Obituary of Bessie V. Dillenback

Mrs. Bessie Virginia Dillenback, 93, of W. Madison Avenue, Johnstown, formerly of Brower Rd., Palatine Bridge, New York, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at the Wells House. Born on January 20, 1915 in Palatine Bridge, NY, she was the daughter of Edward Henry Ambridge and Pearl Peeler Ambridge. Mrs. Dillenback attended local area schools and graduated from Canajoharie High School. Mrs. Dillenback was employed as a machine operator in the gum department at Beech-Nut Corp. in Canajoharie, NY. She was a lifelong area resident. Mrs. Dillenback was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Ladies Home Bureau and the Palatine Grange. Bessie also enjoyed going on senior citizen trips. Bessie married Elmer A. Dillenback, Jr. on December 31, 1936 in St. Johnsville, NY. He preceded her in death on June 28, 1973. In addition to her husband, Bessie was also predeceased by several siblings. She is survived by her children, Arlene Houghtaling of Binghamton, NY, Berdella Drabent of Mohawk, NY, Emily M. and David Hanson of Tribes Hill, NY, Wallace and Joyce Dillenback of Palatine Bridge, NY; a brother, Howard "Gary" and Florence Ambridge of Palatine Bridge, NY; sisters, Frances Shults of Canajoharie, NY and Jane Coppernoll of Johnstown, NY. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.