QUAKER SPRINGS — Royce Douglas Ball, (81), of Quaker Springs, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 17, 2023. 

Royce, or Mr. Ball as he was known to thousands of former students, was born March 16, 1942. He was born to Ruth and Chauncey Ball as one of 16 children in Copenhagen, NY. Royce attended Potsdam College and became a high school math teacher at Schuylerville Central School, where he taught for his entire 32-year career. It was here he met and married his beloved wife Mary Jo (Endres) almost 54 years ago. 

Royce always gave above and beyond to those around him. He faithfully served the Quaker Springs Fire Department for 47 years as Fire Police and various other roles. As teacher, he also served as a coach, class advisor, Honor Society advisor, union leadership and anything else that needed doing, including riding a donkey! He would gladly do whatever he could to help those in need whether it was at school, at the horse barn, at the fire house, or on the side of the road. He loved to be puttering something and swore anything could be fixed with electrical tape, duct tape and a hole punch. One of his favorite spots was to sit on the fronch porch with Mary Jo and enjoy the spring weather. 

The role Royce cherished above all else was that of Dad and Grandpa. He would tell you he was constantly “running the roads” to take his girls to a horse show, a practice or a 4-H activity. Then he would crack a joke to let you know he really didn’t mind a bit. In later years, he and Mary Jo would travel the roads to see their grandchildren in sporting events or concerts across town or across the state. 

Royce was predeceased by his parents and several siblings. 

He is survived by his wife Mary Jo (Endres); his daughters Robin (Edward) of Cambridge, NY, Laurie (Eric) of Weedsport, NY, and Sarah (James) of Granville, NY; also by his grandchildren Egan, Steven and Sydney; sisters Beverly (Peck) and Sharon (Cushman); and sister-in-law, Helen Anne (Endres), along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Friends and family gathered to remember him at Flynn Brothers Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville on Sunday, August 20, 2023. 

A funeral mass was held Monday, August 21, 2023 at Notre Dame-Visitation Church, followed by a burial at Prospect Hill Cemetary in Schuylerville. 

A reception followed at the Quaker Springs Fire Hall. 

Donations made in Royce’s honor can be made to the Quaker Springs Fire Department. 

Online remembrances can be made at flynnbrosinc.com

WILTON — Luraine A. Burnett, age 79, passed away on August 15, 2023 at St. Peter’s Hospital after a brief illness.

She was born on September 25, 1943 in Bennington, VT to the late Frank Ruggles and Mabel (Brimmer) Ruggles.

Luraine worked at Wesley Health Care Center as a CNA for many years. She enjoyed playing Texas Holdem and spending time with family and friends especially her grandchildren and great- granddaughters.

Luraine is survived by her sons, Russell Burnett (Catherine) and Timothy Burnett (Lisa Gaudette); step-daughter, Michelle Lewis (Meriwether); grandchildren, Ashley (Dan) Eckert, Christopher Burnett (Emily Moses), Sarah Burnett; great-granddaughters, Mackenzie Marvin and Chloe Eckert; her brothers, Sam Ruggles of Hebron and John (Shirley) Ruggles of Cambridge; her sister, Frannie (Butch) Ormsbee of St. Bernards Bay; step-sister, Cathy O’Neil of Pennsylvania as well as several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Norman Burnett; granddaughter, Jean “Beaner” Burnett, and her longtime companion, John “Jack” Matuszewski; her parents, Hamilton and Emily DeYoe as well as several brothers and sisters.

At the request of the family, there will be no calling hours or service at this time. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Greenfield Center Food Pantry, PO Box 10, Greenfield Center, NY 12833.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com