East Otto – With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Karen Ann (Lathrop) Graser, who left us on July 4, 2025 at the age of 63. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in celebrating a life beautifully lived and deeply loved.

Karen was born in Salamanca daughter of the late Clarence “Mike” and Eileen (Tonger) Lathrop, where she began a journey that would touch countless lives with her unwavering strength, kindness, and audacious wit.

For 42 wonderful years, Karen was the devoted wife of DJ (Donald) Graser. Together, they built a life filled with adventure and laughter, service to others and to our country, and days spent together in their mutual interests. Karen was a loving mother to Heather Marie Graser, who will forever carry forward her lessons of life and tremendous talents.

Karen found joy in gardening, sewing, crafting, and quilting, in particularly attending Quilt Camp in Cherry Creek for many years. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially her beloved nieces and nephews. She had a special gift for connecting with others, bringing life and laughter to every occasion she attended and to every room she entered. She always had a warm smile, helping hands, and words of wisdom to share in every situation, making those around her feel welcome and connected. Karen was also a member of the East Otto Town Board and enjoyed her many nights of bowling league and shooting pool in leagues with DJ.

To know Karen, was to love her. Those who knew Karen will remember the life lessons she taught and how she made them feel. Her legacy will forever live on in the hearts and lives of her family and friends.

Besides her loving husband and daughter, Karen is survived by two brothers; Edward Lathrop of Portville and Eric (Elizabeth) Lathrop of Navasota, TX. Also surviving is a sister, Lyneen Thompson of Philadelphia, PA, and a brother-in-law, Wayne Tinsley of Navasota, TX, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Karen is predeceased by a brother, Eugene Lathrop and a sister, Sharon Tinsley.

Friends may call on Sunday, July 13, 2025 from 1-4 pm from Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 411 Rock City St. in Little Valley.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held immediately following at 4 pm from the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the East Otto Vol. Fire Dept.

Rest in peace, dear Karen. Your love remains with us always.

Sean T. Simsick, 52, formerly of Gowanda, passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025.

He was born on September 29, 1972 in Olean. He is survived by his mother, Christine Simsick of Gowanda, his father Thomas Simsick Sr. of Olean, a brother, Thomas (Becky) Simsick Jr. of Olean, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Private family services will be held. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 105 East Main St. in Gowanda, where online condolences may be made at www.mentleyfuneralhome.com.

Ellicottville – Zachary M. Golley, 24, of Ellicottville passed away on March 1, 2025 at ECMC surrounded by his family, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born on November 8, 2000, in Buffalo, son of John and Debbie (Lexer) Golley, of Ellicottville, who survive. Zachary was engaged to Emily Hall, of Ellicottville who survives.

A graduate of Ellicottville Central School, class of 2018, he was quickly well known throughout the area for his hard work and dedication to whatever craft called his name. Immediately following his graduation, Zach worked for the City of Salamanca DPW, followed by Cattaraugus County DPW, until the Village of Ellicottville recruited him to where he was recently employed. He would eventually go to water and sewer school, earning his title of Grade 1 Sewer Operator for the village of Ellicottville water department. Zach started his own business, “Zach of All Trades” where he continued to grow his landscaping and plowing company, and what turned into a diverse combination of moving company, scrapping company, heavy equipment operation, and whatever odd jobs came calling his name. Zach never turned down an opportunity to not only help others, but also make a quick buck in the process. Zach started demo derbies at the Cattaraugus County Fair when he was 16, and would continue to demo as well as partake in CRASH-O-RAMA, he especially loved the Enduro and Boat Races. He was a proud and persistent provider for his family, and especially for his beloved daughter, Bailey Rose Golley, whom he was the most proud of to have in April of 2024. Zach was a dedicated and loving father, who seamlessly continued his on-the-go lifestyle with slowing down to always make time for his fiancee, his daughter, and family. As much as Zach enjoyed being busy, he always found time to unwind with those important people in his life over a beer, going on the boat and surfing on Chautauqua Lake, a game of horseshoes, or even a simple conversation.

Of all the things that made Zach incredibly unique, his service may be remembered as his most memorable trait. From his time as a junior fighter to newly elected First Assistant Fire Chief of the Ellicottville Vol. Fire Dept., to becoming a certified EMT, Zach often was the first responder on calls and kept looking for more ways to be involved. He was also in charge of the ambulance maintenance for the Ellicottville/Great Valley Vol. Fire Dept. His life of service continued after his death, nobly donating organs to sustain lives of those in need.

Besides his parents, loving fiance, and beloved daughter Bailey Rose, Zachary is survived by three sisters; Ashley (Connor) Hellwig of Little Valley, Becca (Tommy) Fales of Randolph, and Caitlyn (Kevin) Bower of Grand Island, as well as four nieces; Madeline, Addyson, Laura, Hallie, and five nephews; Kaiden, Lukas, Jackson, Tucker, and Cameron. Also surviving is a paternal grandmother, Barbara Golley of Ellicottville, several aunts, uncles, cousins, loving friends, his “Fire Fam” and especially Bailey’s godparents, Kyle and Haley Germain.

Zachary is predeceased by his paternal grandfather, David Golley, and maternal grandparents, Stuart (Janet) Lexer, and beloved family friend, Richard “Dick” Kruse.

Friends may call on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 3-7 pm, and Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 4-8 pm from Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 411 Rock City St. in Little Valley, NY.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 at 11 am from the Ellicottville Town Center, 28 Parkside Dr. in Ellicottville.

Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery in Ellicottville.

Memorials may be made to the family’s Go Fund Me page for his daughter, Bailey: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-zach-a-kind-hearted-individual-in-our-community?qid=8fbe4040777bc4bedfc395964b3f821d

Online condolences may be made at www.mentleyfuneralhome.com.

SALAMANCA — Diane M. Barber, 78, of Salamanca, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Olean General Hospital. She was born on September 4, 1946 in Winnemucca, NV, daughter of the late George and Thelma (Gehres) Minnekine.

Diane retired from Homecare and Hospice in Little Valley, where she lovingly worked as a CNA for many years. She compassionately cared for others through her life, always enjoying other’s presence, and always up for a conversation. She was a proud member of the 511 AA for 36 years, and a devoted member of the House of Prayer in Salamanca. Through the years she enjoyed gardening, going antiquing, and bowling, especially in her league in Little Valley. Diane was a caring and loving mother, grandmother, and friend to many.

Diane is survived by James H. Barber of Montana, whom she married, as well as two sons; James C. (Coreena) Barber of MT, and Chris A. (Crystal) Barber of MT, and a daughter, Shannon D. (Tyler E.) Sanders of Little Valley. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Michael, Amos, Nicole, Christian, and Caitlin Barber, and Braiden and Graceyn Sanders, and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, Diane is predeceased by a grandson, Travis Barber, her grandparents, Claude (Bertha) Gehres, Burt (Cora) Minnekine, a step-grandfather, Marvin Wienk, a half-brother, Douglas Vogel, and her special family members Pearl and Harold Gehres, and Eleanor and Wendell Noff.

Friends may call on Saturday, February 8, 2025 from 11 am to 1 pm from Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 411 Rock City St. in Little Valley.

Funeral services will immediately follow at 1 pm from the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the House of Prayer in Salamanca.

Online condolences may be made at www.mentleyfuneralhome.com.

William C. Koch, 78, of Collins, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025 at his home. Friends may call on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 4-7 pm from Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 105 East Main St. in Gowanda. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 11 am from St. Joseph’s RC Church in Gowanda. A full obituary will appear at a later time.

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