Valetta J. Gookins

Valetta J. (Swancott) Gookins, 80, widow of Warren, and a former long time resident of Rt. 26, West Branch, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2006, at St. Josephï¿(TM)s Nursing Home, Utica. Prior to entering the nursing home, Mrs. Gookins had made her home with her son and daughter in law, Lyndon and Donna Gookins, in Frankfort. Valetta was born on July 25, 1926, at Swancotts Mills, in the Town of Lewis, a daughter of David William and Verna I. Freeman Swancott. She grew up in the hamlet of Swancotts Mills, and graduated from West Leyden High School. In April, 1944, she was united in marriage with Warren Gookins at the Ava Hilltop Methodist Church. In 1952 the couple purchased the general store in West Branch, from Clarence and Dorothy Hurlbut. She and Warren operated this store until 1987, when they retired and moved to Ilion. Mr. Gookins, an employee at the Rome State School died on February 20, 1999. Mrs. Gookins attended the Frankfort United Methodist Church. She is survived by two sons; Lyndon L. Gookins, and wife, Donna, Frankfort, Larry G. Gookins and wife, Debra, Ilion, eleven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and five sisters; Lorene Young and husband, Donald, Laguna Hills, CA., Joyce Myers and George, Winchester, VA., Sylvia Hough and Richard, Floyd, Marjorie Parry, Utica, and Jeanette, and husband, Dane Groszek, Middletown, NY., two brothers; Jack W. Swancott and wife, Jane, Boonville, and Douglas S. Swancott, and wife, Judy, Pulaski, NY. Her Funeral will be Tuesday at 10:00 A.M. at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where Rev. David Underwood, a family member will officate. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Town of Lee. Calling hours are Monday (TODAY) from 4-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association356 North Midler Ave. Syracuse, NY 13206.