Obituary of Ronald W. Welles

CANISTEO: Ronald W. Welles, 83, formerly of Russell St. passed away peacefully, Sunday January 29, 2017 at the Homestead in Penn Yan where he had resided since June of 2016. Ron was born on April 26, 1933 in Hornell, NY to the late William and Martha (Brownell) Welles. In 1953, he married the former Nita M. Murray who predeceased him on April 7, 2016. He was also predeceased by a son Terry Welles in 1996 and a brother Larry Welles in 2012. Ron was a graduate of Canisteo Central School and attended Ithaca College for music and business. Ron was a partner with his brother Larry in ownership and operation of the former Welles Brothers Sign Mfg. in Canisteo. Ron Welles touched so many lives. He was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Nita and a loving father to his six children. He never wanted to be the center of attention but would be the first to lend a hand to someone in need or to help with a scout project. Everyone in Canisteo would remember Welles Bros. sign company where Ron not only worked to create road signs, but spent his extra time on community projects: printing t-shirts for all sorts of events, signs for local businesses and many trail markers for boy and Girl Scout camps. He loved music, dabbled in painting, and created many enjoyable things for his family and developed the family home. Most notable to his children was the boat shaped play house/fort he made in the backyard out of old doors. Both Ron and his wife Nita’s creativity was a constant source of inspiration for their children and grandchildren. During a major flood in 1972 (impacting at least 4 counties in western NY) it was Ron who offered and worked to put our old car into the creek dike surrounding Canisteo to support sandbags that were not holding. This prevented what could have been a total loss of many homes in this tiny town. He was selfless and kind. He supported his family and the community. He was a fixture at the Canisteo girls’ soccer games and track meets - rain or shine. Ron is survived by four daughters: Wendy (Glen) Hays of Canisteo, Cindy Welles of Rochester, Betsy (Bernie) Burns of Cohocton and Christine (Scott) Jable of Naperville, IL. One son William (Marsha) Welles of AR. and a daughter-in-law: Sandy Welles of WI. Six wonderful grandchildren: Josh Stillman, Liz and Nate Buchholz, Luke Obuhanich, and Cole and Addison Jable. Ron is also survived by his sister-in-law Sandy Welles of FL. There will be no public calling hours. A memorial tribute/celebration of Ron’s life and the family that Ron and Nita built together will be held at a future date and time to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to the Canisteo First Baptist Church, 45 Greenwood St. Canisteo, NY, 14823, where Ron was a lifetime member.