, Daniel, Emily, Brian, Ava and Alayna; 16 great-grandchildren, Thayne, Corbin, Mikayla, Kaden, McKinley, Sophia, Anthony, Bryce, Perseus, Kinleigh, Abel, Axel, Kendall, Beau, Leo and Ava; her siblings, Jerry Laymon, Sr. of Ilion, William Laymon and his wife, Phyliss of Malone and Larry Laymon and his wife, Rebecca of Ilion and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two sons, David Crim and Donald Crim, Jr; three sisters, Norma and her husband, Ronald Young, Nancy Laymon and Jean Haggerty; three brothers, Daniel Laymon, Frank Laymon and Timothy Laymon and her sister-in-law, Liz Laymon.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 11 am - 12 pm in the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. in Ilion. A funeral service will follow at 12 pm at the funeral home where Donna Lee's brother Bill will officiate. She will be laid to rest in Armory Hill Cemetery.

To leave condolences for Donna's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com

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

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home. 💐

Today we honor the love, strength, compassion, and guidance that mothers bring into our lives each and every day. We celebrate the beautiful memories shared, the lessons passed down, and the lasting impact of every mother and mother figure who has touched our hearts.

Whether you are spending today with your mother, remembering her legacy, or honoring someone who has been like a mother to you, may your day be filled with love, peace, and cherished memories. ❤️

05/06/2026

On April 23rd, Heather Rauch, Licensed Funeral Director with the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, had the unique opportunity to attend an event in Times Square, hosted by Chptr.

For those of you who are unfamiliar, Chptr is the company that enables us to broadcast your loved ones' service announcements on WKTV NEWSChannel 2.

Through their "The First Call" campaign, they featured funeral directors from across the country on several billboards throughout Times Square to honor our profession. Here is a clip from the event!

05/04/2026

SERVICE UPDATE: Priscilla, along with her beloved husband Jim and daughter Jennifer, will be laid to rest together on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10:00 am in North Columbia Cemetery. All are invited to attend.

View Priscilla Wildey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/04/2026

SERVICE UPDATE: Shirley will be laid to rest on Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 11:00 am in Armory Hill Cemetery.

View Shirley S. Pearson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/25/2026

Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home is a proud Corporate Sponsor of St. Francis De Sales Early Childhood Learning Center’s Spring Soirée. This is a spectacular event, hosted right here in Ilion at Francesca’s Banquet Hall, for the benefit of the students and the wonderful school they attend. There’s still time to get your tickets for tonight’s event! It is a fun evening of food, drinks, auctions and prizes. Hope to see you there!