EDMESTON - Avis S. Waite, 80, of Edmeston, passed away Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in New Berlin.

Avis was born on June 17, 1940 in New Berlin, the daughter of the late Claude and Jennie (Simmons) Stephens. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Lee Lawton Waite, in 2003; brothers, Robert and Gary Stephens; and a great-grandson, Isaac.

She is survived by sons, Lauren (Tammy) Waite of Edmeston and James (Brenda) Waite of Masonville; daughters, Ethel (Robin) Diehl of Plymouth, Barbara (Rick) Bateman of Edmeston and Melanie (Tim) Burchill of Edmeston. Also surviving are her sister, Sharon Wikoff of Alaska; sister-in-law, Sharon Stephens of North Carolina; brother-in-law, Wayne Long; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Avis was a lifetime resident of the area. On Sept. 19, 1959, she married Lee, and together they raised five children. Lee and Avis were dairy farmers and showed their cattle at the county fairs and the New York State Fair for many years. They also had Belgian Draft Horses that they also took to the show and parades. They helped the area farmers out by trucking the cattle to the auction. In her later years she worked at NYCM for 19 years until she retired. Then she enjoyed watching her great-grandchildren.

Avis served on the Otsego County Fair Board for many years where she performed many different tasks to help the fair run each year. One of the jobs she enjoyed every year was running the draft horse show.

Avis will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

A gathering to celebrate Avis' life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Edmeston firehouse.

The family has requested that visitors write about their favorite memory of Avis. The memories may be placed in a memory box at the celebration.

Arrangements are with Delker and Terry Funeral Home, 30 South St., Edmeston.

To send condolences, visit www.Delkerterryfh.com or Delker and Terry Funeral Home on Facebook.