John J. Kennedy died Oct. 1, 2005. He was the beloved husband of Alma Rose, loving father of four and grandfather, too. He was the cherished son of Catherine Ryan and brother of Martin Kennedy. Kennedy was a fourth degree Knights of Columbus and a member of the American Legion. Services were provided by Fairchild Funeral Chapel, 1570 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, followed by a funeral Mass Thursday at St. Mary's R.C. Church in Manhasset.

Mary S. Ryther, 78, entered eternal life on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005. Born and raised in Michigan, she was the daughter of Russell W. and Mary B. Splane. She attended the University of Michigan, where she met her husband, Gordon, before moving to Buffalo, then Manhasset, to raise her family. Mary greatly enjoyed spending time with her family, cheering for her favorite sports teams and keeping in touch with family and friends. Her gift for discovering and nurturing people's talents made her a loved and respected leader over the years in organizations such as the Girl Scouts, the School Community Association, AARP, and Alzheimer's support groups. She was active in the Methodist Church, serving as Lay Leader, chair of Administrative Board and Council on Ministries, Sunday School superintendent and teacher, and choir member, and she led many ministry programs in churches in Great Neck, North Canton, CT, Mendham, NJ and most recently Elm Park United Methodist Church in Oneonta, NY.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Gordon G. Ryther, of Albany, NY; daughter Mary Beth Laing and son-in-law Allen Laing of West Oneonta, NY, son, Richard G. Ryther of Delmar, NY, and daughter, Barbara S. Ryther of Belmont MA; grandchildren Jeffrey S. Hiscox and Michael D. Hiscox of Oneonta NY, and Caitlin A. Ryther, Andrew R. Ryther and Rachel I. Ryther of Delmar, NY and sister-in-law Nancy E. Ryther of Buffalo, NY.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 at Elm Park United Methodist Church, Oneonta, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, the Alzheimer's Association, or your local hospice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054.