Obituary of Onolea R. Herforth

Onolea R. Herforth, 86, of Burdett, passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Breesport, New York on July 13, 1935, the daughter of the late James and Muriel Burdsall. On December 8, 1962, she married Theodore P. Herforth. Onolea was a receptionist for Schuyler County Social Services, retiring in 1996. Onolea was fierce in her devotion to her family. She was quick with a smile. She showed her love with food, but never step into her kitchen while she was cooking! She was the understanding ear. You could tell her anything and felt safe in doing so. When in her home, whether you were a friend, neighbor or family member from down the road or across the state, she made you feel like the most important person in her world. Onolea loved babies and always snuggled them up. Everyone in the family was cheek to cheek with grandma when they were little. Surviving is her husband of 58 years, Theodore P. Herforth; four daughters, LuAnn (Timothy) Horrocks of Hector, Sharon (Ronald) Lohmann of Newfield, Lynn (Stanley) Ink of Burdett and Chris Newhart (Richard Sherman) of Ithaca; two sons, Michael Cox and Steve (Brenda) Herforth both of Burdett; seventeen grandchildren; twenty five great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and by several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother, James Burdsall; sister, Kay Watson; and stepson, Russell Herforth. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 1-3 pm at Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls, followed by a service at 3:00 pm. Burial will be in Union Cemetery of Hector at a later date. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 1:00 pm at 4665 State Route 79 in Burdett. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Schuyler County Ambulance Association, 909 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, NY 14891 or Burdett Fire Department, 4124 Lake Ave., Burdett, NY 14818.