Shirley W. Leneker, 87, of Verona

VERONA » Shirley W. Leneker, (born Shirley Anne Wollaber), longtime resident of 5627 E. Main St., Verona, died peacefully on Sunday, July 9, 2017, at age 87, following a long period of failing health.

She was born on Dec. 22, 1929 in Dennison Corners, N.Y., a daughter of Lynn and Maude (Fraleigh) Wollaber.

Shirley spent her early years in Dennison Corners until her family moved to Canastota in 1944. She graduated from Canastota High School in 1948. She worked at the former Canastota Bee-Journal, as the Society Editor, from 19471952. Shirley married Herb Leneker on June 9, 1951, in Ft. Storey, Va. She enjoyed traveling with him throughout his 28-year career in the U.S. Army, that included two years in Turkey. Following retirement in 1968, the Lenekers and their three daughters made their home in Verona. Shirley was an active member of the Verona First Presbyterian Church and served for nine years as a Deacon. She was an exceptional homemaker and baked delicious homemade apple pies. Shirley enjoyed flowers. Flower gardening and arranging flowers were some of her favorite things in life. She had a knack for arranging flowers and for a number of years did the floral pieces for most Sunday church services. She also enjoyed spending time with her family. Shirley especially loved and enjoyed people.

She was blessed with many dear and beautiful friendships all her life and throughout her final days. Shirley was predeceased in 2008 by her husband of 56 years, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Herbert W. Leneker; her sister, Roberta W. (Barott) Rosekrans; and by her son-inlaw, Robert F. Albrecht. She is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Claudia L. (Richard) Petersen of Glenwood, N.Y., Karla L. Mulligan, M.D. (William) of Geneseo, N.Y., and Kris Anne Albrecht of Southington, Conn.; one sister, M. Jean Wollaber of Oneida; five grandchildren, Sara Petersen Carney (Adam) of Baltimore, Md. and Erik Petersen of Cobleskill, N.Y.; Amanda Albrecht (Edward Pratte), Marilyn Albrecht and Matthew Albrecht of Southington, Conn.; three greatgrandchildren, Gillian and Lucas Carney of Baltimore and Gianna Pratte of Southington, Conn., as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Friends may call at the Verona First Presbyterian Church, Rock Road and Main Street, Verona, on Saturday, July 15 from noon to 3 p.m. A memorial service will immediately follow, with Pastor Peg Ward officiating. Interment will be in Ft. Plain Cemetery, at a later time, at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the supervision of the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James St., Canastota. Memorial contributions may be made, in Shirley’s name, to the Verona First Presbyterian Church, Rock Road and Main Street, Verona, N.Y. 13478, with envelopes available at the church.

J. HOMER BALL FUNERAL HOME, INC. Canastota A Trust 100 Family Owned Funeral Home