Obituary of Dorothy McCullough

Dorothy (Herley) McCullough, a long-time Churchville and Batavia resident, left this life on May 11, 2015, at 89 years of age. While heart disease took her from us, the true reach of Dot's generous and loving 'heart' will live on through all who knew and cherished her. Born in Bath, N.Y. , Dot believed in the value of family in the broadest sense - encompassing her own relatives, as well as her church, community and friends, and anyone in need. Growing up in the restaurant business in Buffalo and Churchville, Dot honed her cooking talent to feed dozens at a time. That skill served her well as a Churchville-Chili School District dietician and a homemaker with four children and husband, Jim. With Jim's untimely death in 1964, Dot went to work in the local post office, where she continued to touch the lives of many villagers. With her children grown, Dot developed a business in vintage jewelry sales, often traveling with her cases of "Dorothy's Adornables." With a laugh, Dot would say, "Who would have thought the skinny tomboy rollerskating helter-skelter through town, or rowing on Black Creek, would care about such girly things." Dot's rich community life included writing and giving sermons, crafting plays, running church suppers and providing good food and council in times of crisis. Her doors were always open, and many young people sought her advice and encouragement. In her last years, Dot made new friends in Ehr-Dale Heights apartments, sharing puzzles, stories and support. Her special neighbor, Kathleen, assisted her where she could. Among her long-time friends, the Lindenmuth family adopted her as their second mom, with special love and caring. A celebration of Dorothy's life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m., in the Union Congregational Church, 14 N. Main St., Churchville. In her honor, a robust reception will follow the remembrances. Dot was pre-deceased by first husband Clayton James Herley, second husband Edward S. McCullough, son Flint Herley, daughter Susan Rugelis and granddaughter Christina Rugelis; she is survived by her children Sharon Hardin and James (Laurie) Herley; grandchildren Michael Hardin, Leah (Michael) Redmond, Daniel (Allie) Herley, Brian (Jessica) Herley, Amy (Joel) Williams; great grandchildren Kaili, Sara and Ian Flick, Mitchell Hardin, Alyssa (Tanier) McClendon, Joshua Hardin, Jonathan and Jenna Ketchum, Matthew Williams, Krista and Adelyn Herley; and great-great grandchildren Emry Hardin and Colton Gordon. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Open Door Mission, 156 Plymouth Ave. Rochester, N.Y. 14608