Dorothy J. “Dot” Ames – (89) – of 107 Circle Dr., Bath, NY, died early Friday morning (August 26, 2016) at Elderwood at Hornell Nursing Facility where she had resided for the past five years.
Born in Arkport on January 11, 1927, she was the daughter of Earl & Gladys (Wescott) Crooks.
Tragically, both of Dorothy’s parents died when she was a young child and she spent the next several years living with relatives. During these years, Dot lived in Thacherville, Albany, Hornell and Arkport. She attended several schools, including Alfred-Almond Central School and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1945).
Following high school, Dot resided in Buffalo for several years and worked at a local radio station. She lived in Hornell for over 30 years and had been employed at Elmhurst Dairy and also as a waitress at the former Big Elms Restaurant. She has resided in Bath since 1979.
Dorothy was a former member of the Southside Baptist Church in Hornell and most recently attended Bath Presbyterian Church. In her younger years, Dot enjoyed attending her children’s sporting events and school functions and more recently she loved rooting for her grandchildren. She also enjoyed going for walks and nice, long bike rides.
She was preceded in death by her brother, John “Jack” Crooks; her sister Gloria Giglio; her great-granddaughter, Brittni Gemmell; and her former husband, Robert “Bob” Gemmell.
Dot was married on April 6, 1979 to Fred Ames who survives. Also surviving are 3 sons, John (Karen) Gemmell of Hornell, William Gemmell of Connecticut and Timothy (Gail) Gemmell of Poughkeepsie, NY; 3 daughters, Cynthia “Cindy” (Robert) Stackpole, of Fairfield, CT, Linda Gemmell of Fairfield, CT and Nancy Langton of Fairfield, CT; 2 step-children, Patricia Ames of Phoenix, AZ and Nadine (Micah) Rosenblum of Baltimore, MD; her sister, Muriel “Mimi” Rawady of Rochester; 8 grandchildren, Kevin (Carol) Gemmell, John (Kristi) Gemmell, Keegan Gemmell, Alec Gemmell, Sarah Gemmell, Robert “Bob” Langton, Justan Gemmell and Zak Mallard; 2 step grandchildren, Harrison Rosenblum and Artemis Rosenblum; 4 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; nieces & nephews.
The family of Dorothy J. “Dot” Ames will receive friends on Thursday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY where funeral services will be held at the conclusion of calling hours at 1:00 PM Rev David Barnard officiating. Burial will be in Heritage Hill Cemetery, Arkport, NY.
Dot’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Elderwood at Hornell Activities Fund, 1 Bethesda Dr., North Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, NY 14843. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.