Alumni Notes | August 2026

Walter Nield Pettifor, age 91, passed away August 8, 2026 in Goshen, Indiana. He was born September 24, 1934, in Gaylord, Michigan, to Walter Ernest and Mary Alberta “Bird” (Long) Pettifor. He was married to Madaline Babcook, May 3, 1958. They were married for almost 54 years, until her death in March 2012. Walter then married Donna Rowald, October 13, 2018, and they were married for 87 months until her death in January 2026. Walter graduated from Gaylord High School in 1953, then from Spring Arbor Junior College and Roberts Wesleyan College, North Chili, NY, majoring in English and Math. He worked as a computer specialist for about fifteen years, and, with Madaline, owned and operated a Christian bookstore, Gift and Bible Center, in Lansing for almost ten years. After the age of 50, when conventional wisdom says to stop climbing, he started a tree service business, continuing to work well past retirement. Walter enjoyed gardening, biking, running, poetry and volunteering with the Spring Arbor MOFIA (Men of Faith in Action). He especially enjoyed creating afghans and other articles on his one of a kind peg loom. He authored seven books: THE OLD SAW MILL, a collection of poetry; PIONEER PREACHER, the life story of his great-grandfather, Thomas Nield; SOLDIER BOY, an account of his father’s experience in World War I; THE GENESIS PEOPLE, looking at Genesis from the viewpoint of those who lived it; and BIRD, the life story of his mother. Two works will be published posthumously: THE ISRAELITE PEOPLE and NONAGENARIAN MUSINGS.

Walter is survived by children, Lynn (Mike) Cronkright, Bonnie (Ken) Vreeman, Neil (Chris) Pettifor; grandchildren, Timothy (Jessica) Cronkright, William (Krista) Cronkright, David (Lindsay) Cronkright, Kristen (Matt) Drier, Alexander Petit, Daniel Petit, Elisabeth (Richard “Alex”) Mapel, Jeremiah (Ava) Pettifor, Rebecca (RJ) Etter, and Nathanael Pettifor; great-grandchildren, Abigail, Ethan, Mathias, Elise, Gideon, Jaden, Caspian, Isaiah, Avianna, Zachary, Caius, Carolyn, and Waylon; step-children, John (Sue) Neitzke, Mary Kay (Neitzke) Valkuchak, and Allen Neitzke; many step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren;  He is also survived by his sisters, Alice Worley and Erma (Dan) Giem. He was preceded in death by his infant son Gerald Nield, his parents, his first wife, Madaline, second wife, Donna, and his brother Keith Pettifor.

https://www.watson-funeral-chapels.com/obituary/Walter-Pettifor

Wayne K. Linderman, 75, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 4, 2026.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Erla Linderman. He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Cathy Linderman; his daughter, Julie Parsons, and her husband, David Parsons, along with their children, Luke, Seth, Aaron, and Naomi; and his son, Steven Linderman, and his wife, Regina Linderman, along with their children, Joshua, Jaylyn, Jenna, and Jackson.

Although Wayne was an only child, he never considered himself alone. He found a family in his church, where he cherished the friendships and fellowship of those he lovingly considered his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Wayne dedicated his career to education, first as a band teacher and later as a principal. In his early years as a music educator, he especially enjoyed directing band concerts and watching his students grow in both skill and confidence. He had a lifelong passion for music and especially enjoyed attending live performances. One of his fond memories was attending Music Mania Concerts with Cathy and their close friends, creating memories filled with laughter. He also loved traveling with Cathy, and they shared many wonderful adventures together. Some of his most treasured memories were family vacations with Julie and Steven, times filled with joy, togetherness, and lasting memories that he held close to his heart. He also loved working on projects around the house, always finding satisfaction in building and fixing things. Wayne had a lifelong passion for fast cars and enjoyed attending car shows whenever he could. Above all, Wayne treasured the time he spent with Cathy, their children, and all the grandchildren. They were the greatest blessings of his life, and he cherished every moment they shared together.

The foundation of Wayne’s life was his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Wayne faithfully served as a trustee at Vintage Church Buffalo. His relationship with the Lord guided the way he lived, loved, and served others, and it gave him peace and confidence as he entered eternity. Wayne had a deep love for sharing the Gospel with others and never hesitated to speak about the love of Jesus Christ, even to strangers. In one of his final acts of faithfulness, while at Roswell, he shared Christ with a nurse in the hospital hallway and had the joy of leading her to the Lord.

In his final moments with his family, Wayne left them with words that will forever remain in their hearts: “I love you, please don’t cry for me. I will see you in heaven someday soon.”

Wayne will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. While his absence leaves a profound void, his family finds comfort in God’s promise of eternal life and rejoices in the assurance that they will one day be reunited with him in heaven.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23

https://www.ottoredanz.com/obituary/Wayne-Linderman

Rev. Gerald E Harris went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 30, 2026. 

He was born in Ilion on October 7, 1950, to Edwin and Laura (Bahr) Harris. He graduated from Ilion High School and Roberts Wesleyan College. On October 11, 1975, he was united in marriage with Mary Jan Hardy. They were blessed with four children. He deeply mourned the passing of his daughter, Jennifer, on April 30, 2020.

