O'bituaries'

                  OGDENSBURG -- Deborah “Debbie” J. McLear passed away early Thursday morning, August 21, 2025, at Claxton-Hepburn Hospital from a short battle with Cancer, surrounded by her loving family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Ogdensburg Moose Lodge.

Arrangements are under the direction of Frary Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Ogdensburg.

Debbie was born on December 25, 1953, in Ogdensburg, the daughter of the late Wilson and Shirley (Wicks) Kendall.

She was a graduate of Ogdensburg Free Academy.

Over the years, she worked for the Ogdensburg Journal, Ivy Ridge, and as a daycare provider.

She loved listening to music and playing cards with her sisters and nieces, but most of all, she cherished time spent with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her sons, Scott LaFlair and his wife, Tricia of Ogdensburg, and Travis McLear of Ogdensburg; her companion of 24 years, Gary Richards of Ogdensburg; her grandchildren, Chelsea LaFlair, Katlin (Aaron) Spanbauer, Keegan (Alexis) LaFlair, Brandon LaFlair, Kassidy Pike, Eli Pike, and Jace LaFlair; and her great-grandchildren, Natalie Bevins, Brinley Fifield, Gracelyn Fifield, Matthew LaFlair, Avery LaFlair, and Adalynn LaFlair. She is also survived by her siblings, Kenneth (Sandy) Kendall, Ricky (Ann) Kendall, Gary (Christy) Kendall, Penny Lawton, Alica Besaw, Patsy (Kenny) Kendall, Linda Lovely, and Tina Renaud. Debbie's ex-husband, Robert McLear, whom she stayed friends with throughout the years also survives her, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her siblings, Sally Fisher, Susie Lovely, and Bobby Kendall, Brother-in-laws, Richard Lovely and Doug Besaw.

Donations in Deborah’s memory may be made to the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club by visiting https://www.obgclub.com/ways-to-donate.

                                    OGDENSBURG -- Ashton T. “Tim” Simmons, age 60 formerly of Ogdensburg died Friday, August 15, 2025, at SUNY Upstate in Syracuse after a brief stay.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Lawrence Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Canton NY. Additional off-street parking is available behind “LUNA” at 18 Park.

Memorial donations would be greatly appreciated to Lawrence Funeral Home, 21 Park Street, Canton, NY 13617.

Tim was born a son to the late Ashton W. and Bonita L. (Tynon) Simmons in Ogdensburg, NY on July 20, 1965. He attended Heuvelton Schools.

For the past seven years Tim was driving truck for Baldock Excavation in Lisbon. Previously he drove truck for C.W. Green in Lisbon and had various duties for the Village of Heuvelton.

Tim is survived by a son, Rusty Simmons of Ogdensburg; three daughters, Jessica (James Laspina) Simmons of Canton, Katie LaForty of Ohio and Heather (Chris) Drda of Ft. Drum; 10 grandchildren: Summer, Isabella, Christopher, Noah, Madison, Gabriella, Kaydence, MaKayla, Matthew and Landon. He is also survived by a sister, Sharlene (Herm Lust) Simmons of Depeyster; three brothers, Stacy (Crystal) Simmons of DeKalb, Ryan (Melissa) Simmons of Ogdensburg and Aaron Simmons of Ogdensburg; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Roy Simmons.

Tim was a past member of Heuvelton Volunteer Fire Department, loved truck driving and hunting, fishing and precious time spent with his grandkids, his family and dear friends

                              OGDENSBURG - Vera Ponko, age 94 of Ogdensburg, passed away on Sunday August 17, 2025 at the St. Joseph’s Home with her sons by her side. Entombment will be private at the Oswegatchie Mausoleum. Arrangements are with the Fox & Murray Funeral Home.

Surviving are four sons Stephen Ponko of Ogdensburg, Velton Ponko of California, John Ponko of Columbia and Ronald Ponko of Rose, NY; a sister Mary Gee of Fairport, NY; five grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews & cousins.

Vera was born on August 1, 1931, in Lysander, NY, a daughter of the late Amos & Myrtle (Brown) Vest. She attended Canandaigua High School and was later married to Charles “Chuck” Ponko. The couple was later divorced.

Vera was employed as a task aid for United Helpers Nursing Home for several years and enjoyed doing crafts, cooking, and spending time with her family. Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of one’s choice.