Gail E. Bartas: Loving Mother, Grandmother, Friend
Gail E. Bartas, 85, of Friendship, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Jones Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.
Born on November 3, 1938, in Lackawanna, she was the daughter of Gordon B. and Betty G. (Taylor) Chilcott.
Gail was a graduate of Orchard Park Central School and Alfred State University where she received a degree in Animal Husbandry.
She had been employed by Acme Electric in Cuba and later worked for Friendship Dairies as a Lab Technician prior to her retirement.
Gail was a member of the
Allegany County Saddle Dusters and was their trail boss for many years, was
active with the Cuba Driftbusters Snowmobile Club where she served on the Board
of Directors for 20 plus years and also was also part of the sign crew in Friendship
with her longtime friend Joe Hurtubise.
She served as President of the Allegheny County Federation of
Snowmobilers for 15 years and just recently stepped down to Vice
President. One of her greatest
accomplishments was being named 2018 Snowmobiler of the year by the NYS
Snowmobile Association. For many years
she delivered meals on wheels, was involved with the Friendship Senior Citizens,
and was a pitcher for a Woman’s softball league.
Gail is survived by a son Steven (Joan) Bartas of East Smethport, PA; 3 Daughters Donna (Steve) Bunce of Spencer, NY, Joyce (Kelly) McGarry of Wind Gap, PA, Carol Brown of Limestone; 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren & was expecting a great grandson any day, 2 great great grandchildren with on one the way; a Brother Alton Chilcott of Orchard Park.
Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street Cuba, on Monday, October 7, 2024 from 5-7 P.M. A brief committal service will be held at 7 P.M. in the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cuba Driftbusters or Allegany County Federation of Snowmobilers, P.O. Box 11, Cuba, New York 14727.
Online condolences may be
sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.