For over 30 years, Gerry was pastor of the Nazarene Church in Utica, and later Clark Mills. One of his greatest joys was seeing people come to an understanding of God's love and His Word. It gives the family great comfort to know that he is now with Jesus and Jennifer.

Besides his daughter, Gerald was predeceased by his parents, his in-laws, William and Emily Hardy, his niece, Trisha Evans, his stepmother, Esther, his brother-in-law, William Hardy, and a very special aunt and uncle, Charles and Margaret Champagne.

 Gerry will be dearly missed by his wife, Jan, his daughters, Barbara Fish and Stephanie Wojik (Joseph); and his son, Philip (Susan). He very much enjoyed his grandchildren, Abigail, Angela, Edwin, Scottia, Celia, and a "bonus" granddaughter, Haidyn, who was his running buddy. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Evans (Dennis); brothers Kenneth and Scott Anthony (Melissa); nephew Gary, niece Stacy, and stepbrothers, Brian and Tim Humphrey. He also leaves behind his wife's family who he loved.

The family would like to express appreciation to Doctor Kachare for 23 years of excellent care and support. A special acknowledgement must be made to the staff at Valley Health Services, especially One West. The kindness and compassion shown from the administration, the nursing staff, and even maintenance, will always be remembered.

https://www.eneafuneralhomes.com/obituaries/rev-gerald-harris

Betty Williams was born Aug 21, 1936, to David and Anna Mills in Port Byron, New York. She was the only daughter and had three brothers.

She was a graduate of Port Byron Central Schools. She was a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, New York, with a bachelor degree and received her master’s degree from Boston University.

She taught pediatric nursing in Roberts Wesleyan University, Buffalo State, and Syracuse University before moving to Florida where she taught 27 years at St. Petersburg College. She took her students to All Children’s Hospital for their clinical experience.

She was married to B. Ronald Williams on Dec 18, 1971, and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage together.

She is survived by her husband; a daughter, Karen (Jason) Walker; and a son, Peter Williams. Also survived by twin granddaughters, Riley Ann Eichhorn, Alexa Williams, and triplet granddaughters, Caitlin Julianna, and Kaia Walker and a sister-in-law, Maxene Mills.

She was predeceased by her 3 brothers, Bruce, Paul, and Earl Mills, sisters-in-law Janet Mills, Gloria Mills, and nieces Margo Hoffman and Kittie Ann Mills, and nephew Larry Mills.

She loved children and was very much a part of the early lives of 11 nieces and nephews, 8 of whom survive, Sandra Tallo, Kelly Walsh, Sarah Nowach, Kim Hutchings, David Mills, Allen Mills, Keith Mills and Sally Mills. Each of them remained very close to her, and honored her on birthdays and holidays. She was a very special aunt to them.

She was so proud of her own children, Karen & Peter and the 5 granddaughters, 4 of whom are pursuing college degrees presently, and 1 in business successfully.

In early years she was active in Children’s Ministries at St. James United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, led Children’s Choir and did many special holiday programs, as well as serving on many different committees at the church.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/largo-fl/esther-williams-12963381

Nan VanEe passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2026, following a brief illness. She was 79 years old.

Nan was born in Sodus, NY and grew up in the Hamlet of Pultneyville. She graduated from Williamson Central School in 1964, earned a Business degree from Monroe Community College in 1995, and completed her MBA at Roberts Wesleyan University in 1997.

Nan enjoyed a distinguished 45-year career as a Global Travel Buyer for Xerox Corporation, beginning in 1965 and retiring in 2010.

Nan was truly one of a kind. To know her was to love her. Nan was frugal but generous, kind, thoughtful and genuinely funny. She was known for Nanisms - coined by her nieces as a phrase or piece of advice given by Aunt Nan, completely logical to her and impossible to everyone else (e.g. "I need a small quart of milk"). Nan and her Nanisms always left the room a little brighter.

She served on the Sodus Bay Heights Golf Club Board from 1999-2004, was Vice President from 2003-2004 and an active golf member since 1976. She also served as a board member of the Newark Wayne Community Hospital for several years.

An avid traveler, she and Bill enjoyed touring the country in their RV with their adopted greyhounds Emmy and Peggy Sue, and whippet Daisy, visiting family and friends along the way. Nan's quest for adventure went beyond the open road and across the globe with friends and family by air, land and sea to Australia, New Zealand, Croatia, Amalfi Coast, Iceland, Italy, Zermatt, Caribbean, Hawaii and many more destinations.

Nan was a talented seamstress and embroiderer, often making beautiful quilts and embroidered gifts for family, friends and charitable organizations.

She was actively supporting local organizations such as Breast Cancer Awareness, Pultneyville and Sodus Bay Historical Societies, Gates Hall and Cracker Box Palace.

Nan is survived by her husband of 58 years William "Bill" VanEe, her twin sister Naomi Ewan, nieces Beth (Paul) Rohan and Andrea (Chris Wolfe) Ewan, nephews Jamie VanEe and Brian (Heather) VanEe. She is predeceased by her parents Richard and Theresa Browne, her brothers Richard (Betty) Browne, Peter (Mibb) Browne, and niece Heather Browne. 

https://www.youngfuneralhomeny.com/obituary/Nan-VanEe

Passed away on January 23, 2026 at the age of 69. 

https://www.newcomerrochester.com/obituaries/thomas-barth-2026